High FSH

[BlazingStars]

I was wondering if anybody could offer any advice/reassurance I'm really worried as my day 2 FSH has come back as 13.3.

My GP has reported all of the results as normal and hasn't spoken to us about them at all but she's referred us to hospital fertility clinic. I'm not sure what the waiting time for this will be though and don't know what to do in the meantime!

For background I'm 28 years old TTC our first baby. My husband is 27. We've been trying for 19 months so GP referred for day 2 bloods, I already had day 21 bloods done last October and a USS due to irregular periods. My periods are now pretty regular but very light with spotting for days leading up to my period.

Other day 2 results are LH 7.1, but oestradiol

[Tolleshunt]

Please don't panic!! Your FSH is not much over 10. And FSH is only one measure of fertility, and is not an absolute indicator of how fertile a woman is.

FSH can be raised by stress, as well as directly by fertility issues, and can be lowered by reducing stress, meditation, diet, supplements, hypnotherapy, acupuncture, etc. Other hormone levels can be affected by stress, too, and hence improved by the measures I mention above.

If you have further tests, make sure your partner is tested too.

[AttilaTheMeerkat]

You need a diagnosis first and foremost.

Has your husband been tested to date, he should have semen analyses tests done. You do not mention he being tested so this is why I ask. Its also little point in the woman solely being tested because subfertility is not the sole preserve of the woman. I also think your GP is now well out of their depth hence you now being referred on.

You could have tests done as a private patient but both of you should be tested in tandem. I would do your researches thoroughly before parting with your hard earnt cash; nicer surroundings do not always equal a better quality of treatment.

[BlazingStars]

Thank you both so much for your replies! That's so reassuring!

Yes my partner has been tested and all came back as normal.

[BlazingStars]

@Tolleshunt I had no idea about the stress association. I started acupuncture last month and am very aware that my stress levels tend to be pretty high and am looking into ways to reduce this, so that makes so much sense. Thank you.

@AttilaTheMeerkat totally agree about the GP being out of depth and am so glad she has referred us on. Thank you for your words of advice and caution about private testing.

[Tolleshunt]

Yvw! I'm not sure why the stress connection isn't mentioned more by HCPs. It can have a profound impact on our hormones.

If you're interested in finding out more, Jackie Brown's book 'Is your mind fertility friendly' is a great introduction to it, and includes some really inspiring case studies. I think you can get it cheaply as a kindle edition on Amazon.

[BlazingStars]

@Tolleshunt thank you so much! I've just ordered it

[Tolleshunt]

I hope you find it helpful.