Low FSH, Low Estrogen Level...but Low Follicle Count?

[Anonymous]

I am 41 yo. My FSH, tested twice in the last 6 mos, has been under 8. My estrogen was under 27. But my follicle count on day 3 was 5. The nurse said a low FSH generally correlates to a high follicle count so they are a bit confused. Does anyone have any experience with something similar? Mylife has been stressful as of the past couple years so I don't get much sleep and I never have time to exercise. Could this contribute to a low follicle count? Also, does anyone have some advice on how to improve egg quality?

[Anonymous]

Your stats sound great to me. Just because you have a low antral follie count (decreases as you age) doesn't tell you the whole picture. It's just a marker. I had a count of 10 with an FSH of 7 and E2 of 40 and produced 21 eggs with my IVF, which BTW is a success. I don't know why your RE/nurse are confused!

I seriously doubt stress and lack of exericse has anything to do with your antral follie count.

As far as improving egg quality, there's really not much you can do. Just make sure you take your prenatal vitamins and hope that you get that golden egg.

GOOD LUCK!

[Anonymous]

Congratulations! Wow, 21 eggs. Do you mind if I ask what your age is? You responded great to your meds and perhaps it's because you are younger. I didn't respond so well to my last two cycles even though I was on the maximum dosage of stimulating meds. For two cycles I started out with 7 and 9 follicles respectively and as the stims continued, instead of gaining follicles, I lost a few! By the time of ET, I only had a couple of embryo's to transfer. So my doctor does not think this cycle will be successful and I am considering postponing it until January.

[Anonymous]

PP poster here. Nope I would call me young. I was almost 38 with this cycle. At 39, I'm doing my 2nd IVF cycle in Feb. (40 in April) and will be on the same protocl and same dose of drugs that I was on 2.5 years ago.

I was on 225iu gonal and 75 menopur and on 10 units of Lupron.

Good Luck and I hope your dream comes true for you!

[Anonymous]

My antral follicle count at 37-41 age was 6- and only 3- maybe 4 responded- I have 2 healthy children- one was IUI on was IVF.. best of luck- hope to make you just know it takes "one good one"

[Anonymous]

I have to disagree with the PP who doesn't think stress related to AFC. My AFC was low (6, 7) a few months ago, after being under a lot stress during the summer; after a few months of acupuncture, meditation, and a lot less stress, it went up to 11, which I do think is related to a change in my stress level.

[Anonymous]

hmmmm? could be just a coincidence. I had one of my most stressful months (lost my job and my mother passed away) before my day 3 blood work and my antral follicle count was 14 (9 from my nonstressful month) You just never know....

[Anonymous]

To the poster who had an AFC of just 6 but produced two children...were you 41 when you conceived?

Thank you all for the well wishes and thoughts.

[Anonymous]

I was just told today I have 4 follicles on one ovary and none on on the other....so depressed. Dr mentioned pre menopause...I am only 33! I have avery normail 28 day period....in shape....eat well...low bp...I just could not believe it. They took a lot of bloodwork and I am scared to see what the tests will tell me..any advice????