FSH and Diminished Ovarian Reserve
Submitted by Fertility Acupuncturist Blog
by Lori
(New Bedford, MA)
Dear Amelia,
I am overwhelmed. I am 40 years old and have been informed by a Reproductive Endocrinologist at Boston IVF that my chances of conceiving on my own are <5% because of diminished ovarian reserve.
My Day 3 FSH was 18.4. Because of my elevated FSH, I have been informed based that I am not a candidate for either an IUI or IVF.
The RE recommended egg donation as my best alternative for pregnancy. You were recommended by a friend.
I am a nurse and have always believed in Western medicine, however I am sad to think that egg donation is my only or best alternative. I can barely function beyond my sadness right now.
I just read Inconceivable and have been perusing your website. While both give me some hope—in my mind, I cannot get my arms around where to even begin to try to help myself in some alternative way.
I would love your feedback.
Sincerely,
Lori
Are you a doctor or a fertility expert? Are you being treated right now? We want to know about it. Register on Fertility Blog now and get published within minutes. Before posting, it is recommended that you review our posting guidelines.
January 5th, 2009 at 8:55 pm
I’m not an expert but have been doing a fair bit of reading. FSH is not that reliable an indicator of ovarian reserve - it fluctuates a lot. Ask your specialist about AMH, another hormone supposed to be more accurate and antral follicle count. On the website fertilethoughts (dont know exact URL) there are many posts from women who got pregnant with elevated FSH. So dont give up!