[Deb72]

Just curious to know how many of you with a "high FSH level" had success with IVF? My FSH is 12, and that is considered high - I think it might give me, and others with high FSH, some hope to see that others have gotten a BFP with high FSH numbers. Perhaps, also state your age and how many IVFs it took?

Everyone's input from this forum is always very appreciated. So thank you!

[azariah08]

My FSH was 12 last November and went up to 18 when we did the IVF pre-testing in February. Needless to say I was devastated and in tears.

The doctor recommended I proceed with the IVF anyway, especially given my age was only 31. He seemed to have pretty high hopes.

We're waitng to see if it was successful, but I can tell you that I was able to transfer 2 high-quality eggs on day 5 even with that high FSH. We only had 4 eggs retrieved, which is of course low, but 3 fertalized and 2 lived to day 5.

I hope that gives you some hope.

[Deb72]

Azariah08 - Thanks for responding - interesting. I had 9 eggs retrieved, 7 fertilized, 2 high grade embryos transfered. So - I really have no idea what that means in regard to my high FSH. But, that was my first IVF and it failed - so I have been devastated. I have my follow-up appointment today, but so far, the only thing they've told us is that I have a relatively high FSH of 12 - no other problems with myself or my DH. So I can't figure out why 8 months of treatment (clomid, IUI, IVF) hasn't worked?

Good luck on your results!!!!!

[rachhorch]

My FSh went up to 14 right before I started. I was a slow responder,almost got canceled mid cycle. Then got 9 good ones and now !! There is hope. I hope for the best of luck to you.

[missywojo]

Deb,
Good thread. I have the same questions. My FSH was 11.6 this month. I am probably retrieving on Saturday, but I only have 4 lead follies.

Azariah08, I hope your 2 embies stick. When do you go for your beta?

[Deb72]

Thanks rachhorch! See - I knew this would bring hope! It's SO painfully difficult to be positive throughout this whole ordeal. But hearing other's success stories always make me feel better.

Thanks again and congratulations on your BFP!!!!

[Deb72]

Thanks missywojo - And what is a normal FSH? Isn't anything below 10 good? So are 11 and 12 really that bad?

Remember some follies have 2 eggs in them, so don't despair. Also for any IVF to be successful, they look for 3 follies to continue on - and you only need 1 of them to work - so try to be positive (easier said than done, I know).

Good luck to you!

[2008hopeful]

My FSH fluctuated. About a year ago it was a 7 then when I was applying for the shared risk program it came back at 18 and the program did not accept me. DH and I decided to go for IVF and we are now !!! Check out my signature..I did not have many follies but we know at least 1 worked..I have my 1st u/s on Friday. My FSH was a 10 when we started our IVF. Good Luck!

[Deb72]

2008hopeful - Thanks for your message! That really gives me hope! Congratulations!

My doc tested my FSH when I first went in for treatment back in September 07. Then they never tested it again! Or, at least, they never told me. WTF? Shouldn't they be continuing to test it? Or does it not matter because I have been responding to meds and producing follicles? Does that cancel out the FSH problem? I'm so confused.

I guess I'm most confused/hopeless because our first IVF didn't work - and I've been through 8 months of treatment with not one BFP - so I'm thinking it will never work for me. Bad attitude, I know...

[azariah08]

As I understand it, a high FSH is an indicator of diminished ovarian reserve. They consider anything over 10 a high FSH. It basically means that you will start producing less eggs. So while someone with a normal FSH will likely produce 10-12 eggs for retrieval, someone with a high FSH may produce zero or just a few. As long as you produced the 2 eggs for your transfer, I would be very optimistic about your chances for a second round. The FSH limits your ability to get eggs (which is why AI takes a lifetime and failed for me)...but once you pass that hurdle things are much smoother sailing!

A high FSH SOMETIMES correlates with poorer egg quality, but that is less likely to be true if you are younger,

This gives a good overview of FSH:Day 3 FSH Fertility Test

[teagan]

I can understand that you maybe feeling negative (I am nervous how many eggs I will have come retrieval) but we have to stay strong. There have been a few threads about high FSH if you are looking for more stories. I just started my Lupron today for my first IVF cycle and I have an FSH of 12.9. My RE is not worried. He says he doesn't pay much attention but does reccommend that treatment begin quickly since we do not know how much time we have. My doctor is recommending that I transfer three if I have three to transfer.

[azariah08]

I also have this good friend that was in her 40's when she went through IVF. I don't know her FSH but I guarantee it was pretty high. Her first cycle she produced 0 eggs. Very depressing but the doctor encouraged her to try again. The second cycle she produced 4 eggs and 3 were transferred ( resulting in 1 pregnancy). All it takes is 1!!!

[missywojo]

Great responses. Thanks ladies. I am going to try to be hopeful too.

Deb, I bet they tested your FSH and didn't tell you. My first RE never told me my FSH levels. I didn't know what they were until RE #2 brought it up.

[Yogagrrl]

My understanding is that FSH is just one indicator of ovarian reserve. My FSH seems to be around 11, which doesn't concern my doctor/nurses at all. I always have lots of follicles at baseline and usually produce at least 5 eggs on a really low dose gonal-f (75). We haven't had a lot of luck (one ectopic) but I am inclined to think that the problem is related to something other than FSH (our embryos have always been "average" or "good"). I guess I would just go forward and not think too much about it so long as you are responding well to the meds. My doctor said he only gets concerned when it goes to about 15, and even then, it is possible.

My RE and nurses never even told me my FSH until I pushed for it after the last failed cycle...and even then they were like, "that is a fine number" (though, of course, I've been obsessing about it since!)

[Pricklecushion]

Hi Ladies,

I wanted to chime in because I was so happy with my fsh results today. I think it lowered because I changed my diet somewhat, went to acupuncture weekly and took royal jelly (recommended by someone on this forum) and wheatgrass shots.
Last two cycles I had a 9.7 and then an 8.2 (but with high estradiol so it was probably a high 9 also). This cycle it was a 6.3 with a low estriodiol of 31. Yay!

I did the royal jelly and the wheatgrass daily. I actually bought a flat of it and juiced it in my kitchen with my juicer. Also, I followed some dietary suggestions from my acupuncturist which were:
no cold foods or drinks
eat foods high in protien but avoid too much red meat
eat A LOT of organic cooked dark vegetables like spinach, kale, yams. Yams are super good for you!
She also gave me a b-complex supplement and fish oil supplements. I take these along with my multi which I love (New Chapter Organics perfect prenatal) It's annoying because it's 3 a day but it's good on your stomach and supposed to be one of the best.

Good luck to all you ladies! Hope this is our time!

-Teresa