High FSH and just turned 30

[KEL9611]

I was hoping there was somebody out there with an FSH level of 20 that had success working with a RE doctor.  I have just turned 30 and my husband and I have been trying for a few months.  I have regular periods - on the dot every 27 days but I went to my OB/GYN when I did not get a positive result on the OPK kits after trying for a few months.  My doctor started me on Clomid and tried the clomid challenge test.  My FSH level came back at a 20 on both days 3 and 10.  She has referred me to a fertility doctor who I see next week but after reading so many posts on the internet that pregnancy with an FSH level of 20 is nearly impossible I'm EXTREMELY depressed.  Can anybody give me some reasons to be optimistic?

[Pinkflakes]

I totally understand how you feel and what kind of hell you are going through.  I have been through the similar situation.  I am 34 years old and have had three miscarriages within a year. (my last one was in May) I finally saw RE and found out my FSH level was 21.6 on CD3 It was like a death sentence (I am sure you know what I am talking about)  That was in June and ever since then I have been drinking wheatgrass juice everyday, COQ10, Royal jelly, and omega 3 along with acupuncture.  In July, my level was down to 5.6.  I don't know what did the trick, but my RE said that number should fluctuate under 10, not from 21 to 5.  It explains that I tend to make more bad quality eggs then normal healthy 34 years old do. - FYI I do ovulate every month though and cycle 26days
My RE gave me Clomid hoping that I would ovulate more eggs and there will be a good one among those.  Anyhow, I felt more energetic in July and OPK said that I ovulated on CD13, so I tried... to see what happens without clomid. It was too late to take clomid for July, so I was gonna take it from August cycle, but I did get pregnant in July.  I am 4 1/2 weeks pregnant and hcg level is rising nicely.  I don't know if that was a good ovulation, but I just hope for the best.  Don't listen to what your RE says only.  Research more, look for alternative treatment.  There is hope...  Let  me know what happens.

[allip68]

There is DEFINITELY hope.  High FSH is just a number and especially for young women it means less!  I know someone whose doctor told her when she was 27 yrs old that she was going into early menopause and she either had to try to have children (with IVF) then or lose her chance forever.  I don't know what her FSH was, but I imagine it must've been very high.  She had twins through IVF.  Then.. a couple years after her babies were born, when she was supposed to be well into menopause (!)  she got pregnant to her complete and total surprise.  My OB/GYN told me one of her patients was told she needed to have an egg donor because her FSH was so high and she was 39 years old, so she had a baby with her sister's egg.   When her baby was 8 months old...you guessed it - she got pregnant with her own egg!  I, too, was told that being 39 and FSH of 15 I had low odds and I got pregnant naturally and easily.  You are young; FSH is just a #; just try to not get stressed (I think that's the most important thing altho I know it's hard).

[elena533]

I am 37 years old. I received my FHS test today I it was 39. I am still going through the motions of being shocked, sad, etc. etc. I just got married 3 months ago and hope to concieve a child for my husband who has no children. I have 2 children from previous marriage. Has anyone had the same high results, and what type of treatment is good to consider? I will do anything to get my body to respond to conceiving a baby. Please help me get started and out of the shock!

[BabyJazz2010]

I got my results today. FSH and Clomid Challenge results were 17.3 and 6.3.  AMH...which doctor pretty much said sealed my poor deal was 0.2.  He also started telling me in so many words that egg donor is the way to go.  

Thing is, I was going forward as a single mom, likely with a donor.  It took me a while to get to that point but now I'm being told that I can't even have a biological child.  I have not ruled it out.  I just don't want to got that route just yet if there is even the slightest chance.

Please keep sharing any success stories or recommended treatments I can ask my doctor about.

[prevatt77]

Try not to stress your FSH levels can change every month.  My FSH was 16 and I gave birth to Gavin at the age of 41.  Stay positive and things will work out.

