The True Significance of FSH

September 7, 2005 - Wednesday
1:48 PM to 2:48 PM (EST)
Guest Speakers: Gad Lavy, MD

Categories
Egg Donation • IUI • IVF • Miscarriage • PGD

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Lisa_Rosenthal	Welcome guest43 and Sandy, our session will start at 8 pm, but we can chat before that!
guest43	ok thanks
Lisa_Rosenthal	guest43, how did you hear about tonight?
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Lisa_Rosenthal	Good evening to everyone, thanks for joining The American Fertility Association's online session. Dr. Lavy will be joining us in about a quarter of an hour to answer questions.
Hido	Hello
Lisa_Rosenthal	Hi April, thanks for joining us this evening!
Hido	::wacko ::wacko
Lisa_Rosenthal	Hido, is something wrong?
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Hido	no, just figuring out which smile face is me at this time,
Hido	confused! lol
Lisa_Rosenthal	Ah, LOL, I love the thought behind it!
Hido	::smile
Lisa_Rosenthal	Good evening christinex, thanks for joining us
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Hido	My first time w/ online live chat w/ Dr. threw this web site....
Lisa_Rosenthal	Hi Becky'sHusband, thanks for joining us this evening
Becky_s_Husband	Glad to be here; my wife is at class tonight and asked that I join
christinetx	hi all
Hido	So now we just wait for the Dr.?
Hido	We are in the waiting room now I guess::cool
Lisa_Rosenthal	A lively crew this evening, very nice. Dr. Lavy will be joining us in about 10 minutes, great to chat until then if you would like. Once he's here, I would ask you to confine your questions to the doctor.
Hido	Lisa: Can we ask questions re: clomid or just questions re:FSH?
Lisa_Rosenthal	Hido, you may ask questions on any topic regarding fertility and treatment.
Hido	ok I see thanks
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Lisa_Rosenthal	The topic tonight is on FSH, but other questions are fine as well.
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localhost	[2009] touser My name is Lisa Rosenthal and I am the educational coordinator for The American Fertility Association. Thank you for joining us this evening.
guest43	do you want us to start to submit quetsions now? or wait until you announce that the dr. is here
Hido	anyone here take Clomid? I have for 4 months now, its making me feel crazy....hormones
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Hido	And im not even sure I know what FSH means? Dont think I have a good fertility Dr.
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Lisa_Rosenthal	Welcome Dr. Lavy, thank you for joining us this evening.l
Hido	Hello
Dr._Lavy	My Pleasure
Lisa_Rosenthal	We appreciate your time and effort, in advance!
Lisa_Rosenthal	Is there a little introduction that you can give us about FSH?
Lisa_Rosenthal	Starting with what it stands for and what it means?
Dr._Lavy	Please take a minute to read the intro
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guest43	where is the intro
Hido	where?
localhost	[2009] touser Thanks for joining us this evening- Please feel free to post questions for Dr. Lavy. Copy and paste them so that you can repost them if necessary. The room can get quite busy.
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Lisa_Rosenthal	Dr. Lavy, where is the introduction?
Hido	::wacko
Dr._Lavy	Online Session: The True significance of FSH. Gad Lavy, M.D. FSH is a pituitary hormone, which is normally involved in the regulation of ovulation. There is a feedback loop between the ovary and the brain. In a natural cycle FSH levels rise to stimulate the development of a follicle. A surge of LH then triggers ovulation and the release of an egg. Elevated FSH levels have been found to correlate with a reduction in ovarian function. More specifically, a reduction in the ovarian reserve. We believe that women are born with all their eggs and that no new eggs are created after birth. Over the course of their reproductive lives the number of eggs in their ovaries diminishes. Once a certain threshold is
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Lisa_Rosenthal	Welcome Lori, we're so glad that you joined us this evening!
guest43	Dr. Thanks for your assistance..I am 43 with an FSH of 3.....have had one stimulated IUI cycle with no pregnancywith my FSH and my age, does it make sense to try IVF or just keep trying IUI stimulated? Since the cost of IVF is so high? how long into my 40's should i keep trying?
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Dr._Lavy	Dear guest 4
lori	thank you
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Dr._Lavy	Your FSH of 3 is encouraging. Howevr, we need to take a close look at your stimulation. Number of eggs and quality of embryos. PGD is often helpful.
guest43	number of eggs is 6.....in my last IUI
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mnyc	Dr. Lavy, are there any new or experimental treatments on the horizon for women with high FSH?
localhost	[2009] touser Thank you for joining The American Fertility Association and our special guest, Dr. Gad Lavy, Founder and Medical Director of the New England Fertility Institute.
