FSH levels

[OneForTheRoadThen]

Hi, wondered if someone could help me.

I had my FSH levels tested on day 9 as I had concerns I'm entering peri menopause. The results were 12.1 and I'm 39.

The doctor just said they were normal but could anyone shed any light on this result? Is it unlikely I could conceive? TIA

Hi. I'm no expert but I am going through fertility treatment. Our clinic wanted my FSH to be below 8.9. I guess it depends on what the end goal is on what the normal result is. But for IVF below 8.9 was "normal"
Hope that helps some x

Although just noticed you said day 9. My "normal" was based on day 1-5 bloods

Thank you @Mseddy

Fsh should be tested on day 1-3. I don’t know that it’s accurate after that point.

If it’s tested at the right time and it’s above 10, it indicates low ovarian reserve. This can make getting pregnant harder, but not impossible.

I would get it tested again on day 1-3. I don’t think your result will be accurate

Mine was 9.1 in an anovulatory cycle, probably around day 7. I was really upset. Then repeated on day 2 and it was absolutely fine (5). Went on to have AMH and AFC done and have high ovarian reserve. So don't panic.

Thanks all. I actually was tested for early menopause which was why the tests weren't done earlier in my cycle. I might ask for them to be repeated on days 1-3 in the light of what you've all said.

The thresholds for different parts of your cycle are different - so fsh will change throughout your cycle. Cd1-3 has the narrowest expected range, so it's easier to see if your fsh is high, which again indicates your body would find it harder to ovulate, and this can be indicative of low ovarian reserve.

I'm unaware Of the tests recommended to fin out if you're perimenopausal, sorry.

I think the test to find out if your are perinenopausal is the cd3 FSH test, after around cd5 it will be inaccurate. Can you request another test on day 3? Even if it is high, it doesn't mean you can't conceive. Also different places have different ranges. I think most say below 10 is 'normal' between 10-20 is low reserve and early perimenopausal (bear in mind perimenopause can last up to 10 years) and 20+ is approaching menopause, and I can't remember the figure for post menopause, maybe 30?
Also bear in mind that FSH can fluctuate widely from cycle to cycle. It may be high one month and fine the next, so it's not the most reliable source, it can give you a rough idea but don't pin too much on it

The cut off for a nhs cycle in Nottingham is 9