FSH 23 at age 41

[connie345]

Hi, my husband and I just went for our follow-up consultation with our fertility specialist and were told that my FSH levels were 23.  I am 41. We recieved a lot of information but it was also interesting/scary to note that the specialist mentioned egg donation numerous times. I am wondering if anyone else out there has had an FSH level that high, is around my age, and has had success getting pregnant without resorting to egg donation.

[tillybabe]

i would like to know what is clomid? is it only used for high FSH or can it be used for low AMH aswell?

[tillybabe]

hi, you are very right, n i beleive doctors tell us the worst just to get the ball rolling faster, im not yet pregnant but ill b starting my ivf very soon, i had my tubes clipped a yr ago so thats why i was starting ivf, n up intill a week ago all was fine, but then my bloods wer rechecked and my FSH was fine but my AMH wer at 0.2, it was all new to me n im only 25. my gyne said he is so confused, he told me 2 expect only a couple of eggs on my ivf cycle or even none at  all :( n theyr hitting me with a high boost.Before my AMH levels wer found at 0.2 i thort, if my ivf was to work, it would be a miracle, but now i feel like, if it was to work, it will be a double miracle  :) ill be sure to let everyone know how it all goes, x

[kmgr32]

Hi Connie,
Sorry for the upsetting news but it isn't hopeless.  I had FSH of 14.6 and am currently 32 weeks pregnant.  I only did one FSH test so I don't know if I was ever higher or lower than that but I do know that it does fluctuate from month to month so my guess is that it probably did go higher before I got pregnant.  I was tested in Jan. of 09 and didn't get pregnant until August of the same year.  
Inconceivable is a great book.  Definitely worth reading.  The author had FSH of 40+ and was able to conceive naturally.  
Good luck to you :)

[prevatt77]

My FSH was 16 when I conceived my son.  I was 41 at delivery and he is a healthy spunky 14 month old now....Keeps me going!

[connie345]

Hi, you asked about next steps in our process; I included the info in the above post to BabyJazz2010. I hope this helps!

[connie345]

Thank you so much for your reply! My doctor had me go back for more blood work yesterday (day 3) to check FSH levels and see if we could do the clomid challenge and it came out as 11.5. Still very high, but after my first level of 23 I am now confused. I have been doing a lot of reading about FSH levels and know they fluctuate but didn't realize it could be by that much. My next step is to do the Clomid challenge and then go back on day 10 for more blood work.

Your post helped me feel more positive about this experience, so thank you again!

[BabyJazz2010]

Mary,  regardless of your age..if your clinic is already being negative about your 11 FSH...go to another doctor!  My sister is 30 and had an 11 FSH.  She did IVF with two embryos on her first try and now have a beautiful boy and girl.  Seems to me they are trying to instill a level of fear...perhaps to get you movng more quickly or more aggressively (more expensively).   Sorry about the multiple posts.  This strikes a nerve as you can see.  It's 11 and they like below 10???  It fluctuates month to month!  You know, there are some clinics more concerned about their stats/success rates than they are about helping every woman that walks into their office.  And donor egg...well that's almost a slam dunk!  

[BabyJazz2010]

I will add, I responded well to the clomid challenge.  It took my FSH from 17.3 to 6.3. , but the RE disregarded it saying the near undectable AMH sealed my fate.  After I turned up pregnant naturally, he had the nerve to say that the prior month's clomid challenge may have helped me!  Whatever!  Everything I read immediately after my diagnosis lead me to believe that my chances naturally were just as good as my chances with Meds and IUI or IVF. Oh, I had plans to start IUI with COH in March but I didn't want to miss an opportunity in January and February so I had decided I would try naturally with a willing known donor / friend.  First time, Bingo!  I know everyone is different but you should just have hope.  Don't let them quickly discourage you from trying to have a biological child if that's your first choice.

PS...some of the earlier comments to your post have me ticked!  What insensitive things to say!  So did you women have high FSH and give up without a fight???  Are you even speaking from experience?  If so, give a little more detail before simply saying "I'm sorry, but according to this or according to that, the odds are not in your favor.". Hello!  The RE has already told her this!  How many times do you think she needs to hear it. She's looking for success stories.  If you don't have one, keep your 2 cents to yourself.

[BabyJazz2010]

TRY with your own eggs.  There are success stories out there.  Keep googling High FSH.  I did and found lots of stories that gave me hope after I too was given the donor egg speech.  I am single and wasn't physically trying to conceive prior to seeing the RE.  The news hit VERY HARD.  FSH of 17.3 and AMH of 0.2 at the age of 38.  I was pregnant naturally less than one month after the news.  (decided I had to try before going the donor egg route.). Today I am 9 weeks.  I'll admit, I am scared sh*tless of something going wrong.  I will have a second u/s next Tuesday.  I pray all is well.  

Oh, Read the book Inconceivable.

Much love and baby dust to you!

[Kricket212]

http://www.advancedfertility.com/day3fsh.htm

If you want you can check this chart.  I am sorry to say thought that according to this chart over 20 is basically not succesful.  I think you should look into embryo adoption or donor eggs & I am sure you will be succesful with that.  I will send you lots of baby dust wishes.

[babydust2009]

Hi Connie, I had my FSH test back in Nov 09. I just had to have a D&C back in Sept 09..We have been ttc for the past 3 mo.  My Dr told me we should go see RE .. My FSH was only 11.. At the clinic they said 11 is ok, but they would like it to be under 10 My Ob wanted  me to get it tested again my OB said it should not change for about 6 months.. My DH and I are going to make appointment with a RE .. You know you can also go through a an adoption agency for embyo adoption thats about the same thing... It might be a high level, but what about other options . Did he do anyother test on you. I would like to know bc that would be our next step. Mary..)