Questions about Labs

[LadyB]

I have a couple of questions about IVF prelim labs. You see, I had a cancelled IVF in October due to poor/no stimulation. This was a bit of a shock to everyone because up to this point the labs were all pointing to male fertility issues.

Now, it seems there might be an issue with me, too. Here's the deal: I just had my first Day 3 (FSH and Estradiol) labs drawn and got the results. Now, my FSH was fine (6.7), but my E2 was 76. According to my doctor, this means that I'm suffering from Ovarian Reserve issues and my chances of doing this naturally are very low. He's offering to try IVF one more time, or we can go straight to Donor Egg.

HOWEVER...there's one small issue. All the medical sites that I can find (including a site that discusses normal ranges for lab results) state clearly that a 76 is within normal range (they usually phrase it as anything <80). Which means that while I am "high" normal, I am within a normal range.

It becomes more convuluted because prior to my first IVF, I was left on BC for over 3 months (due to small issues that kept coming up).

Can anyone offer me more insight into the E2 results? Is 76 on Day 3 an ok number?

Thanks in advance! -LadyB

[2ndtimer]

Hi LadyB,
I would a couple of things if I were you. 1st, check out the success rate of your current clinic and make sure you are completely comfortable with the MD there before you proceed with anything. I find it strange that he's already taking about DE's. If your MD doesn't recommend trying a different protocal than the last one, think long & hard about staying there. Going the the best clinic that you can is absolutely essential and many women end up traveling for the actual IVF to go to a better one. I've heard great things about the clinic in Colorado, name escapes me right now.
2nd, if & when you do decide to give it another try with your own eggs try acupuncture. It helps to increase the blood flow, make more/healthier eggs, and when performed right before the ET, it helps to relax the uterus & promote implantion. Also make DH start taking vitamins now. Many people/MDs recommend certain vitamins like Zita West(sp?) or proseed. You can google them. My acupuncturist just recommended plain old multivitamins. Stopping caffeine, smoking etc also helps because they are both vasoconstricters that can inhibit the blood flow.
Good luck to you!
2ndtimer

[2ndtimer]

I meant to also add this link to the lab values. I check this site all the time:
http://www.fertilityplus.org/faq/hormonelevels.html.
Your right, you are in the high range of normal. I would try again.
2ndtimer

[LadyB]

Thank you so much for your information and insight! It was quite helpful. We have a lot more thinking to do, but I'm beginning to think a second opinion may be in order.

Thanks again!