Advice (high estrogen) - whether to cancel this cycle

emmuffy

Hi all... not sure what to do about my current cycle. This is m 5th IUI cycle (unmedicated). We are using donor sperm and have 4 units left. We were planning to try 1-2 more times with IUI, and then move to IVF.

My estrogen was abnormally high on day 3 (more than triple any of my previous readings, and more than double the limit of what is considered the normal range for day 3). High estrogen at day 3 can be associated with poor egg quality. However, we retested today (Day 5) and the estrogen was back within normal limits. My doctor is willing proceed with the cycle given today's results, but I'm wondering if I should just sit this cycle out. I don't want to bother inseminating if my follicle(s) aren't likely to be good quality. My dominant follicle this cycle also appears to be developing on my right side, where I have a 1.5 cm cyst, and I have no idea if that's going to interfere with things.

Does anyone have any experience with high estrogen? Did you proceed with the cycle or skip it?

emmuffy

We were trying to keep things as 'natural' as possible - just a personal preference, and wanting to avoid the risk of multiples. We were thinking of introducing Clomid on cycle 6 if #5 didn't work. My doctor is (gently) encouraging Clomid.

BunnyBerry

I'm sorry that I don't have any advice about your estrogen numbers! Have you asked the doc if that odd temporary jump signifies a problem with egg quality this cycle?

Clomid or other meds could take care of some different issues that might be undiagnosed but holding you back. I also want to suggest that having a cycle or more or Clomid or even injects can give the RE key feedback on your body's reaction to fertility meds, which can help them plan a more effective IVF first cycle if needed. But, that doesn't take into account your desire to reduce the risk of multiples, so I would just like to say good luck with whatever you choose!

emmuffy

Thanks! That's a really good point about the IVF. Frankly, I'm finding it really hard getting the BFNs every month and I'm seriously considering starting Clomid next cycle just to increase my chances and hopefully get a better result. I sent a rather long email to my clinic and the doctor wrote me a very thorough response about what to do with this cycle. Basically, she is not concerned about egg quality this cycle because the estrogen came right back down after spiking so high. So... I'm going to go for it, wish me luck!

Lillovebug79

Good luck!! I would definitely look into trying clomid next cycle, it will hopefully give you better odds of success. Plus like PPs said, it will give your doctor some good info about your response.