@vssbrm I had a slightly high (29) with a normal TSH. It then went up to 35 a month later and my OB didn't retest my TSH ( I had a history of hypothyroidism and had been on meds a few years). I wasn't having any symptoms of high prolactin level other than not getting pregnant, so my OB just wanted to watch it. A month or so later was my RE appt. My prolactin rose again (never was told the #), but my TSH level also was too high. He increased my synthroid and now my prolactin is down to 18.
Long story not so short, a high TSH level can artificially increase your prolactin level. If you aren't having any other symptoms of a prolactinoma (google spells these out well), then you may just needed to get your thyroid retested and be put on medicine or have it increased if you already have hypothyroidism. Has your doctor mentioned additional bloodwork?
Married to DH 10/6/12
TTC since 5/14
Unexplained with (controlled) hypothyroidism and suspected ovulatory dysfunction (but, I do ovulate on my own)
Clomid 50 mg 3/15 (unmonitored) - BFN
Clomid 50 mg + metformin 4/15 (unmonitored) - BFN
First RE appt. 5/15; Natural cycle 5/15 monitored with 2 mature follicles and Pregnyl Trigger (full dose) + prometrium - BFN
6/15 HSG - clear tubes & normal uterus; great PCT test results
TI - 100 mg Clomid + prometrium (AM & PM) + vaginal estrace (AM & PM) 6-7/15 (monitored) --> no additional response and thinned lining - BFN
TI - Injectables (follistim + Gonal-F, Ganirelix, & 1/2 dose Pregnyl) + prometrium (AM & PM) 9/15 --> 3-7 mature follicles (3 definites and 4+ that could have matured due to trigger) @ O -->BFN + 5 large cysts
Just had my 1st Medicated IUI (2nd IUI as first was unmedicated 2 months ago). Was not as crampy from the IUI so far like I was last time. FX for all of us.
Me: 34 (Divorced 8-22-16)
Last Depo: 2-19-13 Stopped BCP completely: 10-13-13
TTC Starting 4-26-14 Stopped TTC 2-1-16
Ultrasound found minor PCOS 9-5-15 BFP with boyfriend 12-7-16
@riveridgional thank you for sharing your ecperience. I just googled symptoms of prolactinoma. I do not really have any beside infertility. My thyroid had been tested a year or two ago but the doctor did not flag anything and I do not recall results. Again nothing was flagged in February when my prolactin first came back elevated. Im really impatient for the doctor to call back. Everything I have read says there are some easy remidies for this, and that conceiving is difficult if not impossible with raised levels. So I really want to ask him why we were not addressing this prior to the two medicated IUIs I have gone through and paid fully out of poct for. I just had the second one yesterday, I feel like he should have had the convrsation with me Tuesday, not today. So now my positivity is looking bleak right now.
All the ladies (i started to list evryone but...) my fingers are crossed for you.
@agriffin92013 how many DPO are you? Could it be implanting since you are early?
Married May 2009, TTC since November 2012 (Together since 2006 ish - had my eyes on him since 2001)
Me: 32 (33 in May), Him: 37 (January)
DX: Me: High Prolactin, Possible Autoimmune Disease Issues, though RE not concerned (?) New RE has a plan!!
Him: Minor Varicocele, low morphology, slightly low count
History:
Beta 5/9/2016 BFP!! Embryo transfer scheduled for April 28, 2016 and beta test May 9, 2016 (day after Mother's Day!) Transfer Meds include: Lupron Depot (4/1), Minivelle Patch (every 3rd day), Estradiol (3x daily), Amoxicillin, Progesterone in Oil, Methylprednisonlone. Lovenox and baby asprin added after transfer.
