High FSH Levels

[Cruis2211]

I just found out that I have an abnormally high FSH level. It's 12.5 and I'm 37. My doctor is not too hopeful about my conceiving and has refered me to a specialist. The specialist's nurse told me as I was making the appointment that my levels were so high, I would have a really hard tiem getting pregant and not to get my hopes up. Has anyone had levels like these or a similar problem. I'm so unhappy right now and can't stop thinking about it:

[Chookdee]

There are a few of us on here ( mainly Infertility Forum ) with high FSH at a youngish age, including myself, another is Carina1 and Janemelbourne. Dont panic. I am 34 and was told my level was 11 ( test taken 6 mths ago ). I got on the net, and the research I did made me depressed. Like Tina 1111 said, it's not sky high and may just be an idicator of the initial stages.
I am booked into IVF Unit next week, and read too that the chances of conceiving are reduced with higher FSH levels, but I had a BFP this morning on a hpt! Still can't believe it!!.. So whatever you do, do not get depressed or give up hope. Don't dilly dally though, time is of an essence. Good luck

[Zoe2B]

I feel for anyone who had the FSH level testing and was told that their level was too high to ever get pregnant with their own eggs. I am 43 and my levels were 25.5 and 45.5. I was told that I would never have my own baby, and egg donation or adoption would be my only option for a child. I was devastated, but after a few hours I decided that I wasn't going to only take his word. I found a much more compassionate and knowledgable fertility specialist who said my advanced age is the real factor, not the FSH levels, which may or may not play a role. IVF was discussed and the question was whether to try with my own eggs (a 5-10% chance of pregnancy) or a donor's egg (a 70% chance of pregnancy). We didn't have the money for IVF so for the time being, I turned to Chinese medicine - acupunture and herbs. I started doing the home ovulation testing (HIGHLY RECOMMEND!) which showed that I ovulate very early for a 28 day cycle. It's been about 4 months since those FSH tests, and I found out 4 days ago that I am pregnant. It's very exciting, but scary at the same time because I am 43. I have to believe that this gift have been given, is a mircle in itself and if I've beaten the odds so far, I will beat them all the way through my pregnancy and have a healthy baby. It's so important to find positive doctors, and to turn to other natural/spiritual types of healing practices. And to anyone who was given similar "you can't get pregnant" news, a doctor is only human. They can't really know, so be proactive, research yourself, and shop around for the doctor that you click with. :o)

[Minea-LA]

I came on too strong and decided to be aggressive about getting pregnant for the first time at the age of 43. I went to see an infertility doc just when my hubby and I decided to stop any form of contraception. My FSH is 15 and of course I was turned down by my doctor. I have decided to try on my own for a couple of cycles then try acupuncture and natural remedies. We cannot afford donor eggs. Please tell me what time of your cycle did you start taking the Wheat grass pill and at what dosage?

[RunningL8]

I am 46(!) and pregnant for the second time in 6 months without fertility treatments.  My 3rd day FSH was 10 last January, then I got pregnant in April, and sadly miscarried in June (likely due to the age of my eggs, definitely not my FSH score).  I had my FSH tested again in late August, and it was 11, and that very cycle I got pregnant.  Ironically, when you're 46 and your levels are 10-11, doctors think that is a very good score and do not dismiss the idea that you might conceive.  So if I can get pregnant twice at this late age, all of you younger women should not give up!  If your FSH score is high, your quantity of eggs may be limited, but they are still of high quality, so ivf will be an option for you.  

[RunningL8]

Just to add to what I said in my last post--I meant ivf will be an option, in addition to trying to conceive on your own, of course.  Also, I really agree with Wendy about the importance of knowing when you ovulate.  I also ovulate early (on day 11-12), and so during those two days I test every 12 hours to really pinpoint the window in which I'm fertile.  What has worked for me is to then try to conceive within 12 hours of the first positive ovulation test, and then again 24 hours after that.  

[sunnyds]

I am 36 and have had 6 preg over the last 4 years.  I have had one successful preg.  Last Nov. I had a molar pregnancy.  We recieved the go ahead to start trying again and have not had any luck.  My Dr. just checked my FSH and I got a call from the nurse today that it was 12.5.  I have not talked to my Dr. yet but know this is very high.  After all the mc I am so sad to hear this now.  I am losing hope.  We are so blessed to have our daughter but dreamed of a big family.   I am open to alternative med. but feel like I do not even know where to start.