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Dr._Lavy	The number of follicle at IUI is not very predictive of egg count and qulity on IVF. Generally 3 IUI cycles is all we try before moving to IVF.
guest43	i don't know the quality of course becausewe did not do IVF and I understand that PGD ruins embroyo's or can, so I did not think I was a candidate for them based on the number of embies i make may be low
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Hido	Hi Dr.Lavy, I have been taking Clomid for 4 months now 50mg. Do I continue at this dose, up it, or just quit? And how do I figure out what my FSH is? I have been trying to conceive for almost 2 yrs. I am 28 yrs old.
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Dr._Lavy	I do beleve that it is worth while.
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mnyc	Dr. Levy, are there any new or experimental treatments on the horizon for women with high FSH?
Lisa_Rosenthal	Welcome Startaglia, wannababy, leanne, and kristi!
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localhost	[2009] touser Thanks for joining us this evening- Please feel free to post questions for Dr. Lavy. Copy and paste them so that you can repost them if necessary. The room can get quite busy.
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debi	My FSH is up at about 21. That is down from 68 with the aid of the birth control patch. I was told I have no viable eggs based on that number. Do you agree that I need a doner?
Dr._Lavy	Dear Hido: I think that there is plenty of evidence that by three cycles of therapy you capture over 90% of your success. Of course the cycles need to be reviewed to ensure that they were monitored properly. If they were, I would step up the treatment. There are various options such as a combination of clomid and injectable drugs or injectable drugs alone. At your age, FSH is not so imporatnt.
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Hido	Thaks Dr. Lavy::biggrin
btags	Hi Dr. Lavy,
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christinetx	What is considered the normal range of FSH?
Lisa_Rosenthal	Vanessa and Phyllis and lynzimmer, thanks for joining us this evening~
Dr._Lavy	Dear Debi: It is possible to normalize almost any FSH by giving estreogen. The high level of 68 is very concerning. It is likely that you do not have viable eggs even if the number goes does on its own. However, when then max levels into the 20's I have seen some success with estrogen protocols.
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lynzimmer	Type here
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Lisa_Rosenthal	Hi Marion, thanks for joining us this evening!
joy	Hi Dr. Lavy. I'm 43 and had gone thru 2 IVF procuderes with no success (in your CT facility). Last MArch my FSH was 14, but last month it was 11.5. My new Dr in city said that my acupuncture is working but still does not make my chances better with IVF and recommends I go with a donor. what do you think? I'm asian and was told the wait for a donor could be longer. What are your thou
debi	I tried a round of injections last spring, but there did not seem to be any folicle stimulation. Do you suggest I try again or save the disappointment and go to donor? I am 38.
Wendy	Dr. Lavy, I have had several sugeries for ovarian tumors and cysts. My OB-GYN said several of my eggs were "lost". Could this have an impact on my FSH level?
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localhost	[2009] touser Thanks for joining us this evening- Please feel free to post questions for Dr. Lavy. Copy and paste them so that you can repost them if necessary. The room can get quite busy.
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donature	Dr. Lavy, Thanks for taking this time. I have had two FSH measurements, one at 35 and the other at 24. My estrogen and progestrogen levels are low. I am being told that doner eggs are likely my only real chance. I am 42, waited too long but this is when I met him.
Lisa_Rosenthal	Dr. Lavy, thank you for joining us tonight, we appreciate all your help and your thoughtful answers!
localhost	[2009] touser My name is Lisa Rosenthal and I am the educational coordinator for The American Fertility Association. Thank you for joining us this evening.
Dr._Lavy	Dear Joy: I need to look at the specifics of the cycles. As I mentioned in the intro normal or borderline FSH levels only go so far. If you have tried IVF twice and your repsonse is poor with various protocols or if your egg quality is not goog. The FSH levels do not make any diffirence. Accupuncture is an entire differnt story. It may help IVf but not ovarian function.
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Lee	Can you explain why FSH fluctuates each cycle? How do you get a good read on the levels? I have heard women use wheatgrass to lower their FSH. Do you have any thoughts on this?
btags	I have done two IVF cycles thus far with the second one resulting in a chemical pregnancy. I am currently in my 2ww for my 3rd IVF cycle. It appears that my eggs tend to get stuck in the follicles and this required a heavy suctioning in order to retrieve them. In your experience, how have you treated a case like this. I am 36 and my FSH for this cycle was 13. I'd appreciate your insight. Thank You.
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momtobeseeker	Thank you for having us. I am new to this site and to fertility treatments in general. Can you explain what FSH is and how it works? Thank you again for all of your help.
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luly02	Are there any new or experimental treatments on the horizon for high FSH levels?
