SSH Levels?

Melissa66

I had my 3 Day Menses bloodwork this morning and a nurse called to tell me that my SSH level is 17.6 which she said was elevated.  She said a good number is below 14 and that I need to discuss this with my RE during my follow-up appointment next Tuesday. Now I'm very anxious.  What does this SSH number mean?

ELF4321

I'm guessing it was FSH, which is your level of follicle stimulating hormone.  It can be a sign of diminished ovarian reserve and usually means you will need higher doses of meds to stimulate production for IUI or IVF.  Did they also give you numbers for Estradiol (E2), AMH, and AFC (follicle count)?   Those numbers all have to be looked at together to get a good picture of your ovarian reserve.  It's not a reason to panic at this point.  Here's some good info on this website:

 https://www.advancedfertility.com/ovarian-reserve.htm

Mrs.McIrish

I think you mean FSH= follicle stimulating hormone.

Mine is 17.3. It's not good. It usually means we have diminished ovarian reserve and can be hard to stimulate with drugs. Did you get an AMH level or have an antral follicle count done?  They all go together for the DOR diagnosis.

Here is some info; https://www.advancedfertility.com/day3fsh.htm

Warning: the internet will make you feel depressed about this big time.

Mrs.McIrish

Nice job ELF--

 

Melissa66

No I only got the FSH level  Thanks for correcting me about the name -- I had a bad cell phone connection.

I'm going to try to be brave about this.

ELF4321

Mrs.McIrish:

Nice job ELF--

Great minds think alike

ELF4321

Melissa66:

No I only got the FSH level  Thanks for correcting me about the name -- I had a bad cell phone connection.

I'm going to try to be brave about this.

You're definitely on the right board for DOR (diminished ovarian reserve) issues.  Stick around, and let us know when you get your other numbers -- you will probably find a few of us here in the same boat.  Good luck!

Mrs.McIrish

ELF4321:

Melissa66:

No I only got the FSH level  Thanks for correcting me about the name -- I had a bad cell phone connection.

I'm going to try to be brave about this.

You're definitely on the right board for DOR (diminished ovarian reserve) issues.  Stick around, and let us know when you get your other numbers -- you will probably find a few of us here in the same boat.  Good luck!

Unfortunately this is true-- lots of DOR ladies here.

Melissa- FSH rises naturally in every woman as you approach menopause. It just rises faster and earlier for some of us than others. But we have had a few natural PG on this board this year with ladies with high FSH. So it doesn't mean you can't get PG but it usually takes longer and is much harder.  For illustration: I just did IVF.  A "normal" woman might get 15-20 eggs. I got 3 on max drugs.  With only 3, the odds are that they are going to be abnormal just because that's what happens with age (sadly).  Of course they can be normal too. It's a crap shoot I feel.

 

solarflare

I have elevated FSH as well, but mine was found through the Clomid Challenge test. Try not to stress too much - it's just one part of the picture. Have you had your Antral Follicle Count done yet? The RE will want to be aggressive with your treatment though. For example I skipped Clomid altogether and went straight to injectables. However, there are still lots of ways to get pregnant. It may just take longer and be harder, which we knew going into this a bit older anyway. 

Melissa66

solarflare:

I have elevated FSH as well, but mine was found through the Clomid Challenge test. Try not to stress too much - it's just one part of the picture. Have you had your Antral Follicle Count done yet? The RE will want to be aggressive with your treatment though. For example I skipped Clomid altogether and went straight to injectables. However, there are still lots of ways to get pregnant. It may just take longer and be harder, which we knew going into this a bit older anyway. 

No Clomid Challenge test done. 

Thanks, ladies, for all your support!  As always, you support me, educate me and lift my spirits.  I'm truly blessed to have friends here who understand how hard every step in this process can be. 

ELF4321

Melissa66:

solarflare:

I have elevated FSH as well, but mine was found through the Clomid Challenge test. Try not to stress too much - it's just one part of the picture. Have you had your Antral Follicle Count done yet? The RE will want to be aggressive with your treatment though. For example I skipped Clomid altogether and went straight to injectables. However, there are still lots of ways to get pregnant. It may just take longer and be harder, which we knew going into this a bit older anyway. 

No Clomid Challenge test done. 

Thanks, ladies, for all your support!  As always, you support me, educate me and lift my spirits.  I'm truly blessed to have friends here who understand how hard every step in this process can be. 

A lot of REs don't do this test anymore.. 

solarflare

ELF4321:

Melissa66:

solarflare:

I have elevated FSH as well, but mine was found through the Clomid Challenge test. Try not to stress too much - it's just one part of the picture. Have you had your Antral Follicle Count done yet? The RE will want to be aggressive with your treatment though. For example I skipped Clomid altogether and went straight to injectables. However, there are still lots of ways to get pregnant. It may just take longer and be harder, which we knew going into this a bit older anyway. 

No Clomid Challenge test done. 

Thanks, ladies, for all your support!  As always, you support me, educate me and lift my spirits.  I'm truly blessed to have friends here who understand how hard every step in this process can be. 

A lot of REs don't do this test anymore.. 

Yes - I heard this as well. I didn't know if I should pay as much attention to those results but...my RE is, so I have to as well.