3/22/16 - Sono Saline ultrasound cyst to be aspirated on 4/1/16 if not cleared up by 3/29 US - It cleared on its own Retrieval 3/4/16 - 26 eggs retrieved, 23 mature, 20 fertilized, 14 embryos currently frozen Starting IVF Stims on +/- Feb 22, 2016 HSG scheduled for 1-26-16 - All clear "beautiful uterus" (though inverted)
Switched clinics and now prepping for IVF in February / March
@vssbrm I completely understand your frustration. It's actually what prompted me to make my RE appointment. I also do think it's a little odd your doc didn't bring it up sooner. However, I don't think it's uncommon with low levels and no other symptoms (ie, discharge from nipples), to monitor it for a few months. Before putting me on medication for the high level, my OB stated they would want to confirm prolactinoma with an MRI but it would be very difficult to see one with low levels. The medication, while effective, can have some nasty side effects. Once my RE saw my high TSH level (which was barely above the normal range: 4.12, I believe), he told me the high TSH was likely causing the high prolactin and not to worry about it. I really hope the cause of your high levels is something similar and not the beginning of a prolactinoma. Good luck and keep me updated with your doctor's decision going forward!
Married to DH 10/6/12
TTC since 5/14
Unexplained with (controlled) hypothyroidism and suspected ovulatory dysfunction (but, I do ovulate on my own)
Clomid 50 mg 3/15 (unmonitored) - BFN
Clomid 50 mg + metformin 4/15 (unmonitored) - BFN
First RE appt. 5/15; Natural cycle 5/15 monitored with 2 mature follicles and Pregnyl Trigger (full dose) + prometrium - BFN
6/15 HSG - clear tubes & normal uterus; great PCT test results
TI - 100 mg Clomid + prometrium (AM & PM) + vaginal estrace (AM & PM) 6-7/15 (monitored) --> no additional response and thinned lining - BFN
TI - Injectables (follistim + Gonal-F, Ganirelix, & 1/2 dose Pregnyl) + prometrium (AM & PM) 9/15 --> 3-7 mature follicles (3 definites and 4+ that could have matured due to trigger) @ O -->BFN + 5 large cysts
My cd 12 scan is tomorrow so our IUI should be this weekend or Monday. This will be our second IUI. I have unexplained infertility, my husband is good. TTC over 3 years, NTNP almost 6.
just got my e2 results from this morning (cd 7) & levels are 718! they decreased gonal f from 200iu to 125iu for tonight & moved up my u/s to tom morning. nurse said i might have several mature follis already (or very close) .. im hoping this is the case & iui happens this weekend. anyone else have high e2 levels this early? i hope im not over stimulating. i cant take another cancelled cycle : /
@amos1417 i had a cancelled cycle few weeks ago bec follis stalled.. wish i wouldv known about letrozole to ask my re about it!
@Rachd110 im in the same boat if this iui doesnt work.. we will move onto ivf too. we don't want to spend anymore $ on iui when ivf odds r higher.. im so intimidated by the whole ivf process!
@riveridgional spoke with my doctor yesterday. He did prescribe a medication to take, I am also going to try adding some foods to my diet that lower prolactin. Basically mine is not that high that it would have harmful effects on my health, but because we have been at this so long, he wants me to take the meds. So we will see...
I feel like this cycle is so much more of a roller coaster than the last.
Happy Friday everyone!
Married May 2009, TTC since November 2012 (Together since 2006 ish - had my eyes on him since 2001)
Me: 32 (33 in May), Him: 37 (January)
DX: Me: High Prolactin, Possible Autoimmune Disease Issues, though RE not concerned (?) New RE has a plan!!
Him: Minor Varicocele, low morphology, slightly low count
History:
Beta 5/9/2016 BFP!! Embryo transfer scheduled for April 28, 2016 and beta test May 9, 2016 (day after Mother's Day!) Transfer Meds include: Lupron Depot (4/1), Minivelle Patch (every 3rd day), Estradiol (3x daily), Amoxicillin, Progesterone in Oil, Methylprednisonlone. Lovenox and baby asprin added after transfer.
3/22/16 - Sono Saline ultrasound cyst to be aspirated on 4/1/16 if not cleared up by 3/29 US - It cleared on its own Retrieval 3/4/16 - 26 eggs retrieved, 23 mature, 20 fertilized, 14 embryos currently frozen Starting IVF Stims on +/- Feb 22, 2016 HSG scheduled for 1-26-16 - All clear "beautiful uterus" (though inverted)
Switched clinics and now prepping for IVF in February / March
My cycle day 12 scan was today. I only had 1 follie. I usually have 2+. We're not sure if we'll continue with IUI this month as previously planned. I'm super bummed.