Dr._Lavy	Dear Donature: They are likely to be correct. I still belive that a careful assessment of your ovaries is worthwhile. Checking antral follicle counts (the number of follicles at the onset of the cycle) and in some cases trying a stimulation reigmen and hope for a response. Egg donation is a huge step for most couples and every avenue should be explored prior to taking that route.
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leanne	my doc. said that i have a low progesterone level , i've tried 3 cycle of clomid but it doesn't work either. What will be the next treatment should i be trying?Im 30 yrs old
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debi	Dr, what are some stimulation reigmens you might suggest?
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Dr._Lavy	Dear Lee FSH fluctuations are common. We used to follow cycles and wait till a cycle with normal or reasonable FSH came along and only then start therpa. As it turns out. FSH is a better long term predictor than a predictor for outcome on any given cycle. I strongly belive that time wasted waiting for a normal FSH can be better spent by trying various treatment protocols.
NJStepford	Hi. I was diagnosed with an FSH of 12.4 at 33 yrs old and got pregnant naturally on my own that same month. Is it possible that the lab could be wrong? I never had trouble conceiving my son (first try) or the baby I miscarried. I'm wondering if I'll have high FSH forever now if I ever try to concieve again... thanks!
Dee	so it is possible to have a normal FSH level even if you get a very high result?
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Dr._Lavy	Dear Leanne: you are probably not responding to clomid. We need to review your chart and history. You probably need a higher dose of clmid or a differnt drug to induce ovulation.
guest43	Drdo you work with Reproductive Endo's in your practice? do you work with accupuncturinst and herbs?
leanne	thanks Dr. Lavy
joy	Thx Dr Lavy. I was told that my problem is ovarian reserve and that my chance of getting pregnant is only 2-3 % given a history of miscarriage (10 wks) , 1 IUI, 2 IVF cycles. Donor is what is being recommended to me. I have to add that the nurses in your facility were very nice.
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localhost	[2009] touser Thanks for joining us this evening- Please feel free to post questions for Dr. Lavy. Copy and paste them so that you can repost them if necessary. The room can get quite busy.
saran	Type here
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Lisa_Rosenthal	Dr. Lavy will be back with us in a moment.
chuladonna	Hi Dr. Lavy, I have only had my FSH tested once and it was 13. I don't recall the levels of other hormones but was told by the Dr. that they were "normal" but my thyroid level was "borderline". My question is, couldn't a high FSH indicate that there's something else wrong in the body, creating a hormonal imbalance, instead of indicating egg quantity/quality?
hopeandpray	Is high estrogen always an mask for a high FSH, or can high estrogen be a sign of other things?
Lisa_Rosenthal	We appreciate your patience.
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localhost	[2009] touser Please call our toll free hotline to ask our patient advocate for doctor referrals in your area. That number is: 888-917-3777 and our patient advocate is Lori Masi.
hopeandpray	I thought this session went till 9 pm??
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Lisa_Rosenthal	hopeandpray, I believe that Dr. Lavy is having some technolgical problems and will be back shortly.
Lisa_Rosenthal	How did you all hear about this evening's session?
localhost	[2009] touser The American Fertility Association has free membership! Please go online and you will have access to all our publications at "No Barriers".
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kangaruth	email notice
Lisa_Rosenthal	Welcome back, Dr. Lavy!
dr._Lavy	Sorry. I was disconnected
luly02	Dr. Lavy - Are there any new or experienced treatments on the horizon for high FSH levels?
leanne	email notice
Dee	Hi Dr. Levy. I had my FSH levels tested due to absent periods and found that it was at 37. 2 days later he retested and it was 17. Is there no hope at all of getting pregnant on my own?
Lisa_Rosenthal	Ladies and gentlemen, please repost questions as Dr. Lavy will not have any record of what was posted while he was gone.
dr._Lavy	Dear Joy: thank you. I don't have the details of your treatmetn but it is likely to be the case.
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chuladonna	Hi Dr. Lavy, I have only had my FSH tested once and it was 13. I don't recall the levels of other hormones but was told by the Dr. that they were "normal" but my thyroid level was "borderline". My question is, couldn't a high FSH indicate that there's something else wrong in the body, creating a hormonal imbalance, instead of indicating egg quantity/quality?
debi	what are some types of folicle stimulation do you see success with
hopeandpray	Is high estrogen always a mask for a high FSH, or can it be other things?
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Kristy	Dr. Lavy my Endocrologist can't seem to figure out why I'm not having my monthly and my hormones are perfect is there anything that I can have her check I had a CT - Scan that came back normal???? Confused about what is going on with my Fertility
kangaruth	Hi Dr. Lavy - What do you think of wheatgrass, acupuncture and diet to lower FSH?
localhost	[2009] touser Thanks for joining us this evening- Please feel free to post questions for Dr. Lavy. Copy and paste them so that you can repost them if necessary. The room can get quite busy.
