CD 3 Bloodwork Results--not sure what to think (Update--sort of)

Davie813

So, here they are:

Estradiol: 35
FSH: 11
LH: 9.7

Unfortunately, I won't be able to discuss these with my doctor until tomorrow or Wednesday, so I've been consulting with Dr. Google all morning.  The nurse who reported them to me described them as "normal," which I guess they could be depending on the lab, but I thought FSH over 10 was bad news...

I know (or rather, I think--apologies if I'm wrong) that none of you are doctors, and that you definitely don't know normal values for the lab where they were done, but what do you think?  How upset should I be?

latershrader

Are you with an OB/GYN or RE? It's hard not to get worked up when you know the range. I would try my best to stay calm until you speak with the doctor. Keeping my fingers crossed that you get some words of encouragement from the dr.

PrivateOne

All I can offer is that we are all unique and one size does not fit all when it comes to numbers.  Yes, there are "typical" ranges, but it doesn't mean you are doomed if you fall in the wrong end of the range. Just as one example, I have a friend that had a high FSH and low AMH and was able to have a beautiful son who turned 2 a few weeks ago.

All the best to you and keep us posted as you learn more.

Davie813

Thanks, Ladies.  Trying to keep calm...

@soontobeshrader, I'm currently with my OB.  RE referral will be one of the things we discuss when I see her later this month (or maybe when we talk on the phone, depending on what she has to say...)

on42

I cannot speak to the estradiol or the LH, but my FSH went from 7 to almost 12 in a year, and we were able to conceive twice (first ended in m/c). So, it probably sounds high, but my RE was still able to find about 8 follicles, and 3 mature with letrozole. 

Ask them to do an AMH test as well. Again, my AMH went from .32 (almost non-existent) to 1.3, and we were able to conceive naturally!

xo

Mrs.McIrish

I'm not sure of your age?? The lower the better. I was 37 when mine came in at 12.1. I wasted 6 months on IUIs and it was up to 17.3 by then. 24.5 a year later. I have seen plenty of ladies get pregnant with an FSH of 11. Just don't waste time. You may not get a lot of eggs but the quality can be fine (mine just wasn't). I remember crying when my 12.1 came in but as the next few years rolled by, I came to realize that 11 isn't bad at all. It may be harder though. My best advice is just not to waste precious time because it "could" rise quickly.

Mrs.McIrish

Ps: I saw you on the >40 check in. FSH of 11 is actually pretty decent for 40+.

Davie813

Thanks, ladies! @on42, I did ask about having AMH tested, but they said they don't do that until people had been TTC for longer than I have. When I talk to my dr this week, I will push for that.

@Mrs.McIrish thanks! I turned 40 on the 19th. It's confusing--some sources suggest what you said in your second post, that a borderline value like mine isn't bad _for my age_. Most say that the older you are, the worse a high reading actually is. And then there are the ones (my favorites) that state values like mine might be normal, depending on the assay used. But yes, I'm afraid it's rising fast, and I'm discouraged because IVF is not on the table for us. I guess I need to talk to the dr ASAP!

In the meantime, though, I welcome any info/feedback I can bring to that conversation!

Samuelismomma

My blood work is in my signature...the dr told me it was great for 41...he also always uses the same lab. I was like you couldn't tell good from bad:s ...don't know if that helps, but you can compare:)

Davie813

Yeah, @samuelismomma, it looks good  (I don't know about TSH and prolactin, but my research binge tells me your other levels are right where they should be).  Mine is a different story, alas.

I've moved on from fretting over the FSH to wondering if the estradiol is too low and the LH is too high.  Stupid Internet. ~X(

Any feedback from you Bumpies is still welcome, of course!

Samuelismomma

Estradiol levels are 25-75 they say anything over 80 is abnormal. Lh 5 to 25 is normal with 14.2 to 52 .2 after menopause. According to re. LH rises and lowers depending on where in cycle ..hope that helps...

Davie813

Thanks!  I know high estradiol is a bad sign, but I ran across a few things that suggested levels in the low 30s also indicated the beginning of menopause (I can't find them now).  Lots of places seem to put the "normal" limit for LH at 7.

Of course, I know this depends on the lab, etc, and I'm making myself crazy, so I'm going to stop.  I just wish the doctor would call me back!  Grrr!

thirtyninetoforty

Your numbers do look good.  Estradiol number is good, too.  I know testing levels can be different depending on where/who does it but they do look good.  My RE said that if mine were bad, he would've checked again the next month.  I was also told if there were questions he would've tested twice in the same cycle to see how the numbers compare.  Honestly, if a nurse said they were normal I am sure they are or she wouldn't have given you any info.  Chin up

Davie813

**previous pregnancy mentioned**

So, after a couple more phone calls on my part, I got a call back from another nurse at my OB's office yesterday informing me that the Dr. had reviewed the results, declared them normal, and advised me to keep up the "timed intercourse" until I came in for my appointment.  (This was my OB during my pregnancy and birth, so obviously we've discussed all sorts of intimate things, but for some reason the idea of her thinking about my having intercourse--timed or otherwise--really skeeved me out.  But I digress.)

The nurse is supposed to relay back to her that I am still concerned, but I don't know if I'll actually hear from her.  In fairness, she was really great as an OB while I was pregnant.  I'm less impressed with her now that I'm trying to get that way, and I'm not sure, since she's not an RE, how seriously to take her evaluation of the results.  Still, I guess I feel a little better.  On to the timed intercourse!  Hey-yo!

Tl/dr: no real answers, and I was a bit snappy with my OB's nurse on the phone (sorry!), but I do feel somewhat reassured.  Thanks for "listening!"

pinksandbermuda

Well that is good, I hope the dr. gets back to you and addresses your concerns.