@greengypsy - It was a letrozole cycle. I am not sure that you can just add it to boost follicles if you started with another stim med. I started with 5mg letrozole cd 5-6 and then upped it to 7.5mg cd 16-20. Good luck with your US!! Let us know!
@amos1417 im waiting at the re office as i type! i should have clarified.. my cancelled cycle ws mixed (letrozole & gonal f).. they had me do just gonal f this time & i hope it worked out.. should know in a few min
Ok.... Today is 7dpiui (9pdt). I managed to run to the bathroom and get ride of my FMU before I could change my mind and grab a test! Lol I know it's too early so right now I'm fighting the urge to "test my trigger shot out". You guys know how it is - once you start POAS you can't stop! Well atleast that how it is for me. Gonna try not to give in until atleast Monday which would be 10piui (12dpt). Anyone else in the same boat? Or anyone else already give in and test?
@misshopeful1 My 1st cycle with clomid only produced 1 mature follie and we went forward with the IUI. Why would the RE not? Is it because of the cost?
Do you know what size the 1 follie is now?
Married: 8/29/2009 TTC- since we got married (off and on) TTC with focus: Since July 2015
Currently had 2 rounds of failed IUIs, failed TI monitored cycle December 2015: Starting 1st IVF cycle January 2016: Retrieval March 2016: Pending Transfer (I have 3 PGS tested embryos waiting for a womb) April 2016: BFP, the old fashioned way.
@babyexpress it was 16mm. Our concern is I generally more and larger follicles. I've been asking about increased dosage or new regimen. I hear what you're saying but we've done so many cycles, and with how long we've been TTC and the diagnosis it's just very upsetting. Cost is part of it. Doesn't seem worth it. My last IUI we had 3 follies and it didn't work. I'm just very overwhelmed.
@misshopeful1 I only have to pay a copay when I do IUI because my insurance pays 100% for as many IUIs as I would like. So cost wasn't an issue for me, but I understand going with the TI with only 1 follie if you have to pay oop. After my 1st cycle only produced 1, my RE put me on injectables and that increased it to 3-4 follies. For sure 3 and there was 1 straggler that could have been mature by the time I did IUI. Have you tried Follistim yet?
Married: 8/29/2009 TTC- since we got married (off and on) TTC with focus: Since July 2015
Currently had 2 rounds of failed IUIs, failed TI monitored cycle December 2015: Starting 1st IVF cycle January 2016: Retrieval March 2016: Pending Transfer (I have 3 PGS tested embryos waiting for a womb) April 2016: BFP, the old fashioned way.
@misshopeful1 I've had two iui's. The first only produced one follie at 20mm. The second I had one at 20 mm and a smaller one just under 14. Not sure if the smaller one grew and released an egg. My RE says you only need one so he continued with IUI both times. I'm currently in my 2ww. If I get a BFN next week, I'm moving to IVF.
@MrsReeder - I bought some HPTs and I'm keeping them in a cabinet out of sight until 10dpiui. I know myself, and like you I would too easily get obsessed... bad enough that wondering if I'll get a BFN or a BFP is in my every waking thought.... (UGH!) I'm on 4dpiui now, so I still have to distract myself for nearly another week!
Ok.... Today is 7dpiui (9pdt). I managed to run to the bathroom and get ride of my FMU before I could change my mind and grab a test! Lol I know it's too early so right now I'm fighting the urge to "test my trigger shot out". You guys know how it is - once you start POAS you can't stop! Well atleast that how it is for me. Gonna try not to give in until atleast Monday which would be 10piui (12dpt). Anyone else in the same boat? Or anyone else already give in and test?
I'm 8dpiui today and I'm thinking of of testing Monday too at 10dpiui!