[BabyJazz2010]

I am down to crying only once or twice per day; much better than two days ago.  I have an appt with another RE in January.  The wait my drive me insane.  I have been on the Internet every free moment I get looking for other women with a high FSH AND a low AMH and I have run across two that have had success with ART.  As I "research" it seems I may have a better chance or getting pregnant naturally.  that's kinda hard to do as a single woman though!  If the next RE is as negative (and insensitive) as the last one, I will still try.  A dear friend that had offered donor sperm is on board for natural fertilization too!  Does that sound horrible?  This is so hard because I had not been trying to get pregnant, EVER.  Not because I didn't want kids but because I didn't have the husband. I was waiting.   I went into that appointment for my results with no clue of anything being THAT wrong with me.  Talk about blindly hitting a wall!   I feel better though because I have decided to not give up.  

[BabyJazz2010]

Before I could start treatment with a second RE, I got myself pregnant naturally in January!!!  Just one month after the first RE's donor egg speech.  I am just 5w2d but things are going well so far.  The new RE tells me my beta hcg and progesterone levels are Excellent!  The first RE even called yesterday...facinated with my results.  (the test were being performed through his office and Results were being sent to the second, out of town RE.  First RE got wind of my status.). I will have my first u/s on February 8th.  I'll admit I am afraid.  Based solely on what the first RE told me, I fear it was a bad egg and that something will go wrong eventually.  I'm trying to he positive, however.  I am hopeful.

[redhead23]

Ladies - I am so glad I found this forum. I am about to turn 35 in April. I have gone through 2.5 IVF rounds -last one in Jan 2009 was a success, but I mc'd at 7 weeks. Hubby and I took some time off to try naturally, with no success. Seeing a new RE since November. Ist 3-day bw came back FSH of 17.2, and 3-day bw as of Monday was 35???? Yikes. My FSH has gone on the fritz ever since the last IVF cycle a year ago. Which I think explains alot - about 8lb weight gain, forgetfulness, high increase in PMS symptoms - which of course made me think that I was pregnant every month, and my cycles have gotten shorter over the past year, I used to be 28-29 days like clockwork, and this past month, I had a 24 day cycle. Anyway, we are still moving forward with our next (and likely, last ) IVF cycle in about 2 weeks. RE wants to do genetic testing on our embryos to help increase our chances of success.
I have been doing acupuncture for the past 2 years - so other than being incredibly relaxing, I am not sure anything further can be done for me there....
Any words of advice or wisdom would be much appreciated. We are literally at the end of our rope - I am praying God answers our prayers this time...
Many thanks~

[redhead23]

Ladies - I am so glad I found this forum. I am about to turn 35 in April. I have gone through 2.5 IVF rounds -last one in Jan 2009 was a success, but I mc'd at 7 weeks. Hubby and I took some time off to try naturally, with no success. Seeing a new RE since November. Ist 3-day bw came back FSH of 17.2, and 3-day bw as of Monday was 35???? Yikes. My FSH has gone on the fritz ever since the last IVF cycle a year ago. Which I think explains alot - about 8lb weight gain, forgetfulness, high increase in PMS symptoms - which of course made me think that I was pregnant every month, and my cycles have gotten shorter over the past year, I used to be 28-29 days like clockwork, and this past month, I had a 24 day cycle. Anyway, we are still moving forward with our next (and likely, last ) IVF cycle in about 2 weeks. RE wants to do genetic testing on our embryos to help increase our chances of success.
I have been doing acupuncture for the past 2 years - so other than being incredibly relaxing, I am not sure anything further can be done for me there....
Any words of advice or wisdom would be much appreciated. We are literally at the end of our rope - I am praying God answers our prayers this time...
Many thanks~

[BabyJazz2010]

I had my first ultrasound today at 6w5d.  Sticky bean is measuring at 7w1d and I got to see and hear its 146 bpm heart rate.  I am SOOoooo happy!

[2010baby]

I am a 40yo, TTC 5+, 1.5 IVF cycles, too many UIUs, FSH over 20 for past 5 years. Last month FSH was 26, did IUI anyway. BFN! Read about wheat grass and decided to try it since I'm at a point I'll try anything within my budget. Been drinking 1 serving a day for about 2-3 weeks. Did another Day 3 FSH and just got the results today. FSH 11 !!! I couldn't believe it!  My FSH dropped 15 Points (as I call them). Give wheat grass a try. It tastes yucky, but if it works...who cares! I am starting another IUI today using injections (max dose). I am so excited, I just had to share!!!    Good luck to us all!

