Freaking Out! - New Day 3 Bloodwork Shows Increased FSH Level!! - I Don't Understand!

[Anonymous]

I am 32 with unexplained infertility...went through 2 rounds of natural cycle IVF where the egg (a blastocyst) just didn't implant I guess. I had my Day 3 bloodwork done back in November 08 and April 09 and my FSH levels were 6.5 and 7.2 respectively.

I just switched clinics and had my Day 3 blood work done again and my FSH level was 9.2!!! I am freaking out!!! Aren't I now borderline high? How can my levels change so drastically in such a short amount of time? Do you hit peri-menopause that quickly even at my age? I am going to be starting my first round of stimulated IVF in the fall and now I feel like I'm going to have failed cycles because of my high FSH.

Anyone have a similar experience with their FSH level? Did you have a successful IVF cycle despite your level?
Help! TIA!!!

[Anonymous]

I am 30 years old now, and back when I was 28, I had an initial work-up done. My day 3 FSH was 9. I got this done at Columbia Fertility. My RE wasn't that concerned, and we went ahead with an IUI (and clomid). I got pregnant on the first try.

Since having my DS, this number still haunts me! So, call me crazy, I made an appointment at Shady Grove when DS was 4 months old. I don't want another child anytime soon, but I figured, if my time is running out, I'd better get on it. So about a year and a half later, my FSH came back at 8.5. And my RE said this is "normal." He said that different labs come back with different results (so it may not even be that your FSH increased that much). And that a level of 9 is just that - borderline. He told me that as long as you are under 35, FSH doesn't really matter that much (unless it's sky high). He told me not to worry and not to feel as if I needed to rush. So I'm not! And neither should you. I know it is shocking to get back (and try to stay off google), but your age is on your side and it's really not that high of a number.

[Anonymous]

Completely agree with PP. I am a high FSHer, have been since age 30. I am not 32. I did respond poorly to one round of stim drugs, and the ivf was cancelled. The next round my RE at Columbia put me on a poor responder protocol. Success!

I feel like FSH is something to keep in mind, but you also need to remember that the quality of any remaining eggs is extrememly important. In your early 30s, your eggs are still typically pretty good.

[Anonymous]

OP here...Thank you SO MUCH for your responses and for sharing your stories! You have no idea how much better you have made me feel. I can't stress this enough.

I've been in a panic ever since Shady Grove called me with the results (even though nurse told me not to stress it so much and that we were still approved for the shared risk program)...I still couldn't help but feel that we needed to run not walk to the clinic and start IVF pronto!

Its so wonderful to hear that you both had success with IVF/IUI...I am concerned I won't be a good responder to the meds but you have definitely given me hope! Thank you!