Navigating this fertility website

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?

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.

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?

I am 41 years old, half hispanic/half african american – In late 2009 I had a myomectomy – they removed 25 fibroids all different sizes. Two months after the fibroid removal I went through 4 IUI cycles – no luck and I have just had my first IVF failure. During my IVF transfer the doctor had the eggs loaded in the catheter he had trouble is guess getting through my cervix so he took it out and had the eggs reloaded in another catheter. I quess my question is – What questions should I be asking my doctor of this next IVF cycle? Should I get another opinion from another doctor? Having that many fibroids removed is it possible that my uterus just has to much scar tissue?

Thank you

Do you charge for life coaching? I certainly need one.

I am 34 years old,and i am hypothyroid since 2008 (taking eltroxin 75mcg presently)I didn’t get my periods for 11 months now and the blood hormonal tests show that my FSH & LH is high while Oestradiol and Progesterone is low.Prolactin and TSH is normal. Now I have got lot of hyper-pigmentation on my face (which used to be spotless just 2 years back).I find it really difficult to loose weight even after dieting and exercises.PLEASE HELP…..

Dr. Lee, I came across your site and saw that you have actually replied to readers questions.  SO, I am hoping you see this and reply to it.  I will try & be brief. But, I really, really need input.  The doctors I have gone to have been less then helpful. I am 38, single. Being a mom is the one dream I have in life.  My best friend has agreed to donate sperm to me. I have done 4 at home inseminations with no success.  I had hormones tested. FSH 6.4, LH, AMF, E2 all normal. Day 20 progesterone 11.2. Have endometriosis, last surgery 10 years ago, at time tubes, uterus were normal. No issues since then.
I am inseminating the sperm within 30 minutes of him ejaculating. He uses a condom without lube or spermicide, or a baby bottle. I pour contents into a sterile container- and draw it up with 10ml needle-less syringe.  my GYN gave me clomid- to start this cycle day 3- which is in 2 days. I also use OPK’s and having only one day to pick b/c inseminating- I do the day of Lh surge. I am keeping the sperm warm, body temp during transport. What can I do to help the sperm have the best chance of survival in this process? My donor is a healthy- 28 year old by the way. I am so distraught every time it doesn’t work. Any advice would help!! THank you in advance
anncary35@gmail.com