High FSH low LH

[Greensmoothie1]

My FSH is right at the top of the “normal” range whereas my LH is on the lower end. The ratio is over 1, which is the ideal limit. My FSH is 6 numbers higher. My GP is investigating why I’m not ovulating every month.

Has anyone else experienced this?

@PBfingers thank you so much for taking the time to reply. Were you ever told your FSH was the reason you weren’t conceiving? I think I’m just looking for an explanation so I’ve convinced myself it must be that but maybe I’m not giving it long enough, it’s been 9 cycles so far.

I definitely feel I’ve been very stressed as my sister started trying at the same time as us and is now three days over due. So it’s added a lot of stress and pressure since the beginning and I feel upset and angry that things couldn’t just be as straight forward for us.

Did the clear blue monitor tell you anything you didn’t already know? I have a good idea of when I ovulate from using OPKs.

My cycles are 28-31 days, I’ve had two babies before, my husbands tests are all fine. The only thing that’s been slightly out so far is the FSH at 9.6 but I was still told that’s normal. I did have a section last time so that’s caused any issues then I really don’t know 🤷🏼‍♀️

Thank you @PBfingers for sharing! My FSH, LH and androgen tests were not taken during my period. I can’t tell when I ovulate because my cycle length keeps changing. Did you have any issues with predicting ovulation?

I was always put under an unexplained secondary infertility bracket due to miscarriage then slightly elevated FSH levels once bloods were done.

Like both of you I wanted a reason rather than being put in an unexplained bracket. I think if we had got further down the line with the consultant with the IVF then I probably would have had more of a diagnosis. She used the term 'spontaneous conception despite my elevated FSH' on notes when I told her we were pregnant.

I absolutely know where you are coming with in terms of pressure and stress. It's so very tough when everyone else around you seems to be getting pregnant. I have a really stressful job but I'm used to managing that on a day to day basis but I think ttc made me more stressed than I care to admit. It wasn't everyday but always in the background/ you live in 2 week blocks which is bound to impact.

In terms of ovulation, we used digital kit for a long time and then didn't to reduce pressure. Always had a pretty good idea about ovulation but I do think that the fancy pants machine just took the guess work and pressure off as like you some months my cycles varied by a few days so was missing ovulation inadvertently.

3 months of bloods would be a good base line if your GPS are supportive as the numbers can fluctuate so easily of done at wrong them.

@PBfingers thank you so much for the long reply. We have an appt in Jan and I am having an antral follicle count etc so will find out more about my ovarian reserve but not sure how important it really is for natural conception.

With the diet, did you go all out crazy, cutting out all sugar etc? We generally have a healthy diet but I do have a sweet tooth. My BMI is around 23

Hi ladies

Have you had any progress with your tests and potentially IVF?

I just received my CD 2 blood tests and they show FSH 22 and LH 9.1

I'm freaking out as Google says such a high FSH level means decreased ovarian reserve and ovarian failure, 5% chance of pregnancy. Would even NHS fund an IVF cycle?

I am 38 and TTC for 6 months so I was hoping I'd be referred for help but if they think high FSH is a lost cause, what are my chances really? In fact, the note the GP made on my test results was 'Normal' and I'm really frustrated as obviously that's not a normal level.

It would be interesting to hear how things are going with you, good luck to all!!

@Summerishere83 hi! Welcome to the thread and sorry to hear you’re feeling anxious. I don’t really have much to update on, still not pregnant and on our 12th cycle. I had my initial consultation with a fertility nurse and she said not to worry about my FSH at 9.6. I also had a follicle count which was normal. We see the consultant next week to draw conclusions and also find out my AMH result x

Hi @Hoping43 thanks for your reply :)

Great to hear you've already seen a fertility nurse? How long did you have to wait for that appointment? What tests did you have to do before that? How's your FSH level? Actually I guess if AMH is alright there's nothing to worry about! Good luck, please keep us updated!
Would you happen to know whether there's a cutoff point for FSH to meet eligibility? I don't know if that even matters, with or without NHS if there aren't any eggs it's quite depressing the outcome.
Thanks and good night x

@Summerishere83 I first went to the doctors last sept. I had to wait 8 weeks for day 3 bloods due to blood bottle shortage because of covid. Once they were done, my husband had semen analysis done. Then we were referred and had an 8 week wait to see a fertility nurse then a 9 week wait for consultant. Overall it’s taken 6 months to get this point.

My FSH Was 9.6, LH 4.5 and estrodial 108pmol.

If you look on NHS or NICE I think it says to be eligible you have to meet ONE of the below criteria but it’s possibly age dependent.

FSH less than 8.9.
Follicle count greater than 4
AMH greater than 5.8 pmol

Something along those lines. This is my third baby. Other two were both conceived within the last few years no problem. This is cycle 12 now. It’s all just very frustrating x

Hi @Hoping43

Thanks so much for the details! Waiting for so long must have been just crushing, it's great things are moving now for you x

Since I haven't had AMH and follicular count done yet I'll try to stay positive and hope I get referred quicker.

Please keep sharing your experience and if you come across something worth reading.

I use LH test strips for ovulation prediction but I'll start taking my temperature now too to try to find out if I will ovulate this month, today is CD 8. Hoping that with such a high FSH my body is doing what it can naturally so who knows.

Thanks and have a nice day :)