High FSH = end of the line?

I just got some upsetting news from the RE I just started to see (my first appt was Friday).

My CD3 blood work came back and I have an elevated FSH (29). He told me that there were no options for me other than donor egg or adoption. Is this true???? It seems so final. I know the high FSH isn’t a great sign but I didn’t expect to be told that the RE wouldn’t work with me.

What REs out there work with women with higher FSH? What other options are there?

Re: High FSH = end of the line?

where did you go?

Re: High FSH = end of the line?

RMA of NY

Re: High FSH = end of the line?

I don't know what the criteria is but I went to Cornell and I had ah fsh of 18.2. They tested me and it went down to 8.7. I started drinking wheatgrass shots and doing acupuncture and I think it helped.

Sorry you got this news. I was told the same thing from North Shore.

Dr. Owen Davis is known to deal with high fshers.

Re: High FSH = end of the line?

I think you should get a 2nd opinion. I wouldn't take that as the be all to end all...if you know what I mean. Like Blu-ize said...there are actions you can take to attempt to lower it

Re: High FSH = end of the line?

I also have high FSH, I think its 30+. I tried the wheatgrass and everything and my numbers were still high. The RE told me I have a very slim chance of getting PG on my own, although, technically I did twice, but had 2 m/c's. Anyway he suggested donor eggs, but he is letting me do an IUI cycle with injectibles, if I don't respond, its the end of the line for me, and I guess I will have to look into donor eggs, but I am just grateful he is letting me try a IUI, I am not sure if I am responding well though because they just upped my medication

Re: High FSH = end of the line?

Posted by katiebell

I also have high FSH, I think its 30+. I tried the wheatgrass and everything and my numbers were still high. The RE told me I have a very slim chance of getting PG on my own, although, technically I did twice, but had 2 m/c's. Anyway he suggested donor eggs, but he is letting me do an IUI cycle with injectibles, if I don't respond, its the end of the line for me, and I guess I will have to look into donor eggs, but I am just grateful he is letting me try a IUI, I am not sure if I am responding well though because they just upped my medication

Re: High FSH = end of the line?

Re: High FSH = end of the line?

Why don't you try SIRM they dont worry about statisitics.. Give Dr Braverman a call in Garden City.. He told mehe has gotten woman pregnant w/fsh levels in the 30's and he never gives up on you if WANT to try another IVF cycle.. He might tell you its a very slim chance but I dont think he refuses people.. DEFINATELY talk to him..

Re: High FSH = end of the line?

Re: High FSH = end of the line?

Re: High FSH = end of the line?

I've used this example before, but will do so again - I have a very good friend who had a child, naturally, 3 years ago. Then she started trying for #2 and was having no luck so she consulted with an RE.

Her FSH levels came back ridiculously high - I don't know the #, but I do know her doctor told her she had a 1% chance of conceiving and recommended donor eggs. She opted to try a few injectable IUI cycles first. On her second try she got pregnant, and she just gave birth to a healthy baby boy a few months ago.

So, it doesn't necessarily mean the end of the line for you

Re: High FSH = end of the line?

Posted by Blu-ize

Posted by MrsBSD

Posted by Blu-ize

I don't know what the criteria is but I went to Cornell and I had ah fsh of 18.2. They tested me and it went down to 8.7. I started drinking wheatgrass shots and doing acupuncture and I think it helped.

Sorry you got this news. I was told the same thing from North Shore.


Dr. Owen Davis is known to deal with high fshers.

Do you go to Cornell in Manhattan or the GC office?
Where do you get the wheat grass shots?

I was in your shoes in April and saw Dr. Davis in August. I had to do some other things for medical clearance and now I'm set to cycle in January. It was so devastating to hear that from North Shore for me. I cried for 3 days. I took off the next day from work.

I work in the city and live in LI. I did the wheatgrass shots at jamba Juice in the city and some other health food stores locally. Whole foods has them frozen but they are way better fresh. It's not yummy but it's only one shot. It's never been proven it helps but a lot of people swear by it. It's a de-toxifier. I think the acupuncture really helped and I am going back to it asap.

Cornell is the #2 clinic in the US for IVF. They have a co-culture program as well which I'm not doing right now but some other ladies here can tell you more.

Either way, start with another consult and go from there. I'm so glad I met with Dr. Davis. He is brilliant and attentive. He will give it to you straight and not write you off. I met with him in NYC but plan to monitor as much as possible in GC.

They now accept UHC and Oxford Freedom which I am thrilled about.

Re: High FSH = end of the line?

Posted by Bxgell2

I've used this example before, but will do so again - I have a very good friend who had a child, naturally, 3 years ago. Then she started trying for #2 and was having no luck so she consulted with an RE.

Her FSH levels came back ridiculously high - I don't know the #, but I do know her doctor told her she had a 1% chance of conceiving and recommended donor eggs. She opted to try a few injectable IUI cycles first. On her second try she got pregnant, and she just gave birth to a healthy baby boy a few months ago.

So, it doesn't necessarily mean the end of the line for you

Re: High FSH = end of the line?

Posted by MrsBSD

Posted by Bxgell2

I've used this example before, but will do so again - I have a very good friend who had a child, naturally, 3 years ago. Then she started trying for #2 and was having no luck so she consulted with an RE.

Her FSH levels came back ridiculously high - I don't know the #, but I do know her doctor told her she had a 1% chance of conceiving and recommended donor eggs. She opted to try a few injectable IUI cycles first. On her second try she got pregnant, and she just gave birth to a healthy baby boy a few months ago.

So, it doesn't necessarily mean the end of the line for you

VERY encouraging! Thank you (and congratulations to you .
I found it strange that the dr was so adamant that there were no options for me other than DE.
I'm regrouping right now and will come up with another plan.

Re: High FSH = end of the line?

Up until 2 weeks ago, my FSH was 71. It just reacently started to come down with the help of Estrace (my estrogen was low too). But my RE is convinced that we will have success.

I would get a second opinion and try to stay positive!

Re: High FSH = end of the line?

I have super high FSH, too. I will be looking for a second and third opnion before doing DE. May I ask which doctors on Eastern LI handle higher FSH levels? I currently go to Dr. Shaffron, EAF, and she advises DE. After morning my eggs for the past few weeks, I think I will get a second opinion. I have seen the name of Dr. Braveman SIRM and Dr. Davis (not sure of affiliation) but would like to use someone in Suffolk....any suggestions?

Re: High FSH = end of the line?

Message edited 11/19/2008 7:24:36 AM.

Re: High FSH = end of the line?

Re: High FSH = end of the line?

Thank you. I will call tomorrow. Ladies, you are the best. I have received such great information and options from everyone. May we all be blessed with healthy babies soon.

Re: High FSH = end of the line?

I used Dr. Batzofin (used to be with SIRM in NYC, now has his own practice - check him out on ivfconnections.com).

My FSH was 12, and we had MF as well. We did 2 IVFs with ICSI, the 2nd time gave me my DD, although I was told I would need to use DE. That was going to be my next choice.

Also did acupuncture but no wheatgrass. My #s were never tested again because my RE said your FSH is only as good as your highest # anyway.