School me on FSH

jschwind22 · July 2012

Sorry to be a PW, but I actually have a 3T related question this time. Today the nurse at my RE's office said that if we want to try IUI first (as opposed to IVF), they are recommending starting with injects as opposed to oral meds. She also said that my FSH was 8.8, which is very close to the 9 cutoff that they use to determine if there is a problem. This was not explained to me at my last appointment with the Dr. when we went over the results of our testing when I was told that everything was fine with me, but whatever. The borderline FSH combined with the MFI diagnosis we already had lead them to want to do injects.

So I understand that a higher FSH means low ovarian reserve. What exactly does this mean for me at this point in our journey? Should I be worried about running out of eggs? This sounds dumb, but if I use injects to stimulate and produce more eggs, does that mean I'll just run out faster in the future?

My nurse at the RE's office isn't the greatest about explaining things and I think she's annoyed that I keep questioning the recommendations of the Dr. Is there anything else I should know at this point about this FSH information? Thanks!

genmalone · July 2012

First, 10 is usually where most REs will start to worry but FSH is only 1 small piece of the puzzle. AMH is another hormone test that is sometimes considered to be more accurate so definitely ask for it. Also, have they done an antral follicle count? It's where they count your follicles on cd 2 or 3 on an ultrasound? That is a great indicator of whether you are DOR or not.

I wouldn't worry too much. You definitely need more information.

diablesse · July 2012

My FSH hovers between 12 and 13. My RE didn't seem that worried. He said it was a bit on the high side but not enough to panic. We don't have MFI, we think (long story). The combination of two, elevated FSH and MFI might be more concerning.

alb245 · July 2012

I second what genmalone said. Have they tested your AMH or AFC? If not, I would ask for AMH first. It's a simple blood draw and I think more RE's are relying on it/assessing it because it can be done on any day during your cycle.

For what it's worth, my AMH is slightly low, my AFC is borderline low, but my FSH is normal. I felt a lot better once I had all 3 tests to give me a better idea of my ovarian reserve.

GL! And I'm glad your DH has agreed to treatment!

jschwind22 · July 2012

alb245:

I second what genmalone said. Have they tested your AMH or AFC? If not, I would ask for AMH first. It's a simple blood draw and I think more RE's are relying on it/assessing it because it can be done on any day during your cycle.

For what it's worth, my AMH is slightly low, my AFC is borderline low, but my FSH is normal. I felt a lot better once I had all 3 tests to give me a better idea of my ovarian reserve.

GL! And I'm glad your DH has agreed to treatment!

Thanks for your input! I think I did have AMH and AFC tested, but I misplaced the sheet that I had with the specifics and the nurse did not mention those on the phone. I need to follow up to get those again. Thanks!

jschwind22 · July 2012

genmalone:

First, 10 is usually where most REs will start to worry but FSH is only 1 small piece of the puzzle. AMH is another hormone test that is sometimes considered to be more accurate so definitely ask for it. Also, have they done an antral follicle count? It's where they count your follicles on cd 2 or 3 on an ultrasound? That is a great indicator of whether you are DOR or not.

I wouldn't worry too much. You definitely need more information.

I have not had a follicle count. Will they do that on a baseline ultrasound?

School me on FSH

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