High estrogen (117) on day 3 - any advice

[Anonymous]

Just started this trip in our quest to add just one more. Had high estrogen (117) on day 3, FSH was 8.5. Consult isn't until later in the week. The nurse said that the doc might suggest losing weight and exercising to try to bring the estrogen down. Also a PCOS workup. I thought I had it before conceiving #1 but did not, and I got pregnant fairly quickly with all of the kids, last one 3 years ago. I have had a crazy stressful year and have gained a fair amount of weight. Just joined WW online and a gym, so I'm already on the same page. Anyone else deal with this or have insight on the numbers? I'm 44 so we don't have a super long time to delay while I lose weight.

[Anonymous]

OP, forgot to add, we have always used IUIs.

[Anonymous]

I've always heard that high day 3 estrogen indicates either reduced ovarian reserve or the existence of an ovarian cyst. From what I've seen, "normal" day 3 levels are 25-75.

[Anonymous]

I just heard my doctor's office regarding my blood results from this morning and my estrogen level on cd3 is 204...how can i bring that down by tuesday, my next doc appt? i have been on lupron for 11 days now... i am so upset and a nervous wreck my first ivf cycle will be cancelled. of course i am thinking the worst.

[Anonymous]

All of my estrogen levels above 80ish have always had an accompanying cyst. I am slightly overweight and have moderately high FSH/reduced ovarian reserve and have never been told by my RE that losing weight would impact my estrogen level. In fact, he has never discussed my weight with me at all. Give it a cycle for the cyst to take care of itself and then have cd3 testing done again.

[Anonymous]

I just posted previously. Forgot to add that I am also a regular exerciser (walk for 45 mins 5x/week). Even when I have taken a break from exercising (forced break for 4 months), my estrogen level did not change. If your RE pushes you to lose weight and exercise to lower your estrogen to work with you, then I would honestly go for a second opinion to see what another RE has to say. Time is too valuable with ttc over 40 to "give something a try."

[Anonymous]

I also have high estrogen so the FSH values were not valid. I've just read the book "The fertility diet". This book suggests that diets high in simple carbs and being slightly overweight can cause fertility problems including high estrogen. Also, high estrogen can cause disruptions to your cycle (e.g. LPD) which can interfere with fertility. The books that I've read recommend eliminating simple carbs switching to more complex ones (e.g. brown rice, whole wheat) and eating more veges such as those from the broccoli/cabbage family and loosing weight (5-10%) can really help. This is based on analysis of the nurses health study data and correlating diet with fertility.

According to this book the advice the nurse gave is right on.

Has anyone tried this approach and had success (or not) with getting pregnant?

[Anonymous]

I also had high estrodiol (100) on CD 3. Two RE's (at two diff. clinics) said it was probably a cyst as I had it tested again two cyles later and it was <50. I'm having it tested yet again this month as a repeat of all day 3 labs since we just swiched clinics. I think sometimes they will do an US to look for a cyst.

[Anonymous]

As with the 11:15 poster, I am slightly overweight and have slightly elevated FSH. My normal e2 reading is in the 50s or low 60s. The only time it has been higher has been with evidence of an e2 producing cyst. I have never been told my weight is an issue nor that losing any would make a difference and I have seen a couple of highly regarded REs in the area and one in NYC.

To the OP, which doctor gave you this advice if you don't mind me asking. I know of one doctor in this area who I have seen that believes weight is an issue and am wondering if it is the same RE.