just starting fertility testing - why am I having day 3 u/s?

[Anonymous]

I am going in tomorrow for 'day 3 bloodwork and ultrasound' - I know what the bloodwork is for (mostly) but what is the u/s for at day 3?

[Anonymous]

antral follicle or resting follicle count.
Basically the immature follicles from which your body chooses one dominant follicle to ovulate.

Most physicians are looking for a count of at least 10-12 when the follicles from both ovaries are added together. However, lower counts do not mean that you are in ovarian failure or headed that way. Knowing this count can help your physician determine what drugs/doses to use in stimulation.

[Anonymous]

They also want to make sure that your ovaries don't have any cysts or any other issues that could interfere or be potentially dangerous with the fertility drugs.

[Anonymous]

Thanks!

He said everything was normal and I had 7 follicles on the right, 8 on the left. So I guess that's good?

[Anonymous]

that's a great number!

[Anonymous]

Thanks!

Also, my FSH was 6.3.
(E2 was 57.7; LH and TSH both 2.9, and prolactin 17.1)

That FSH number is ok too, right?

I read something about not looking at FSH by itself b/c high E2 levels can artificially suppress FSH. My E2 is in the normal range but toward the higher end (normal = 25-75), so I'm not sure what to think. The nurse just said the results were "normal" without any elaboration.

I was secretly hoping for a lower FSH, but I'm 39, so I guess I'm happy it's not through the roof.

[Anonymous]

Your TSH is a little high. I know most labs regard anything up to 4.5/ 5 as normal, but most reproductive endos and OBGYNs want to see it closer to 2, and ideally around 1.5 for optimal conception and pregnancy. Mine was similar to yours for years and went through the roof after my second pregnancy, and I'm now on treatment for hypothyroidism. (No biggie, but it's something that needs to be treated.) For what it's worth, my FSH was also similar to yours, and I had one successful IVF and another succesful FET. Officially we had to go through IVF due to male factor issues, but looking back over my medical records and lab tests from that time, i'm now wondering whether low-level/ sub-clinical hypothyroidism also contributed to our fertility issues. This is incredibly common and can go undiagnosed for years, and should definitely be considered if there's is unexplained infertility (not sure whether this is your case). Just a thought..

[Anonymous]

I agree about looking into the TSH further. Your RE may not think it's important, but I really think you should get a second opinion.