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High FSH Levels

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:
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Avatar universal
I went through a depression when my doc said that my FSH was a 13 and I'm 30! What it really means is that your body wont make as many eggs (with fertility treatment) as someone with a normal FSH.
    With repronex and IUI I made 6 mature follicles (on 450 amps a day)...got pregnant and am 13 1/2 weeks along!!!
I thought that this was the end of the world but it's NOT.
   My friend who's 27 has an FSH of 21...she's close to entering menopause at 27.  Our RE gave her lots of drugs and with IUI she now has a 7 month old.
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Avatar universal
Hi Cruis2211 -

I think this is the one of the things about dr.'s that upsets me the most, is that some (now I say some) don't really take an aggressive approach to fertility.  It is true that 12.5 is higher than dr.'s like to see, but this does not make your chances of conception impossible.  There are many factors that go into determining a successful pregnancy.  And, a higher FSH generally means that you have a decreased ovarian reserve - or an indication that you are at the beggining stages to decreased ovarian reserve.  My suggestion is that you see an RE in your area and tell them your situation. Ask them what their approach and success rates with women who have higher FSH rates.  I don't remember who it was, but, there was a women on this web-site who is in her 40's and had higher FSH.  It took some time, but she was able to conceive and had a healthy baby.

Don't give up hope with one dr.'s opinion.....  I will keep you in my prayers.  
  
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178239 tn?1277405491
That level is not astronomical. It's elevated, but not sky high. FSH can fluctuate, too. I don't know off hand what the herbs/vitamins are, but there are some that will help lower FSH. FSH is just an indicator of reduced reserve. More indepth tests may show different.
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Avatar universal
I started taking wheat grass pills and after taking them 2 months my FSH dropped to an 8 and I stimulated better with repronex.  Also took Damiana which strengthens the egg...and with higher FSH you want to find the best eggs.
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172023 tn?1334672284
There is a great book, called "Inconceivable" by Julia Indichova.  She was diagnosed with very high FSH's and tried many different natural remedies when conventional medicine couldn't help her.

The month she conceived, her FSH was over 30.  She had been flatly told this was impossible.  

The book goes into great detail about the things she tried.  
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Avatar universal
I am 38 year old. and my FSH is 110! there's  no catamenia since the operation in March last year(embryo was found dead on the 50th day). I gave up the conventional medicine because I was told that it's impossible for me to have my own baby and I turned to Chinese traditional medicine.
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200123 tn?1246874546
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
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Avatar universal
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)
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Avatar universal
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?
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Avatar universal
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.  
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Avatar universal
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.  
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Avatar universal
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.
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Avatar universal

I am 34 and I am pregnant (5 weeks) and I had a fsh 12.3 after clomid challenging test, the rest of the hormone values were fine. I got pregnant in the first cycle of femara and gonal f and timed intercourse. Don't lose your hope and faith.
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Avatar universal
I haven't had a period in 3 months...Got concerned (I had been diagnosed last year w/Hashimoto and take synthroid .50mcg  Otherwise in great health.  Could spare to lay off the snacking and get on the treadmill more often!) so I went for a dr. visit and to my shock, my FSH very high 70.  I looked back at my previous labs (I go to an endo. for TSH, T4, T3, etc. every 3 months for check-ups) and they were 10 and 11 at my last check-ups.  Is it possible for FSH to spike this drastically?  I know that I am getting older-33.  We want to have a family but haven't started trying.  My gyn and endo. sent me to a reproductive end. and he wants to aggressively monitor me-he did not want to discuss why this is just how to treat it.  I am so oblivious to what this is all about but I am clear on the fact that I may be in a dire situation if we want a family (if I am blessed to even get pregnant).  Does anyone have any similiar situations? I mean, could I be in peri menopause? I have had my period monthly up till now.  Thanks for your time and advice to anyone who shares their experience with me!
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Avatar universal
What dosages of femara and gonal f did you take and on which days of the cycle did you start?  I went through IVF with consequnt progesterone supplementation but miscarried at 11 weeks.  HCG levels were low from the start and they could not find the embryo at 11 weeks.  I need a different avenue.
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186506 tn?1212930961
I'm 42, and just found out when going in to discuss IUIs (successful IUI/pregnancy 2 years ago) that my FSH is 22.5.  I was devastated.  But researching and not giving up - ordered "Inconceivable" a few days ago, so looking forward to reading that and doing whatever it takes to get another shot and pregnancy.
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Avatar universal
I will have to check out that "Inconceivable" book.  I'm in a similar situation.  Age 33.  FSH level 30.5.  I had no idea there was a problem until I had one irregular period and called my ob/gyn.  Next thing I knew, I'm at the infertility specialist hearing that my levels are traditionally considered untreatable; my only option might be egg donation.  My doctor is great; he's running lots of tests to uncover the reason and is willing to try fertility treatment anyway.  Just wondering if anyone else out there has had success with a live birth after an fsh level this high.  
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Avatar universal
Did your doc figure out anything? I am in similiar situation.  Very weird.  I got one wacky cycle and I was also sitting right where you were.  Came right out of left field.   My doc put me on estrace and i produced follicles on my own...so you know, I mean, it is a tough thing to hear but there are ways around it if you have the right doc.  I hope u are in good hands and have a good doc and helpful support system.  I know how you feel.
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Avatar universal
Thanks, sunn.  I do have good support.  Hope you do, too.  I'll see the doc next week to discuss latest results and options.  Only had one day 3 test of FSH; the rest has been checking for possible causes of premature ovarian failure/menopause.  Doc ordered MRI that ruled out pituitary tumor.  Latest tests involves a further check on thyroid and some kind of antibodies and genetic testing - karyotype and fragile X, I believe.  Nurse said all results are normal but the doc should tell me more next week.  Let me know if you want to get in touch.  Do you feel comfortable posting your email address?  
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Avatar universal
Hi ladies. My fsh level peaked at 13 at the age of 34. I was devestated and thought all was over. I am happy to announce that I had my twins (via ivf) on 10-27-07! It can happen so don't give up. Just find yourself a good RE who is well versed in how to treat high fsh'ers!
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Avatar universal
I got diagnosed with an FSH of 12 today and I'm 37yo.  Dr recommends injections, but we want to start with orals first.  He says my chances of conceiving w/treatment is 30%.  Does that sound right?  Is there data out there that gives a range of FSH to chances of conception?
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Avatar universal
i'm 42.  earlier this year i had an fsh of 9.  next month i spiked to 39.  bought "inconceivable" and followed verbatim, including shot of liquid wheatgrass from juice bar every single morning.  one month after 39, got a 15.9, one month later 14.2.  i highly recommend this book.  it's not just good for your fsh, it's good for your overall health and soundness of mind as it stops your helplessness and puts you back in the driver's seat of your own life.  good luck!
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Avatar universal
update:  had my fsh taken again today and i am now a 6.5.  from 39 in july, following the "inconceivable" lifestyle, to a 6.5 today.  read this book!  and good luck...
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Avatar universal
Dear all:

It's my first time in here.  But this forum look quiet, is anyone here!!!!!

Thank you milliek, I will get the wheatgrass but does it have to juice? how about the tab and taking in the afternoon?  I hope you guys are doing great.  May I hear how you're doing since it has been long time.
Dunio
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