Me 32 DH 34
Married 9/2012
TTC #2 starting 9/2019 BFP 7/13/2020! Due 3/18/2021
TTC #1 since 2/2015 Diagnosis: Unexplained Infertility 9/2015
IUIs #1-#5: 9/2015-2/2016 all BFNs Moving to IVF with ICSI and PGS 5/2016-6/2016 Just kidding, BFP 4/4/2016! Spencer Elliott born 12/7/2016
@ErikaMG I feel for ya! The TWW is awful and there is no way around it - unfortunately! I'm not gonna tell you to "keep busy" bc that doesn help either. We are ready for the BFP and won't think about anything else until we get it! Lol fx for you! Lots of baby dust! ✨✨✨
just had my u/s (cd 8).. i have 3-4 follis (maybe more) that will be ready tom. i have another u/s tom morning to see what were working with. re said if i have 4 or more mature, he would recommend follicle reduction.. anyone have experience with this? it sounds painful... but I'll get to trigger tom & iui's sun & mon morning.. im hoping for just 3 mature by tom.. never thought i would be excited for 2ww but after my cancelled cycle ill be glad once i get there
@misshopeful1 iv had 2 iui's each with 1 folli.. i was on letrozole w 1st & natural w 2nd.. i would still go forward with 1 folli but only bec i pay pretty much same amount for cancelled cycle compare to if i go thru w iui.. i guess it would depend on ur situation.. sorry u feel overwhelmed.. fx for u!
@greengypsy thanks for input. We've decided to not proceed with iui and since the nurse is being so unhelpful and unwilling to consider changing treatment we'll schedule an appointment with doc.
My IUI for September was cancelled for additional tests but I am OFFICIALLY doing an IUI cycle for October. It will be my first cycle with injectibles so I am hoping for BIG results. Cycle day one should be next week. Taking ginger tea and primrose oil this week to help make sure AF comes on time...otherwise I will have to do provera which will probably push me back a week. ANY TIPS ON MAKING SURE AF IS TIMELY ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED. With PCOS I can go months without Having one naturally and I hate the provera side effects.
Anyway this cycle will be mixed: letrozole, gonal-f and estrace. Then progesterone suppositories until AF comes again or until week 8 of pregnancy. Hoping for the later. Don't want to be too optimistic but if this cycle works we will be able to announce the pregnancy (to our families at least) around Christmas which also happens to be a week before our 5 year anniversary.
Never thought we would go five years and no babies! But the lord works in mysterious ways and we feel blessed to have had the time to build our relationship
@PCOSat25 my sept iui cycle was cancelled as well.. did provera for 10 days, af came on 12th day.. im having iui sun & mon.. this was my 1st iui w injectables.. i was on 75iu few wks ago & it wasn't enough thus the cancelled cycle.. they increased me to 200iu & i had 3-4 follis that ill be mature tom & im only on cd 8 today.. its all about getting that right dose! fx for u! iv thought about announcing around xmas too (but as always dont wana get too excited
@greengypsy it is just such a fine line to walk between being optimistic and realistic!!! I want to have only positive thoughts and send myself good vibes because I know that is important. But at the same time I feel like it is so much easier emotionally to have a failed cycle when you just plan on it not working all along. But if you plan on it not working chances aren't is not going to work. Lol such a mind game!!!
@greengypsy dosage aside what has your experience been like so far with the injectables? I worry about side effects/mood swings etc. But I'm hoping after our sit down with doc he'll prescribe those.
@misshopeful1 this is my third cycle with injectables.....it really isn't bad at all. The only thing that is annoying is the monitoring appointments, but the injection itself is a piece of cake....I'm on menopur so it burns a little but nothing intolerable. I'm on cycle day 13, and this morning when I went in I have follicles at 13.5, 12.5, 11.5, 10.5, and 10. My lining is 8.8 and estrogen 276. Out of all my cycles, this is the first where I feel bloated and crampy, but I think it's because I have so many eggs growing? I also have had a headache for the last couple days. Last cycle I only had 1 mature follicle and my estrogen was only at 260 when I triggered. They are having me stim 2 more nights then go Sunday for monitoring....guessing I will trigger that night and IUI Monday/Tuesday, but we'll see!
I got great news today: the additional dosage of letrozole perked up the 3 follicles and my hor mine levels. So the dr said to BD and trigger shot tomorrow and I'm scheduled for my IUI on Monday morning. I feel happy and excited for the first time in this process! Thank goodness!!
My only concern is with the trigger shot because I'm told it has to be administered between 6-10pm, and DH and I have a cocktail party that were supposed to go to from 5-9pm. Has anyone ever had to do the shot while they were out (in a bathroom or something)?
Any advice from those who have had IUIs before on what to do and not to do before before and after the procedure?
