Trying not to freak out - high FSH levels

[jemimafuddleduck]

Hi all

I haven't been TTC for that long - 6 cycles. Ive been on the pill for 16 years so don't know what my "normal" cycle looks like.

First month off the pill I had a 29 day cycle but since then it's been 22-23 days and very light periods (I could probably get away with one sanitary towel per day - I don't because that'd be gross!)

I have been using OPKs and have had positive results when I've used them.

I went to the doctors just to have a chat and he ordered some blood tests. I've just had a phone call to say my FSH is 17.4 and should be between 1-9. I've got a phone appointment on Friday so will find out more then.

I had the test on day 4 and was will on my period.

Of course I've googled it and am reading all sorts which is terrifying me! I know I need to just wait to see what the doctor says, but can anyone advise me on this? Does the fact that it was on CD4 (and therefore slightly late) make a difference? I usually ovulate around CD11-12.

I'd be really grateful for any input.

@jemimafuddleduck Sounds like a sensible plan. What blood tests can they do for you husband? Mine hasn't had any but maybe he should 🤔

I know they tested testosterone and blood sugar but not sure what else

Hey @Booksandbaths1 I had an nhs cycle at bath and really impressed signed up for three more cycles via access fertility so will be staying for some time yet (unless bfp!!)

@jemimafuddleduck sorry to hear about your holiday - your right Zika virus stays in Semenya for 6 months and you can't go if you're pregnant so you'll be cancelling 😔 they won't do ivf if you've been to zika area in last 6 months either. It's rubbish - Europe, Oman/Dubai, Mauritius/Maldives, South Africa or North America are all available though!!

You can have zika bloods done 4 weeks after returning and if all clear you don't have to wait the 6 month quarantine period, or for anyone having an IVF cycle you can freeze the sperm before you go as the 6 months period applies to the men

@Lauren83 that's really helpful, thank you so much!

No problem, it's usually around £90 for each of you, not everywhere offers it though it's usually through a TDL lab but most private clinics courier to them daily, I imagine the NHS do offer their own too.

Hi I've not read the whole thread but do look into supplements to improve egg quality.
I used coq10 not sure if exact amount but google will tell you I also used royal jelly acupuncture and a good quality fish oil.
Oh and plenty of vit d.
Healthy eating plenty of fruit vegetables and good fats.
My antral follicle count wasn't fabulous but I got pregnant first time via ivf.
I was single so hadn't tried naturally(I was 35)
When I gave the above advice to my neighbour she conceived after 3 years and a miscarriage and has a lovely baby boy now.
Good luck you're still young!

@hoping2018 Hey, hoping you see this as I've noticed that your second round of ivf at Bath has gone well. Massive congrats! As a fellow low amh/high fsh lady I was wondering if you could advise on any supplements you've felt have helped? I've got a couple more natural cycles to go before it'll be ivf time so I'm hoping to get my body and eggs in the best shape for it. Any advise or info appreciated. Cheers!x x

Hi @Booksandbaths1

My consultant gave me a list of supplements to take to improve quality / for me and my husband. To be honest I wouldn't take unless they recommend though as it was things like DHEA which you shouldn't take unless you have low testosterone levels. Maybe give your clinic a call and see if there's anything they suggest?

I only took them for one month before my second cycle when it's supposed to be three months - what made the difference was the surgical sperm retrieval for us!

Having high FSH doesn't mean your quality is bad - age is the best predictor of this.

Good luck

@hoping2018 Ah ok, thank you for that. Was it the Bath clinic who suggested dhea and other sups? Did they test your testosterone beforehand? Each month that goes by is taking us closer to ivf round 1 so I'm feel a bit anxious and wondering if there's anything I can do to help the outcome (probs clutching at straws). I already take ubiquinol/Co Q10 and prenatal vitamins.

Yes it was bath clinic. I'd had my testosterone checked by my GP. They had be on same as you but melatonin too - which is amazing as it helps you sleep so made down regging with hot sweats much more bearable!