Worried by FSH test result - can anyone share their experience?

[CC81]

Any TTC blood test experts out there? Please help!

Had my day 3 (actually day 2) blood results back and my FSH level is slightly raised, at 15.9.

I read that between 2 and 10 is ideal, while high is over 20 - but over 15 can be a negative sign for fertility and also treatment, due to possible ovarian reserve issues.

As mine is described as only "slightly" raised, I don't know how concerned I should be.

I have a GP apt booked next week to discuss the results, but in the meantime it'd be helpful to hear others' thoughts/experiences!

My day 21 results were completely normal. LH also appears to be normal.

I've just had full bloods done on cycke day 10 and I put a post on yesterday as I wasn't sure what was normal. My FSH was 9.7, which is apparently pretty good for 41.

I'm sure someone who knows more will come along soon.

Per my understanding anything over 15 might indicate a diminished ovarian reserve. No idea if there are caveats to that though and you seem to be borderline at least!

From what I gather it's not something to worry about unless ivf is on the cards as it doesn't matter as much how many eggs you've got left vs the quality of them. Ultimately you'd only release one per month anyway so does it matter if you have 10 000 left or 500?

Definitely make sure the gp doesn't dismiss your concerns though and push for more. Maybe an AMH test to confirm it?

Thanks both :) @Annna41 - Your FSH sounds good! :)

I have a phone apt booked with the GP next week, so will ask lots of questions.

My other half is also going to get his sperm analysis sorted.

For speed, we're going to get other tests done at a private clinic nearby - they've got availability in September. Then discuss treatment options.

We already have one child (conceived three years ago) so that may count against us for NHS IVF?

You would not be eligible for Ivf on the nhs if you already have a child. Sorry.

@Bananacloud - Thanks for confirming (that's what we thought).

Do you know if they offer other options - like IUI etc?

@CC81 what they offer depends on where you live I think, as it differs from trust to trust.

For what it's worth I saw someone on here saying they had their IUIs done in Copenhagen cause even including flights it was still cheaper there. Thought I'd mention it in case money is a concern.

In same boat, although my FSH is 22, and LH is 11. AMH 2, so not looking too hopeful.

We already have one child, took four (unassisted) pregnancies over five years to conceive him, complex pregnancy, took a three year break to get over everything, and now it look like we have missed the boat for no 2. Knew it was a risk, but really thought that at 40 we still had a reasonable chance.

@Juno231 - Thanks for that - good to know. We need to do a lot more research. I guess we'll see what the various experts advise.

@ChristmasCarcass - Don't lose hope, as I've read quite a few success stories (with medical sources) with people whose numbers are outside the ideal scope.

Test results are only one part of the picture - and they're an indication/probability, rather than a straight 'yes' or 'no' for each person.

People with good FSH can fail to conceive, while people with bad FSH do have babies.

Of course, when I'm having one of my negative moments I REALLY struggle to think that way! I'm an anxious person and always tend to assume the worst, no matter what the sensible side of my brain says.

If you're considering private treatment, one clinic to look at is Create Fertility - they specialise in low ovarian reserve cases and have several UK branches. They offer natural/mild IVF, which is cheaper and gentler than conventional IVF. We need to look into everything a lot more, but it's good to know these places exist.

Thanks @CC81. We did look at Create, and their figures are pretty depressing if you actually read them carefully - 7% chance of a pregnancy for each egg transfer if you are 40-42 (and god knows how many unsuccessful cycles to get to that stage), then a 50% miscarriage rate. I don’t think I can put myself through that.

@ChristmasCarcass - I agree the stats aren't very encouraging.

But as I've said above, stats are simply probabilities - they don't take account of everyone's individual condition or circumstances.

The stats aren't in my favour, based on age or FSH - but people my age with higher FSH do have babies. So there's always hope.

If I didn't try, I'd always wonder!

I found this article helpful, with regard to tests (even though I do want to know my numbers):

uk.reuters.com/article/us-health-infertility-biomarkers-idUKKBN1CF2YD

Quick update to this thread - I was surprised to have natural success, despite my blood results (got pregnant a few months after).

Story here: www.mumsnet.com/Talk/infertility/4290062-Update-Low-AMH-success-story-hope-it-helps