@Rmm1204 I had to put my shot in a cooler with an ice pack this month because we were out the time I was suppose to give myself the shot. IUI was not painful had a little discomfort but that was it. FX to you
@RMM1204 yay for cycle buddies!!! I am actually a pharmacist, so I know a little about the trigger shot....while it's kept in the fridge to maintain efficacy, it can be kept at room temp for 30 days, but must be used within those 30 days...so if you are going out its totally fine to bring with you you don't have to worry about keeping it cold!! I've done it twice and it comes all ready to go with a little needle on it and all and doesn't hurt in the least! So just bring it to the party and it'll take you 5 seconds to do in the bathroom!! Good luck!!!
@RMM1204 I had to do mine in the bathroom at work the other day. I'd never done it myself before so I was really nervous, but it was really easy and didn't hurt at all! Left a tiny bruise but didn't hurt. You can do it!
TTC #1 since August 2013 Unexplained/ Endo Medicated IUIs # 1-3 BFN IVF #1- BFN FET #1- BFP; Ectopic pregnancy found at 7wks FET #2- February 2017 BFP Beta #1- 119 (8dp5dt) Beta #2- 475 (12dp5dt)
@RMM1204 I did mine at a wedding. My husband and I had to ask the cocktail waitress to let us into the women's locker room at a country club. I was totally freaked out but it was super easy and quick. I covered my face with a pillow and asked his when he was doing it...and it was already done. I just put it in a cooler but apparently that is excessive
Chiming in on the injectibles discussion: It's not as bad as you think it will be. The worst part is getting up the nerve to actually inject yourself in the stomach--every night. But honestly, it's not awful. Good luck!
Re: October IUIs
Long story not so short, a high TSH level can artificially increase your prolactin level. If you aren't having any other symptoms of a prolactinoma (google spells these out well), then you may just needed to get your thyroid retested and be put on medicine or have it increased if you already have hypothyroidism. Has your doctor mentioned additional bloodwork?
BFP with boyfriend 12-7-16
All the ladies (i started to list evryone but...) my fingers are crossed for you.
@agriffin92013 how many DPO are you? Could it be implanting since you are early?
Beta 5/9/2016 BFP!!
Embryo transfer scheduled for April 28, 2016 and beta test May 9, 2016 (day after Mother's Day!)
Transfer Meds include: Lupron Depot (4/1), Minivelle Patch (every 3rd day), Estradiol (3x daily), Amoxicillin, Progesterone in Oil, Methylprednisonlone. Lovenox and baby asprin added after transfer.
3/22/16 - Sono Saline ultrasound cyst to be aspirated on 4/1/16 if not cleared up by 3/29 US - It cleared on its own
Retrieval 3/4/16 - 26 eggs retrieved, 23 mature, 20 fertilized, 14 embryos currently frozen
Starting IVF Stims on +/- Feb 22, 2016
HSG scheduled for 1-26-16 - All clear "beautiful uterus" (though inverted)
Switched clinics and now prepping for IVF in February / March
Trying to conceive since November 2012
I have unexplained infertility, my husband is good. TTC over 3 years, NTNP almost 6.
@amos1417 i had a cancelled cycle few weeks ago bec follis stalled.. wish i wouldv known about letrozole to ask my re about it!
@Rachd110 im in the same boat if this iui doesnt work.. we will move onto ivf too. we don't want to spend anymore $ on iui when ivf odds r higher.. im so intimidated by the whole ivf process!
fx for everyone!
I feel like this cycle is so much more of a roller coaster than the last.
Happy Friday everyone!
Beta 5/9/2016 BFP!!
Embryo transfer scheduled for April 28, 2016 and beta test May 9, 2016 (day after Mother's Day!)
Transfer Meds include: Lupron Depot (4/1), Minivelle Patch (every 3rd day), Estradiol (3x daily), Amoxicillin, Progesterone in Oil, Methylprednisonlone. Lovenox and baby asprin added after transfer.