[BabyJazz2010]

I also started wheatgrass after my high FSH.  I was only taking it 3 or 3 times a week because I knew of only one place to get it in town.  I travel quite a bit and didn't worry about trying to find It when I was on the road.  I got pregnant so fast...within 2 weeks of my awful results and on my very first attempt.  I don't know if it helped but I do know I will get back on it after baby comes, after breastfeeding, and if I decide to go for no. 2....especially after reading 2010baby's post.  I am 15 weeks and 2 days, today.  I will have amnio done next week.  Let's pray next week and the remaining 6 months go as well as the first 3 months have!  

[traync]

I love hearing stories like yours.

I am just coming out of this "shock" stage my RE put me in. I went to the Dr. to take some test, just thinking everything would be routine. Well when I went in for the results I was in shock. He told me that in March I had a FSH of 12.5, and one of my fallopian tubes is partially block. I got the donor egg speech and everything was so matter of fact. I almost started crying right in front of him. I felt like there was no hope. But though this site and amazing stories like yours I got my hope back. Thank God!
I go for a follow-up FSH test the end of this month so I am trying to get myself together and stay relaxed (which is the hardest thing in the world).

I wish you the best of luck with your pregnancy!

[BabyJazz2010]

The donor egg speech should be banned from those initial results visits!  Doctors are so quick to throw it out there, even before looking into pausible causes of high FSH besides low ovarian reserve.  And you're right.  They are all so matter-of-fact about it.  But keep the faith!  I'm not sure if your age, but a 12.5 FSH sounds good to someone like me and block tubes can be unblocked!  Actully, you ate similar to my little sis.  Her FSH was 11 something and she had a blocked tube.  She's 30.  She had an HSG and now have the most beautiful set of girl/boy twins after her first IVF.  As for me, everything has been progressing perfectly.  I'm 21 weeks today and starting to feel my little boy move more and more each day.  By the way, are you in North Carolina?  I just moved from SC to NC.  I like that there are so many more choices of RE's in NC.  The RE that nearly crushed my dreams back in December was from the only fertility clinic in town.

[traync]

Thanks for the encouragement. I just turned 37...I am one of the late bloomers, I guess. Yes, I live in the Raleigh- Durham- Chapel Hill area, in my research I have found lots of options. I have decided to go in for my follow up with the current RE and see how things go. If he is still very negative about my outcome I will seek a second opinion.

[BabyJazz2010]

Oh cool, I am in the process of moving to Raleigh.  FYI, my sister and I worked with Duke Fertility.   Well, I ended up not needing their services very much, but felt 200% better with one of their REs vs. the first RE in SC.  My current obgyn is in the UNC network of doctors and hospitals (Rex) and I have heard good things about them as well.  

[rainonme34]

I too have just come out of gaining back some hope from my RE telling me that my FSH levels are too high (im 34 almost 35 in sept my levels were 27... that IVF won't really work, AND my progesterone leves are low..and that Clomid might not even work, neither will IUI, or AI etc. etc.  I had to email her and ask her if she even had ANY HOPEFUL news to tell me...then I got the 'donor' speech. Not to mention that...she said the the HSG might not even do much other than...to let you know if your tubes are blocked but that because of my levels...there is nothing she can do...and that i probably fall under the premenopause category not so much the POF . So i'm just overwhelmed that I have such vague answers..or answers I wasn't hoping to hear.

Soon after the shock, I managed to get my hope back...and keep the faith going.. keep my prayers going.. etc. This past cycle I had some positive CM signs that in the last 4+ months (of actually charting) but TTC since we were married almost a year ago. My cycle was out of whack, and finally when I decided to get checked, had a list of results..my husband has 'good' results with a few that can use improving...then after the FSH level results...the RE said.. 'sorry nothing i can do for you'. i wasn't expecting those levels to be that high.. sorry.

