Monday, August 18, 2008

FSH is 3.5!

I'm sorry, I know, all of my posts lately have just been updates and I haven't written anything "substantial" in a while. I've got a couple of things germinating in my brain and, as soon as I have some time, I'll sit down and put words around them!

But, for now, I'm celebrating my FSH level.

For those who aren't embroiled in this world of infertility, let me explain.
For those who, sadly, are all too familiar with this crap, talk amongst yourselves for a minute and I'll tell you where to rejoin the post!

FSH stands for Follicle Stimulating Hormone and, basically, it is a hormone that stimulates follicles (which, ideally, contain eggs) to grow. The level is an indication of ovarian reserve and the potential onset of menopause. While it's not an absolute indicator of ovarian reserve, it is one of the markers that doctors use. The lower the better. Generally, an FSH over 10, while not death to your fertility, is an indication that your response may not be great.

***OK, IF friends, you can come back!***

So, my FSH has never been really high. For my first IVF cycle, the one where I had 2 eggs fertilize but only one embryo left to implant (that resulted in an ectopic pregnancy), my FSH was a 9.4. Getting precariously close to the 10 mark, but, not too bad.

For my 4th IVF, the one where I got 4 good eggs and had 4 embryos to transfer (my most successful cycle, if you don't count the resulting miscarriage.....), my FSH was down to 7.2. I thought this was wonderful!!

Here we are, in IVF #6 and I forgot to ask what my FSH was the other day so I did today. 3.5!!! 3.5. Yes, I said 3.5. I am in shock!

OK, I am not naive enough to think that this means that I am suddenly going to develop 10 eggs. Yeah, that's not going to happen. Honestly, I don't think this really means all that much, except that it gives me hope and encouragement that maybe, just maybe, this cycle will be a good one.

19 comments:

Emily said...

Yay! What a great number! I guess it really can fluctuate. Have you been doing anything to "work on it?"

Hope is really all we need right? Hope and a little magic, that is!

Sasha & Mark said...

That is AWESOME!! Did you do anything like acupuncture or wheatgrass??!! Congrats-- I hope it means great things for your upcoming cycle!

Linda said...

That's a GREAT number Lisa! I hope the good news continues for this cycle!

Sandy said...

Lisa i'm so happy for you ! This is great news!! WOOHOOO!

Christi said...

wow, that's awesome! definitely something to be encouraged about.

Ms Heathen said...

That really is such fantastic news, Lisa! A result like this is definitely something to be hopeful about.

Kate said...

WOW! False hope or not, that is a great number to start with and a good way to kick off this cycle:)

Jaymee said...

that is an awesome number. in the IF world any little bit of good news is a reason for mass celebration. hoping all continues to go in the same direction.

(ICLW)

Anonymous said...

Woo Hoo! That is an AWESOME number!! I can't wait to hear how this cycle goes. We've got everything crossed for you!
Cathy

SassyCupcakes said...

Brilliant. Some extra hope and encouragement never goes astray.

Kristin said...

Woohooo...I hope that awesome fsh number is an indication of great things to come from this cycle.

nh said...

That's a fantastic number! Congratulations and may it bring great things.
(ICLW)

CappyPrincess said...

Yeah! for good FSH numbers. It's certainly a step in the right direction. Hoping for good things for you this cycle.

In Due Time said...

Coming over from ICLW...


Sending some good vibes your way!!

Lost in Space said...

Awesome number!!! I would celebrate that one up too! Did you try anything to lower it?

Good luck with your upcoming cycle!!

Marie said...

I wish you the best of luck on your upcoming cycle.

Kim said...

Wonderful news! Hope you get a great response this cycle! iclw

Anonymous said...

Awesome!!! Got everything crossed for you.

Anonymous said...

Lisa - I truly got goosebumps at your news. I am praying that this good news continues. Saying lots of rayers for you this month.