High FSH levels - should I just give up?

[MsMia]

I just turned 40 last week. Had a blood test for FSH levels which came back today as 14 - which is high. Can't get an appointment with FS for 14 days (is this normal or should I try to find someone else?) Should I just give up or keep trying? Any success stories?

I cried all the way home today for an hour and a half and my face is red and I am exhausted.


I don;t know what to do.

Can anyone recommend excellent FS in Melbourne and also Melbourne Naturopath acupuncturist that can help with this problem?

[anemone]

Hi MsMia,

Sorry to hear about the blood test. It is a shock when you get a result that isn't too favourable. I understand as I recently had an AMH test, which apparently is a more accurate way to test your ovarian supply - my result was low (its the opposite of FSH - low result = fewer eggs) and it really spun me out for a while. We all hope that our ovaries are acting younger than our biological age, and its upsetting to find out they aren't!

From my reading, it isnt a "fertility death sentence", but instead a wake-up call that we need to get onto things quickly.

I do know though that ppl have definitely got pg with higher FSH than that. I did quite a bit of research when I first found out, and did find some very encouraging stuff on a US website (something like "fertile thoughts") - they have a thread there esp for people with hi FSH and ppl were getting pg with results MUCH higher than 14. You might also find some good stuff on the IVF thread of bubhub.

I would of course be guided by your FS (and 2 weeks for an appt sounds quite good to me) - they will prob want to do other tests like an ultrasound and sperm count for DH etc. How long have you been TTC naturally?

You may find that you have to be quite pro-active in seeking out someone who is open to working with us "ladies with older ovaries" LOL. Hopefully some ladies on here have suggestions of who's good to go to in Melb.

Ive definitely found that chinese medicine has helped my cycles, temp charts etc, and so has naturopathy. But I wouldnt delay further intervention very long - they can all be done while waiting for and while doing IVF, if that's the path you choose.

Please let us know what happens and what the FS says, and feel free to PM me if you need to talk more.

xA

[anemone]

Also, you are welcome to join us on the "TTC#1 over 35" thread. Lots of v supportive ppl, some doing IVF etc, some TTC naturally.

[vajay]

Hi MsMia , sorry to hear about your levels :hugs: , a girlfiend of mine who is in her late 30's tried for 5 years to fall preg , she went to a accupuncturist/herbalist and after 3 weeks she was pregnant , the centre is Rosanna Traditional Chinese Medicine Centre

78 Lower Plenty Rd
Rosanna VIC 3084

(03) 9459 0122‎

hope this helps

goodluck with your ttc journey :babydust2::babydust2::babydust2:

[MsMia]

It has been a big week and I am very grateful for your replies and kind thoughts. I have been taking clomid this week (a plan which predated the high FSH level reading, but which is probably pointless). Having a scan to see any follicles on Tuesday - am hoping not too many since I thought clomid stimulates the ovaries, but my FSH levels mean they are already overstimulated. We have an appointment with the FS next week and we will see what she says about IVF.

I am thinking that maybe just trying to get myself in the best possible health through TCM and acupuncutre might be our best chance. But I will wait and see.

We have only been ttc for 8 months and the last two months haven't been up to much because my husband just had surgery - and with my cycles being erratic I'm not even sure we got the days right anyway! I think we might just keep trying the old fashioned way unless the IVF option is OK for us.

I have found myself an acupuncturist and TCM woman and I feel calmer and healthier already - have to see this as an adventure not something negative!

And I am still looking for a referral to a human FS, not one who doesn't even make eye contact!