3/22/16 - Sono Saline ultrasound cyst to be aspirated on 4/1/16 if not cleared up by 3/29 US - It cleared on its own
Retrieval 3/4/16 - 26 eggs retrieved, 23 mature, 20 fertilized, 14 embryos currently frozen
Starting IVF Stims on +/- Feb 22, 2016
HSG scheduled for 1-26-16 - All clear "beautiful uterus" (though inverted)
Switched clinics and now prepping for IVF in February / March
Trying to conceive since November 2012
I'm super bummed.
Do you know what size the 1 follie is now?
TTC- since we got married (off and on)
TTC with focus: Since July 2015
December 2015: Starting 1st IVF cycle
January 2016: Retrieval
March 2016: Pending Transfer (I have 3 PGS tested embryos waiting for a womb)
April 2016: BFP, the old fashioned way.
I hear what you're saying but we've done so many cycles, and with how long we've been TTC and the diagnosis it's just very upsetting.
Cost is part of it. Doesn't seem worth it. My last IUI we had 3 follies and it didn't work.
I'm just very overwhelmed.
TTC- since we got married (off and on)
TTC with focus: Since July 2015
December 2015: Starting 1st IVF cycle
January 2016: Retrieval
March 2016: Pending Transfer (I have 3 PGS tested embryos waiting for a womb)
April 2016: BFP, the old fashioned way.
DS b. 7/4/2011 via c/s
TTC #2 since 1/2015
8/2015 - "unexplained IF", started Levothyroxine
9/27/15 - IUI #1 (unmedicated) - BFN
10/26/15 - IUI #2 (100mg Clomid + Ovidrel) - BFN
11/21/15 - IUI #3 (100mg Clomid + Ovidrel) - BFN
12/18/15 - IUI #4 (100mg Clomid + Ovidrel) - BFN
TTC #2 starting 9/2019
BFP 7/13/2020!
Due 3/18/2021
TTC #1 since 2/2015
Diagnosis: Unexplained Infertility 9/2015
Moving to IVF with ICSI and PGS 5/2016-6/2016 Just kidding, BFP 4/4/2016!
Spencer Elliott born 12/7/2016
@misshopeful1 iv had 2 iui's each with 1 folli.. i was on letrozole w 1st & natural w 2nd.. i would still go forward with 1 folli but only bec i pay pretty much same amount for cancelled cycle compare to if i go thru w iui.. i guess it would depend on ur situation.. sorry u feel overwhelmed.. fx for u!
Anyway this cycle will be mixed: letrozole, gonal-f and estrace. Then progesterone suppositories until AF comes again or until week 8 of pregnancy. Hoping for the later. Don't want to be too optimistic but if this cycle works we will be able to announce the pregnancy (to our families at least) around Christmas which also happens to be a week before our 5 year anniversary.
Never thought we would go five years and no babies! But the lord works in mysterious ways and we feel blessed to have had the time to build our relationship
I'm on cycle day 13, and this morning when I went in I have follicles at 13.5, 12.5, 11.5, 10.5, and 10. My lining is 8.8 and estrogen 276. Out of all my cycles, this is the first where I feel bloated and crampy, but I think it's because I have so many eggs growing? I also have had a headache for the last couple days. Last cycle I only had 1 mature follicle and my estrogen was only at 260 when I triggered. They are having me stim 2 more nights then go Sunday for monitoring....guessing I will trigger that night and IUI Monday/Tuesday, but we'll see!
I got great news today: the additional dosage of letrozole perked up the 3 follicles and my hor mine levels. So the dr said to BD and trigger shot tomorrow and I'm scheduled for my IUI on Monday morning. I feel happy and excited for the first time in this process! Thank goodness!!
My only concern is with the trigger shot because I'm told it has to be administered between 6-10pm, and DH and I have a cocktail party that were supposed to go to from 5-9pm. Has anyone ever had to do the shot while they were out (in a bathroom or something)?
Any advice from those who have had IUIs before on what to do and not to do before before and after the procedure?
Fx as always to everyone!
Unexplained/ Endo
Medicated IUIs # 1-3 BFN
IVF #1- BFN
FET #1- BFP; Ectopic pregnancy found at 7wks
FET #2- February 2017 BFP Beta #1- 119 (8dp5dt) Beta #2- 475 (12dp5dt)
It's not as bad as you think it will be. The worst part is getting up the nerve to actually inject yourself in the stomach--every night. But honestly, it's not awful.
Good luck!