Antagonist Protocol - period while stimming

SFLOHBride

I'm more a lurker than a poster, but I received such crappy news yesterday that I needed some advice and anecdotal info.

I'm currently on IVF#1 and doing the antagonist protocol. Unfortunately, I got my E2 number yesterday (after 4 days of stims) and it was 29. It looks like I have 10+ follies, but they're not growing. My doc upped my dosage to 300 for follistim and 150 of menopur. 

A few questions: Has anyone had an E2 this low at day 4? Is it even possible to salvage this cycle? My calendar had me starting stims on the second day after my last BCP (which I'll call CD2). I started having my period on CD4, by which time I was already on my 3rd day of stims. Could that be causing the low E2 numbers? Did anyone else have their period while on their stims?

Thank you!

BeccaLandes

I did antagonist protocol.  I started stims 3 days after finishing the pill, right as I started bleeding.  My E2 after 4 days of stims was around 85, I think, which is higher than yours but still pathetically low.  A couple of days later, my E2 had risen and I was in good shape for the cycle.  I did stay on the same dose throughout (225iu of Bravelle, 75 of Menopur).

I ended up stimming for 12 days, had 23 eggs retrieved, and 15 embryos.

SFLOHBride

Thank you so much for responding. I was so worried that this cycle would be a complete failure. I'll keep my fingers crossed and hope for the best.

LCB34

My E2 was super low at my first scan (day 5 of stims) and they could not see a single follicle.

My RE upped my meds to 300 IUs Follistim and 300 IUs Menopur a day.  We ended up only get 7 egg at ER but, that cycle has resulted in this pregnancy - which is the farther I have ever made it with any of my pregnancies.

Try not to worry - your E2 will pick up - it may just take a bit longer.

njohnson1972

My E2 was also low on after 3 days of stims.  It was 58.  My dosage was upped from 225 IUs Follistim and 225 IUs Menopur to 300 IUs of each.  My E2 picked up by my next check.

I ended up with 4 follicles at ER, but I have DOR and didn't expect high numbers to start with.

jennim1984

During stims, nothing much was happening for the first 4 days, and I panicked. They upped my meds, and things turned out fine. They retrieved 15 eggs.

Hopefully the dose increase will get things goin. GL!!

SFLOHBride

Thank you for all the replies! I feel so much better...this cycle might not be a bust after all.