Estrogen Levels

[tonya01]

Hi! I have had two unsuccessful IVF cycles in 2005 (1 fresh cycle - BFB then m/c at 5 weeks, 1 frozen cycle - BFP then m/c at 7 weeks) and just recently cancelled a 3rd cycle due to Estrogen levels of 7,900 and fear of OHSS. Does anyone have advice on ways I can help to control my Estrogen level (ie. foods to avoid, etc)? I know the doctor is doing all he can regarding changing the meds - but is there anything that I can do to help? I feel like there should be SOMETHING I can do...

Thank you for any help you could provide...

Tonya

[fulloffaith]

Hey Tonya,

My E2 levels were high - in the 8000's if I remember correctly and they never once said anything about cancelling my cycle. They got 19 eggs at ER and told me to drink lots of Gatorade or tomato juice b/c they are high in sodium and that helps if you are at risk of OHSS. I guess it worked - I was very bloated and uncomfortable up until the ET but it went away. So I don't think that helps you but just wanted to let you know they didn't cancel my cycle.
What Dr. did you go to? I live in Denton and I went to Dr. Doody in Bedford. It's a really good clinic.
I am in the middle of my 1st FET cycle so I am hoping this time it works!
How did your FET cycle go? I feel like mine is dragging along...

Allison

[tonya01]

Hi Allison,

I was seeing Dr. Sy Q Le in Irving (for a fresh and frozen cycle), but my insurance carrier changed, so I was forced to change doctors. Now I am seeing Dr. Gerald S. Goldstein in Dallas (affiliated with Presby Hospital) - I have only been seeing him since January 2006, but he seems to know his stuff and Dr. Le said that Presby has one of the best IVF sucess rates in the country. They also have a 1 embryo transfer guarantee - if you agree to a single embryo transfer and do not get PG, they will do the next cycle for free (so if you are looking to do the single embryo transfer, it is worth looking into regardless of the results). It does seem weird to have a guarantee, but I think they are just looking to have less multiples from IVF.

My E2 levels were elevated to about 7,000 the first time around - Dr. Le didn't tell me until AFTER my m/c (perhaps he was not that concenred b/c it was my first cycle and they didn't know how my body would react) - and Dr. Goldstein felt that the E2 level might have contributed to the quality of the embryos that were transferred (on both the fresh and frozen cycles). He also stated that if your E2 levels are high at the start of the retrieval/transfer, that my chances of OHSS were far greater and we did not want to risk it.

It was a mutual decision to cancel, as I have already m/c twice in the last year - so it is not a question of if I can get PG, but that I stay that way. Being as my insurance only covers 3 cycles in my lifetime, I want to be sure I have the best possible chance each and every time.

The FET was a far easier cycle - no injections - just oral meds until the HCG injection - I think the reason it seems to drag on is b/c there is so much less to do (no injections 3 times a day, etc). And you feel so much better not having the retrieval a few days before.

Good luck on your upcoming FET - and please keep me posted - I SO love happy endings!!!

Tonya

[fulloffaith]

Hey Tonya,

Yeah that is best to make sure you have the best chances since your insurance only covers 3 times. I wish my insurance covered anything! I have been looking for another job lately and I wish I could just ask them, do you cover IVF?! HAHA

I'll have to check Dr. Goldstein out if this doesn't work for us. That's a cool guarantee policy - I would transfer 1 if I knew the next round was free. I have a friend who got pregnant going to Dr. Le and my gyno recommended me to him too but we decided on Dr. Doody.

So when do you start again? I agree about the FET - I almost forget I have to do anything (taking Lupron shots) at night because it really doesn't feel like I am doing anything. I have an E2 and scan Friday to start my Estrace. Then about 2 weeks after that should be my transfer. I'm just nervous about the thaw - hoping they don't have any problems or die.

Well thanks for sharing your story! It always helps me to get more information about this whole roller coaster!
Take care!
Allison

[tonya01]

Hi again!

Yeah, I was sad to leave Dr. Le - he was a wonderful doctor! He just did not take my new insurance and I couldn't reconcile staying with him and paying out of pocket if I could go to a new doctor and be covered at 100%. As much as I loved him and his staff, it just didn't seem smart.

We started the Lupron injections again on Monday 3/20 and are looking at the second week in April for the retrieval - hopefully all will go well this time around with the E2 and we can get back to that wonderful 2WW!!!

Good luck with the FET and keep me informed!

[fulloffaith]

Hey Tonya!
My Lupron shots this time have bruised my tummy up pretty good. They didn't do that last time. And they aren't going in as easy this time. I think it's because I lost alot of weight since October and I don't have as much of a roll like I used to! HAHA

I have my E2 and scan today. I am assuming they are just checking my lining and making sure E2 is low? We'll see! But I should be able to start Estrace today.

I am hoping we both get our BFP's this time around!!
HUGS,
Allison

[racquel]

sorry another dumb newbie question here - what is OHSS? Other than another thing to worry about? heehee

[tonya01]

Hi Racquel,

OHSS is Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome. Basically it is when the stimulation medications work too well and your follicles over stimulate. This website has a good definition at the following address: http://www.ivf-infertility.com/ivf/stan ... n/ohss.php

Your doctor will monitor you for this and will discuss with you if they think there is a problem.

Good luck in your new adventure!!

Tonya

[racquel]

thanks Tonya for the OHSS description - found that great list of acronyms in the sticky as well. Appreciate all of you for putting that together for us newbies!

I have to say, reading through past posts have helped me level-set expectations so I'm prepared if/when my cycles fail. Here I thought the hard part was getting to the point when collection & transfer took place - I understand now that while it's been a long and hard journey already, it's still just beginning and I need to maintain PMA to get through it...