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Conception

When's the best time to get pregnant? Use our interactive ovulation calculator to work out when you're most fertile and most likely to conceive.

Original poster

Yes I know that I'm a TTC old timer but......

12 replies

coggy · 14/05/2007 22:48

...I've been told today (for the first time in seven years of ttc ) that my FSH levels are slightly raised.

I've never really taken much notice of what that meant before because I didn't think it was a problem.....now I have added it to my list.

What does it actually mean (apart from my drugs need to be stronger??!!)

OP posts:
Nikki76 · 14/05/2007 22:50

I can't see its a problem - its follicle stimulating hormone - the hormone needed to stimulate the follicle to release an egg....now, I'm no doctor or anything, just have a Biomedical Sciences degree, but from what I've learnt, I think its a good thing?

Original poster
coggy · 14/05/2007 22:57

Well....I wasn't sure but the nurse said "Oh dear, I do wish these levels were put on the top so that the doctor knew when to give more drugs."

???????

My drug dose is going to be upped next cycle.

I thought more would be better than less...now I am just confused!!!!

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lissielou · 14/05/2007 23:20

but surely thats a good thing? am confused!

mum03 · 15/05/2007 09:04

~Again I am not a doctor, but could the nurse have meant that you should not be upping the dosage as your levels are high enough??? Sorry just trying to think lateral here !

AttilaTheMeerkat · 15/05/2007 09:09

Hi Coggy,

FSH is often used as an indicator of ovarian reserve. Would not take one slightly raised test level though as being absolute.

I would stress though that you need proper medical advice from a gynaecologist to go through this with you properly.

Do you know what your LH (luteinising hormone) level is like compared to that of your FSH?.

seaside72 · 15/05/2007 17:29

Hi coggy - I am just waiting to do a CD3 FSH test myself after seeing a gynie consultant last week (age 34 TTC for 14 months off pill for 20 months). this is how she explained it to me:

FSH is the hormone that releases to prompt ovulation in the first part of your cycle. As you get older and ovarian reserve gets lower (quality and quantity of eggs) more of this hormone is released - like when you have a car - when it is new it starts first time, everytime then as it gets older it starts to stutter and you might need to pull the choke out to get it started IYSWIM?? and sometimes you flood the engine! So with FSH as you get older more is needed to try and kick start ov and sometimes too much is produced and your engine floods!!
Basically one raised level is not enough to conclude a problem - and you may find next month it is back down again but consistent raised levels month after month can cause a problem as it can mean you are not ovulating /your ovarian reserve is running low. One low result could just be a fore-warning IYSWIM. I would make sure the test is repeated a couple of times.

HTH?!

Original poster
coggy · 15/05/2007 18:16

Blimy.....now I feel like a right old banger!!! Well to be fair I have actually felt a bit like that since my 35th birthday several months ago!!!!!

Thank you though seaside...that analogy is actually really helpful.

My only (AFAIK) FSH test was back in Oct before I started on IUI.
I began my first cycle in Feb so the gap is quite a large one to say the least!
I certainly haven't had any tests since the end of last year.

Mum03...the current dose I am on is 50 units and because my FSH levels were high I am going to go onto 75 units next cycle so I couldn't have confused it....but nice try!!! I think your way makes more sense in my head!!

I have actually abandoned this cycle which is a bit .
My CD11 scan showed one feeble 7mm follicle whereas the last two CD11 scans had two follicles over 13mm and one of 17.5mm.
The nurse was confused as to why nothing was happening this time and that's why she checked my blood record.

The saga continues.............

OP posts:
Nikki76 · 15/05/2007 20:26

Soz I couldn't be of more help but I really wish you loads of luck with everything!! Am sending you lots of good sized follicle vibes and hope you get lucky soon!

Original poster
coggy · 16/05/2007 17:22

Thank you!

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pussycatmomma · 16/05/2007 19:21

oh! Coggy, I didn't realise you had started this thread... I have just posted on your catch up thread. I'm so sorry I really dont understand much about the fsh levels, but sounds like seaside has got it sussed for you
Like I say, posted on your other thread.
xxxxxxx

jodee · 16/05/2007 20:52

coggy, I had been sitting here in a puddle of gloom after a depressing visit to the consultant today (won't bore anyone) but, really I should be so grateful and thankful for my 7 year old ds, when I read back over your catch-up thread, and you seem so positive in all the circumstances - I so do hope and pray for some good luck for you soon!

Original poster
coggy · 17/05/2007 09:27

Jodee.....sorry to hear that you it was depressing news with the consultant.
What did he say?

(Ignore me if I'm being nosey!)

I appreciate your prayers...thank you.

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