Today...i start a new cycle :( i got my 'friend'. and the last 2 months has been the closest in being consistent. 40-41 days (longer than ever) from my previous cycles before i started charting.. were not as long. But I guess tha's a good sign.. some consistency so we can try again this month..and pray for good CM and OPK positives...and just good timing too.

I didn't think i'd find a website.or forum that would help me cope or find people that could relate, I am so wrong.  I know deep down there is hope, it's just finding ways to cope with the days in between of waiting...charting.. looking for signs.. and people telling me...'just relax, just let it happen'. The thing is if I  could find consistency...I would be able to relax....herbs to take...if they work or if they are true.. I wish someone could just TELL ME which way to go.. but I guess it really can't be that easy for women like us.

I have my 3day this thursday. I'm a little nervous about going through the motions again with those results...then i need decide to do the HSG....the RE said it may not do much ..and there are risks...I switch insurance companies next month ..and i may have to go through all those tests again.. and i'm just a bit..overwhelmed.  I found this site..today and read your stories...I am more hopeful..and know that it was god's plan for me to find this site..and find some HOPE i can read and not just pray for. -- thank you all again. I think I will try the wheatgrass....for starters... and take it day by day...and continue to pray and stay hopeful... not sure it'll lower my FSH levels before thursday..but i'll aim for it next month...IF NEEDED.

[genci]

I had a fsh level of 62. I was told by my infertility doctor that I couldn't conceived because my ovaries weren't producing good quality eggs.  He said "I will write a book if you get pregnant". I so devastated.But  my faith in God was stronger than those words. I went on line and found out about the Chinese herbs and the acupuncture. Two months after taking the herbs I got pregnant. Thank God and the Herbs I have a gorgeous baby boy. Please don't give up.  Only God has the final word don't forget that. Good luck

[hasina10]

I am 23 years old unmarried. I have high fsh of 10 and i was diagnosed with erly gonadal failure. i am seriously worried about my condition because my periods are very irregular. lacking periods for more than 6 months. is ther any possibilities to regularise it? I am eligible for marriage or not. please help me ....

[2010baby]

I haven't posted since last April when I wrote about the amazing things wheat grass was doing for me. Since then I've been doing IUIs with max dosages of Folistim. I injected  300iu in the morning and another 300 iu in the evening. I was told that was the safest max dose. I was still only getting one foli and no success even with the lower FSH.

My DH and I are starting to consider that this may be the end of the baby making road for us. It has been a long and bumpy road with ups and downs. The odds are beginning to be to much. I ordered a book called Silent Sorority. It was written by a woman in our situation. Check it out. I am looking forward to reading it.

I pray and wish us all peace and love.

[LolliGirl21]

I am 34 years old and was just told that I have a 5% chance of having a live birth.  The doctor told me that my FSH levels are 17.6 and that I have poor follicles.  He also informed me that this is due to my smoking while I was younger.  Has anyone heard of ways to heal after the damage you have done to yourself when you were younger.  My doctor said IVF prob wont work.  So depressing.  Any help?

[traync]

Trust me I know some of your frustration, it's almost like you have to piece together things that the RE tells you and then go research. I hope things worked out for you in June. I am in the process of looking for a new RE for a 2nd opinion, so it looks like I have a long road ahead of me. This site has been so helpful for me too; it is sometimes hard to talk about this with friends & family members.

Best of luck to the both of us...I wish you the best

Much baby dust!!!

[hadrien]

I'am 34 years old and I've been told my FSH level is 132. I was also told that anything above 125 is consider to be elevated. I hear a lot mention about RE and I'm not sure what that stands for. Can someone please tell me what RE stands for?

[Sacha57]

I'm 35 years old and I was told last month that my FSH is 125. I am having hot flushes and I have not had a period for almost three months. I am taking Wheatgrass Juice Powder, Agnus Castus, Raspberry Leaf, a Multi vitamin and some Chinese Herbs. I have also changed my diet totally.

I just wonder if anyone can help with the following questions: Is there any chance that I will be able to conceive naturally? Should I be taking a Pre natal vitamin?

Thank you