6 Responses to “Navigating this fertility website”

1. Megan Hernandez Says:
   December 20th, 2008 at 2:40 pm

   I am looking for some information on high FSH/high estradiol levels. I am 31 and had blood work done in November 2008 on day 1 of my cycle because my skin keeps breaking out, so my dermatologist was trying to figure out if my hormones were the culprit. Turned out my androgen levels were fine, but my FSH was 17.7. So, I went straight to my OBGYN who tested me on day 3 of the next cycle in December 2008. More bad news. FSH was 11.9 and estradiol was 89. He referred me to an RE and said I probably wouldn’t be able to get pregnant on my own (without drugs). Why is this happening to me at 31 years old? I don’t smoke, drink occasionally, and I work out and eat well. What could have possibly happened to me that, at 31, my hormone levels are indicating that my ovarian reserve is either low or of poor quality (or both)? I was on the pill (on and off, but mostly on) for about 12 years. I had a miscarriage (chemical pregnancy) back in October 2008 (I went off the pill in July 2008). I have a history of endometrial polyps, and had a polypectomy back in October 2006. The polyps have not come back, but despite that, I still have dull aches/cramps in my lower abdomen on a regular basis. However, transvaginal ultrasounds show no more polyps growing. I recently had a CT scan which showed a small cyst (less than 2 cm in size) on my right ovary, but the radiologist didn’t seem to think it looked too alarming. Could any of these things be related to my high FSH/estradiol levels? Is this POF/premature menopause? If so, wouldn’t my estradiol be low, not high? I’ve read that the one thing in my favor is my age. Is that true, or do high FSH/estradiol levels mean bad news, despite being only 31?

2. IVF-MD Says:
   December 20th, 2008 at 5:48 pm

   I posted a detailed reply. Thank you for your question.

3. Kari Crosman Says:
   February 13th, 2009 at 6:17 pm

   I used to read your blog this past summer, but after my first round of Clomid I successfully conceived and took a break from reading about infertility issues. Yet I had to come back after hearing about the octuplets to get your information on how this could have happened.

   I know you said you’re not a psychiatrist, but you referenced Axis II psychopathology. I’m going to have to research this a bit after leaving this comment, because you’re the first person I’ve heard mention that there may be a psychological issue at play. Something about this woman’s appearance and demeanor really jumps out at me, and I’m surprised most of my friends and co-workers aren’t making the connection. The mother looks a lot like Angelina Jolie, right down to the collagen-injected lips. And her demeanor and attitude about having more and more children matches Angelina’s as well.

   It makes me wonder if she’s suffering from what I call the “Barbie Doll Syndrome” - women who strive to look like someone else and be like them, like the woman who had repeated plastic surgeries in the 1980’s to look like a Barbie Doll. It’s just a little too bizarre. There’s definitely more going on here than a woman’s desire to have children. I have that same desire, but was sooooo thankful that the Clomid dose resulted in just a single baby for me. I would be devastated if it had resulted in high-order multiples, not thrilled. And, if in her position, I would be terrified about the long-term health issues my children would be facing right now.

4. Keldy Says:
   March 21st, 2009 at 11:27 am

   Hello my name is Keldy and I am currently a Junior at Queens College. My question to you was what made you go into Medicine, becasue I was reading an article about you on Student Doctor Network, SDN, and being a doctor was not your first option. So what made you change, because I am going through the same process, which is that I am a year away from graduating, and I want to pursue a career in Medicine. So if possible, any tips you can give me in regards to pursing this. Thank You. Please email me if possible at kelorti4917@gmail.com

5. susan Says:
   January 13th, 2010 at 12:09 pm

   hello
   I am 45 years old (the room grows quiet and have been trying to get pregnant naturally for about 2 1/2 years. I conceived easily and gave birth to my first and only child at age 37. Recently I had my blood work done and the #s were as such: E2 =16, FSH 5.90 and LH 5.
   with that said, I was told the E2 was too low and that they look for 20-80 ….. I still felt like it was promising due to my FSH being good as well as LH. however, the nurse practitioner thought otherwise and was not encouraging. I asked what is usually the next step, she said CLOMID. I ovulate regularly (at least as per charting indicates) and have a luteal phase on average of 14 days. I fear to take EXTERNAL drugs when overall , for my age, my body is working well. Do you advocate women of my age taking clomid or does one take estrogen? or anything for that matter. I can’t say I will take clomid or anything else that is natural, but sure would like a good opinion on the matter since the NP was not really helpful in the least….and can I naturally raise my E2 level?

6. jessica Says:
   February 11th, 2010 at 11:56 am

   I am a 38 year old local gal, here in Los Angeles who is aka a DES daughter. Sure enough, after “trying” for four years, I just got news that my FSH levels are at 83. It appears I am on the road to menopause. I’m not even sure I really have a question because everything is so confusing but I was wondering what you knew about DES. I can’t seem to find a doctor who knows about my situation in regards to my exposure. For example, after a very painful HSG my doctor asked me if I wanted to go on Clomid. How would producing more eggs work for me if my tubes are blocked?

   So there you have it. DES. I’m not a fan of it.

   Thank you.

Leave a Reply