Day 3 tests look even worse - any hope???

[FredAdair]

Hi, I've been ttc for 8 months (this follows 2 miscarriages last year) and have taken a private 'Day 3' test to pass on to the specialist I'm seeing in September. Just called for them and having had a look on the internet, things look pretty bad. Anyone had results like this and still go on to conceive?

FSH 11.3
LH 12.5
Estradol 128
Prolactin 271

I haven't got the lab 'ranges' because this was given over the phone (lab report coming in post).

Everything I've just read seems to show really poor ovarian reserve and to give up trying now. Given the much lower results before I feel I might have just missed my 'window' for conception - I'm feeling pretty devastated to be honest. I'm 37.

My last results (about 4/5 months ago) were
FSH 8.0 IU/L
(follicular 3.5 ? 12.5/mid-cycle 4.7 ? 21.5/luteal 1.7- 7.7/post meno 25.8 134.8)

LH 9.4 IU/L
( follicular 2.4 ? 12.6/mid-cycle 14.0 ? 95.6/luteal 1.0- 11.4/post meno 7.7 ? 58.5)

Oestradiol 266 pmol/L
(follicular 46 ? 607/mid-cycle 315 1828/luteal 161 ? 774 / post-meno

Anyone? I could really do with a boost if anyone has anyone. I'm basically worried that we've missed our chance by a couple of months and that this is it, finished. I just have no idea how quickly a poor ovarian reserve gets to bad/no ovarian reserve and have spend a sleepless night thinking the worst. If anyone's experience points to it being bad news, at least I will know, and can try and push things along a bit.

Hi

My LH and FSH levels were similar to yours (infact my LH was higher) and I'm now a parent.

A LH level that is consistently higher than that of FSH is a possible indicator of PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome).

I note that your LH level was higher than your FSH on a previous test as well.

Would certainly and absolutely not give up yet; what you need though is a diagnosis of the underlying problem from a gynaecologist at a subfertility unit. If you can be seen sooner than September so much the better; sometimes cancellations do arise and I would try to obtain one of these by phoning them regularly.

HTH

I would see if the lab report mentions anything re PCOS.

In PCOS testing, the LH:FSH ratio may be used in the diagnosis. The ratio is usually close to 1:1, but if the LH is higher, it is one possible indication of PCOS.

High prolactin levels like this may also indicate ovulation problems pertaining to PCOS.

Hi AttilaTheMeerkat - thanks, as ever, for your responses. My panic has been based on internet research which puts 12 as the upper limit at which some private clinics will take clients and info about windows of opportunity having been missed by the time you creep up to 12. My FSH/LH seem to have gone up so quickly in such a short space of time I'm really scared that they'll continue on this trend and I'll be at 12 and beyond (and beyond help) before too long. It's very reassuring to hear your levels were also high and clearly I need to get the proper diagnosis from the specialist. I'm also being treated for under-active thryroid which was picked up a few months ago, so perhaps that is having some impact?

Hi,
I am also 37 and diagnosed at the end of last year with premature ovarian failure (early menopause). However, my FSH/LH readings were way higher than yours (around 50-60). Still, six months after my dx I conceived naturally. Really do not give up. Another relevant condition is diminished ovarian reserve(DOR) but I am not a medical person so need to ask your doctor about it.
best of luck

I think you are right to associate low thyroid function with ovarian reserve. for example, i think there is one particular autoimmune disorder called 'Hashimoto?s thyroiditis'.

My day 3 hormone levels have been elevated for a few years and I have done a lot of research about it.

One thing I have read over an over again is that although you can't change the number o eggs you have (low ovarian reserve) you can affect the the quality of those eggs. There are a few books about but the general idea is to start eating a lot more healthily and taling supplemetns that can improve egg quality such as vit e and co-enzyme Q10.

For my self I beleive I do ovulate each month but it is the quality of the eggs that is the problem.

I have to point out that with your fsh levels the chances of IUI/IVF working are greatly reduced. I had 3 IUI treatments and not one dr told me that the success rate would be reduced because of my fsh. If I had I probably wouldn't have bothered.

Whether you decide to carry on trying naturally or with treatment don't give up hope

Thanks for the feedback - it's just such a shock really, given that my previous FSH was pretty much okay (apart from the PCO likelihood - I thought that that was all I was going to be up against). A bit shell-shocked and unfortunately can't get an earlier appointment than September. But hopefully now that I've got this information they (the specialists) will push me for more urgent action - or is that me living a blissful state of ignorance about how things in the NHS work?

The other thing to remember is that FSH levels can and do fluctuate so your next reading may be lower. (I had one reading at 7.8 and 2 years later 5.7!) Some clinics will monitor your FSH levels and start treatment if it falls below their criteria. That way you will respond better to ovarian stimulation. All it means is currently your body is having to generate more FSH to produce one egg.

That level by no means that natural conception is impossible it just means that if you need follicle stimulating hormones you may not respond as well as someone with a lower FSH. And age is a far bigger factor, the most important when it comes to assisted reproduction. That is a 37 yo with your FSH level is in a better position than say a 42 yo with an FSH of 8.

We have to have IVF/ICSI for male factor and if you can afford it, it may be worth your while have a private consultation whilst waiting for your Sept appointment. They average £125 - £150 and ime it's the best value element of assisted reproduction - you never again, once in the process, get the chance to spend so much time with a specialist and have all your questions answered.

Are you in London/SE? If so the Lister are NOT hung up on FSH and I don't think they would see it as particularly elevated.

Imho, your situation is not as dire as you think it is!

Thanks Deux for your message. I am a Hut of Gloom type at heart and I have, of course, just spent the last few days surfing the internet scaring myself ( I need to concentrate on Popi's good story!). A concern is that my oestriadol is still raised (apparently this can mask the true FSH level) and if it comes down, will my FSH continue to rise even further, etc.

On consultation with my husband, we have decided, if we can, to relax about it whilst on holiday and then 'go for it', as aggressively as we have to, in September (the specialist appt is v early in the month thank goodness). We are in London so will be trying to track down a good fertility clinic - any ideas?

Hi Fredadair,

www.hfea.gov.uk would give a list of clinics.

Re private clinics ask a lot of questions of the specialists before parting with your hard earnt cash. Not all private treatment is good and some of it is very poor as well as expensive. Doing your researches throughly beforehand will pay dividends.

First and foremost you need a proper diagnosis.

Thanks Attila - you are a veritable mine of information (and very patient, I know we all ask these questions over and over again!)

I have looked at the site and already have a potential place close by. Crucially the NHS unit I'm being seen at in September only has IUI and DI available, not ICSI or IVF, which I might have to have? (also potential male factor involved). Anyhow, food for thought.

Thanks to everyone who has replied - I'm feeling a lot calmer about the whole thing and my husband is being lovely.

ps does it annoy you when I shorten to Attila? If so, apologies and won't do it again!

I don't mind my name being shortened to Attila.