High FSH level

[Foxy84]

I just got some blood test results back from the doctor and found out I have high FSH which apparently indicates that I could be having an early menopause. I’m 34 so was not expecting to hear that news... I’ve just started TTC for the first time so I’m devastated to hear this 😰 Any advice please? Is this really as bad as it sounds??

What day of your cycle was the blood taken and what is the result?
I'd be checking again in 6w if I thought it was early menopause (GP).

It was CD5, they told me to go for the test between days 2 and 5. She didn’t tell me the exact result, just that it was abnormally high... I wish I’d asked now but I was just a bit in shock and trying not to cry tbh! 😞

See if you can find out the number, as different places have different cut off lines so may not be as bad as you think. Also I do think you may get a higher result later in cycle. I would definitely ask for a repeat test and go on day 2 next time. FSH can also fluctuate quite a bit.

Also fsh is just one of a couple of indicators for f how easy/ difficult your body finds it to ovulate. Higher= more hormones so your body finds it more difficult to ovulate. This does not preclude you from getting pregnant. Quality of eggs is far more important than quantity.

From that result, seems like a good thing you aren't waiting to ttc.

@Foxy84 I'm so sorry this happened to you - this was me earlier this year. It's terrible that she hasn't told you the number - phone your clinic back and ask, they should tell you.
For context, mine was 17.9 and I'm 32. We were referred pretty quickly to the fertility clinic. The cut off on the nhs for using your own eggs is 12, so I was way above that. However we decided to go for donor eggs and are mid way through our first (hopefully only!!) ivf cycle.
I know how you are feeling x

Thank you all for your replies. I will try to find out the number from my GP and will also try to get a repeat test done.

@jemimafuddleduck thanks and sorry to hear that you had the same news, wish you lots of luck with the IVF :) x

Hi @Foxy84

Have a look on the infertility section as there are lots of posts about fsh.

Basically if your number is more than 9.5 you should be referred to the fertility clinic early on.

www.gponline.com/clinical-review-subfertility-women/obstetrics/assisted-conception/article/836742

(See table in section 2)

Unfortunately there's not much point in repeating - they always take your highest reading. And it was done on the right day x

Thanks @hoping2018 I will take a look. The doctor did suggest re-doing the test so I’ve gone ahead with that, just had it today (cd2) so will wait and see what that shows I guess... but sounds like even if it’s lower that’s maybe not a good sign...

If you’ve had it done might as well wait for the result - but if more than 9.5 push for a prompt referral.

To give you some positivity - mine was 12 age 31 and we needed ivf for MFI. Got loads of eggs despite the fsh (not as accurate as AMH and AFC) and I’m 34 weeks pregnant now. Good luck

@hoping2018 oh thank you that does give me hope! And big congratulations to you!!

Hi all, I am 35, I have been trying to conceive for over 16 months. After lots of tests I was told I have FSH 9.5 and AMH 3.5 and have been referred for IVF. Does anyone know how you can try to reduce FSH? How are you all doing?x