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Conception

high FSH levels

8 replies

oaktree · 07/06/2005 08:22

Hello
I hvae just found this website and am hoping for some of your good advice.
I am 40 with a DS nearly 2. we have tried unsucessfully for another baby & have had 2 miscarriages. The Doctor has just tested my hormone levels and found that my FSH is 17. as this was my first post miscarraige period I'm wondering if this is a one off or a sign that my eggs are really no good any more. All the research I've done on the internet suggests that my conceiving days are over with a result like this. I'm trying to get an appointment to discuss this.
Would be grateful to hear from anyone with experience of this, or coming to terms with it as I'm finding it quite tough at the moment. Thanks.

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oaktree · 07/06/2005 12:34

anyone there?!

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runtus · 07/06/2005 12:53

Sorry I can't help with this one, as I have never actually found out what my levels are - just that i have PCOS..........hopefully someone else can help you.

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Pacific · 07/06/2005 13:03

Hi Oaktree. I didn't want this to drop off the board without a reply.

A raised FSH (above 10 or so) is often indicative of the climateric (the start of the process that ends in menopause). But....after a miscarraige, your hormones can often be a bit wonky for a while so I wouldn't despair just yet.

Leave it a few months, then go back to your GP and ask for another FSH test around day 5 of your cycle. If this one is raised then it would be more likely that you are entering the climateric. But still do not despair, your GP can arrange for you to see an infertility specialist to discuss options.

Please CAT me, as I have further info which may be of use to you. HTH

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Earlybird · 07/06/2005 13:23

Three years ago I tried for a second baby with the assistance of a fertility clinic. My FSH was tested every month. Initially it was 23 (which was discouraging and upsetting), but over the months it dropped to 12. My clinic was willing to work with FSH at that level, so we proceeded and a pregnancy was achieved.

Just because your levels are high one month doesn't mean they're high forever. But, it is an indication that your body is beginning to transition toward menopause, as Pacific says. So, don't waste time!

Also, fwiw, my clinic always tested my levels on day 2 of my period. If levels were within an acceptable range, we would proceed with fertility drugs. If levels were too high, I would have to wait until the next month.

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oaktree · 07/06/2005 13:26

thanks. I'm hoping that the DR will say that the level was high due to the miscarriage, and to test again next period. I suppose all I can do in the meantime is keep trying.

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Pes · 08/06/2005 16:43

Hi Oaktree,
I have recently started IVF and have seen quite a lot of evidence that acupuncture can reduce FSH levels - might be worth investigating further. Very best of luck.

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mancmum · 08/06/2005 17:06

FSH can vary each month so you need to get at least 3 done to get a trend -- acpuncture and agnus castus should help...

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oaktree · 09/06/2005 12:41

thanks again.
have had letter from consultant this morning which doesn't suggest doing further tests - just says that I have an increased risk now of a) not conceiving in the first place, and b) miscarrying if I do. So I'm not feling very optimistic. I'm going to ring my Doctor to see if its worth repeating the test but deep down i feel very negative about teh whole thing.