Low AMH of 3, needing hope

[Eliebeach22]

I’ve just been told this week I have a low AMH of 3. I’m nearly 39 and the doctor said I’d have a 10-12% chance of a live birth from ICSI. She also said we could consider donor eggs but should start taking DHEA, just ordered it. We will absolutely give ICSI our best shot and just want some hope as hearing 10-12% devastated us. Any stories of success just to give us hope would be wonderful to hear. I’ve also read that DHEA can cause weight gain and facial hair growth, slightly concerned at both but more the weight gain as trying to keep weight healthy to start the treatment but will do anything to help in the process as just desperate to be a Mummy. Any help would be much appreciated. I’ve just joined this chat this morning and reading others stories is definitely helping. Thanks so much x

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi Eliebeach. Also, perhaps a mild approach to IVF could be the way to go, so that you encourage eggs that want to come out, rather than are forced out. Just a thought. Good luck with whatever way you go, and of course for success. Diane

[Eliebeach22 in reply to DianeArnold]

Thanks Diane. I really appreciate that. This is a wonderful platform, so glad I found it today

[Gerbear22]

Hi there.I know you must be feeling devastated as we were.We were only given a 10% chance aswell due to my age (40) and ‘poor hormonal profile’ and told donor eggs would probably be our only hope.I was put on a short protocol both times.First attempt in March resulted in only 3 follicles but all eggs mature and 2 grade 1 embryos were transferred unfortunately they didn’t take.Second attempt in September resulted in only 2 follicles(2 smaller but weren’t counted) but both eggs were mature and resulted in two grade 1 embryos which were transferred on day 3 and I am now 9 weeks pregnant.x

[Eliebeach22 in reply to Gerbear22]

Thanks Gerbear22. Congratulations - just the best news isn’t it. You must be on cloud 9. Thank you for sharing your story with me, it’s given me hope and that’s all we need sometimes isn’t it. I’m so pleased to hear you’re pregnant and hope that you are keeping well. Thanks again - I must read more into short protocol and what this means as their advice at the moment was icsi but I want to know more about all options. We will try anything x

[Pnw2020]

Hi.

I believe it’s best to test DHEAS to get an idea of your levels before starting. Have a look at Medichecks. You could consider checking your vitamin levels etc and thyroid function to ensure these are optimum.

It’s not for everyone but It Starts with the Egg book has details about supplements. If you are looking for diet/nutritional info have a look at Zita West IVF diet. Generally, all changes should be done for 3 months prior to egg collection.

Saying all of that, make sure your partner has been checked thoroughly. DNA fragmentation test is often recommended.

Have they spoken about a multi-cycle package? I used Access Fertility (who paid the clinic) as it was cheaper than paying the clinic direct. It includes fresh and frozen transfers but with lower AMH it is less likely to have embryos to freeze.

Good luck x

[Eliebeach22 in reply to Pnw2020]

Thanks so much for all your advice, super helpful. I will look into all of that. Re the access fertility - I’m sure I looked into that before and it’s for under age of 38. Sadly I’m nearly 39 otherwise that would have been great. Thanks so much x

[Pnw2020 in reply to Eliebeach22]

Hi. I think there is a multi cycle package that you can use. That’s what I did at 39.

[Marisa32]

hey, low AMH is not a deal breaker. I had non existent AMH and got pregnant twice naturally. Once at 38 and second time at 42! IVF didn't help me because I was also a poor responder and didn't react to stims at all. I'm assuming you need ICSI because of sperm issues? Be prepared to do multiple cycles because we don't produce many eggs on stims. Mild or Natural IVF often works better for us. I never took DHEA, as I read it may have many side effects and I also have Hashimoto's and didn't want that to interfere with my thyroid meds.

Keep in mind that at the end of the day it's quality over quantity and AMH only refers to quantity. Good luck, you can do it!

[Eliebeach22 in reply to Marisa32]

Thanks for all your help, it’s lovely to see you’ve had success - huge congratulations, must be the best feeling in the world - especially when you didn’t expect it. I hope so much that is us one day. Thanks again, giving me hope is appreciated x

[Star241]

hey, my AMH was 2.9 I was told I would have a low chance of success with IVF we went ahead in Feb this year, got 4 eggs, and 1 3 day embryo to transfer, it didn’t work a follow up with the consultant suggested donor eggs and again said I would have a low chance with either my eggs or trying to do conceive naturally, late in May I discovered I was pregnant and I’m now 25 weeks by a natural conception. So while it is obviously a concern I would say with IVF you possibly will be looking at less eggs but still there is a chance and there is even maybe a chance trying naturally too, I think for me I did always have a bit of hope. All the best to you xx

[Eliebeach22 in reply to Star241]

Thanks Star. Congratulations - such lovely news and for it to happen naturally is just amazing. We are both quite positive people so definitely trying to stay that way and have the hope, it’s just hard I guess as we got the news just days ago so is still a shock. Can I ask did you try using the DHEA drugs? Hearing such mixed reports here. Thanks again. Your story gives us hope. Congratulations again. Such special news x

[Star241 in reply to Eliebeach22]

Ah thank you 🙏 honestly I think we are still in shock. I did use DHEA for a limited time before the IVF round in Feb not sure if it helped however I highly recommend COQ10 I took this right upto my positive test it is great for you eggs. It is a shock I’m sure but definitely not the end of the story xx

[Eliebeach22 in reply to Star241]

Thanks Star. I’ll definitely look this up, thanks for the recommendation. I’m so pleased to hear such nice news. Hope you’re keeping well and thanks again. Have a great week xx

[Katieloulou1983]

Hi

I can't offer much advice I am afraid as I am relatively new here too and just at the start of my journey, but I just wanted to say welcome🤗

[Eliebeach22 in reply to Katieloulou1983]

I’m so sorry for late reply, only just got your message. That’s so kind of you - welcome to you too . I’ve found this forum such a huge help already - so great to have people sharing their stories and giving hope. Wishing you all the best with your journey and if it helps to have a contact who has just started too I’d be happy to private message x

[Katieloulou1983 in reply to Eliebeach22]

hat would be lovely!

[Jjleo]

hI I was given an AMH of 2 at the age of 29 n told there was only a 15-20% chance of IVF. We went with ICSI due to slight male factor too.

worked first time for us! got 4 eggs, 2 fertilised so we transferred both on day 3. They are currently 18 weeks old and cuddled up having their breakfast at the moment 🥰. Although my eggs would be of a higher quality due to my age there is a good chance of it working.

I wish u the best of luck!

[Eliebeach22 in reply to Jjleo]

aww that is so lovely of you to share, thank you! And to work first time - wow. This gives me hope. Enjoy your special snuggles and have a great weekend x

[katymcg]

hi lovely! just some advice, get for DHEA tested first before taking it. you can get it done privately for 50 quid and super easy. my clinic got me to take it, I ended up with a police caution as it is illegal in the UK, as it is a steroid. I also put on a lot of weight and when I got mine tested, it was well overnormal levels, so I didn't even need to take it! just some advice

[Eliebeach22 in reply to katymcg]

Thanks, that’s really kind of you to flag it. It just arrived today so I’m now confused whether to start or not. I’m really worried about weight gain. I’m wondering if my DHEA must be low already for them to recommend me taking it but think I’ll call GP on Monday to check. Thanks again x