FSH levels. Too high?

[Ash2016]

Hi everyone. I was hoping for some advice. I've just picked up some blood test results from my GP ahead of consultation with clinic tomorrow for our second ivf cycle. My fsh has come back as 9.9. Although this says it's within the normal range, I've got a feeling this is on the high side. It was 6.7 when last tested in late 2016. My amh is 6.3 (down from 10.03). I'm now worried that the fsh level is bad news. Can supplements cause it to increase? I've been on DHEA 75mg for months, as well as 600mg ubiquinol. The results also say oestradiol levels are low and to be retested. I have no idea what this one is. Does anyone have any ideas? Thanks in advance xxx

[Orla9298]

Dhea actually helps decrease your fsh, and increases estrogen. Not sure if that’s helpful but that’s what I understand. I’m low amh/high fsh and low estrogen but dhea did help decrease my fsh and boost estrogen

[Ash2016 in reply to Orla9298]

Thanks Orla. I've no idea what's happening then! I don't suppose it's good news, whatever it is 😔

[Orla9298 in reply to Ash2016]

Who knows... fsh does definitely fluctuate. Mine was 22.5 and then I started dhea and kept retesting, it went to 14.5 then 17 then 11.6 then 11 then 9 so jumped around a bit even as it was lowering. I think an fsh reading of 9 won’t impact on how well you respond to the drugs anyway, it’s only a small change xx

[ClarabGlasgow]

Hi this is exactly same level as mine 9.9. Was it taken on day 3 as any other day can give incorrect result. Apparently fsh:Lh ratio should be around 2:1 so worth checking that? mine is around 2.4:1.

My amh is Lower than yours at 3.1 and that was in July so I’m scared to get it retested. How is your vitamin d intake as supplements have been known to help with amh if there’s a deficiency. Hopefully the dhea and ubiquinol are helping you even though it’s not shown up in your results yet . I have dhea in the cupboard ready to start from next cycle. How you finding it any side effects?

Try not to worry apparently levels can fluctuate up and down from one cycle to the next . I have heard it’s best to test for 3 consecutive months for an accurate results but my gp is very stingy when it comes to tests. Maybe yours will be better? Sorry not sure about the oestradol xxx

[Ash2016 in reply to ClarabGlasgow]

Thanks Clara. I had mine tested in day 1. The clinic say to test between days 1-5. Day one was last Friday so I went to have them done then because I wanted to make sure that they come back in time for my appointment tomorrow. My LH came back as 6.5. That was 3.1 when I was first tested which would've been closer 2:1. Hopefully day 1 had thrown out the results.

How'd your first cycle go? Did you respond well? When's your next one due?

I've not noticed any side effects of the ubiquinol I don't think but I did with the dhea. I had trouble sleeping and had some palpitations. I reduced the dose for a while before putting it back once I was used to it and made sure I took the last tablet at least a couple of hours before bed. No idea if it's worked yet, hopefully we'll find out soon. My first cycle we got 6 eggs and only 3 fertilised. We had a 6 & 8 cell embryo transferred but no joy. 🤞for better this time xxx

[ClarabGlasgow in reply to Ash2016]

I didn’t respond well one ovary developed a cyst and so I got no eggs from that one sadly - I don’t have PCOS tho! We only got 3 eggs from other side. I’m hoping that was a blip and next time (if there is one ) will be better with st least a response from both ovaries. We are self funded as already have a daughter . Really not sure what my results mean but imagine I’ll hit menopause younger than normal, nobody had confirmed that tho. I just turned 34 last week so time is going on! Not sure what my chances with ivf compared with natural conception are. Thanks for info on dhea. Good luck xxx

[Orla9298 in reply to ClarabGlasgow]

Medichecks have amh testing on offer for £59 today, normally £80! I just bought it as I haven’t tested for a year when it was 2.87 last 🙈

[ClarabGlasgow in reply to Orla9298]

Do you have to take your own blood with them? C

[Orla9298 in reply to ClarabGlasgow]

You get a finger prick kit and have to fill a small vial, I find it really easy.

[Ash2016 in reply to Orla9298]

That's cheap! I had mine retested in October. I was hoping it would miraculously have gone up but not to be. Hope you get a good result!

[Orla9298 in reply to Ash2016]

I’m dreading knowing but be good to know how much I need to panic about getting these next 3 rounds out of the way!x

[Ash2016 in reply to Orla9298]

We were thinking of signing up for a three cycle plan with create. The idea of knowing that you've got two more shots at making embryos is definitely appealing and would take the pressure off. Hope it goes well x

[Orla9298 in reply to Ash2016]

Create have been amazing, they have been so kind and attentive and thorough. Let’s see how this round goes! 🤞🏼

[Ash2016 in reply to Orla9298]

Everything crossed for you x

[Ash2016]

Thanks very much, I'll take a look at the links and see what I can do x