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NJStepford	I am 33 and have a son who was conceived with no problem as well as a miscarriage at 12 weeks. After, my dr. put me on Clomid for three months (first month was chem. pregnancy) then my FSH was tested and it was 12.4 on day 3. On that same month, I got pregnant naturally. Is it possible that the number was wrong because of the clomid? I'm worried because I think it might limit my options of having more children. (I'm 11 weeks pregnant now) Thank you...
dr._Lavy	Dear Luly: Nothing that has any clinical applications at this time. The problem with ovarian reserve is the fact that the egg count is depleted. Some work has been done to try and improve the exsisting eggs (cytoplasm tranfer) but no significant results have been reproted. It has been sugested that there are some stem cells in the ovary that will allow the development of new eggs. But this is only a hypothersis and will not likely to have any clinical applications for many years to come even if it is true. At this point the best approach is to be aggesssive in treatmetn and to try various protocols. It is often possible to get better eggs by chaning the drugs.
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Wendy	Dr. Lavy, I have had several ovarian cysts and tumors (5 total). My OB-GYN said I "lost" some eggs during the different operations. Can this have an effect on my FSH levels?
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leanne	Dr. Lavy what is the normal level of progesterone?
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dr._Lavy	Dear Chuladonna: The reason FSH has been picked to serve as a marker of ovarian reserve is the fact that it is not generally infuenced by other hormones. Low FSH levels can sometimes accompany stress of excercise but high levle are strongly indicative of ovarian faliure.
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Phyllis39	Can I expect that even though my fsh is low that I will have problems due to my age?
dr._Lavy	Dear Hopeand pray: High estrongen leves can artifically suppress FSH. Therefore normal FSH in face of high estrogen has the same prognostic value as high FSH. There are no other hormones that lower FSH
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Lisa_Rosenthal	Welcome to dina and deanna, thanks for joining us this evening!
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localhost	[2009] touser Thanks for joining us this evening- Please feel free to post questions for Dr. Lavy. Copy and paste them so that you can repost them if necessary. The room can get quite busy.
localhost	[2009] touser Thank you for joining The American Fertility Association and our special guest, Dr. Gad Lavy, Founder and Medical Director of the New England Fertility Institute.
dr._Lavy	Dear Kristy: there is a fairly standard evaluation for amenrrhea-the lack of menses. It is not always a hormone imbalance. There should be an assessment of the uterus because sometime damage to the uterine lining will stop your menses.
kangaruth	what is a good protocol for high FSH? How do you get better quality eggs?
hopeandpray	What seems to be the best protocols for women over 40?
eMMA	Dr. Lavy, how long to get an appointment to see you?
eMMA	can you post your phone number?
Julie_C.	Hi, Dr. Lavy. I just had cycle day 3 bloodwork done, and my E2 was high (~165) while my FSH & LH were low (<2) and my inhibin B was low (~30). Could this be caused by a functional cyst? I have PCOS and am 38.
dr._Lavy	Dear Kangaruth: There are various plant estrogens that can lower FSH the same way as estrogen pills, injections and patches. As I mentioned earier, even though FSH levels may drop as a result, ovarian fucntion does not improve.
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NJStepford	Another question: Is high FSH hereditary? If I have a daughter, will I pass it down to her? (My mother didn't go through menopause until her mid-50s) Thanks!
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wannababy	Could you post your phone number please?
Dee	Dr. Lavy- I'm 30 years old and was diagnosed with high FSH.. the first test was 37 and second was 17. My questions are is it impossible to still get pregnant on my own? My husband and I are confused as to what the best alternatives are. I've read alot about how stressful it is to go through IVF so if that's something that will not work given the high FSH levels is my best option to use a donor?
localhost	[2009] touser The American Fertility Association has free membership! Please go online and you will have access to all our publications at "No Barriers".
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Lisa_Rosenthal	baby2, thanks for joining us this evening.
localhost	[2009] touser Thanks for joining us this evening- Please feel free to post questions for Dr. Lavy. Copy and paste them so that you can repost them if necessary. The room can get quite busy.
dr._Lavy	Dear NJStepford: good luck. Please do not focus too much on your FSH. It could have been the clomid. Your history of successful pregnnacies ( and even the miscarriage ) is very encouraging as it suggests a good ovarian reserve
Kristy	I had Disfunctional Uterine Bleeding Last December could that have Damage the Lining?
NJStepford	Thanks. Dr. Lavy...
Lisa_Rosenthal	Dr. Lavy, you have had several requests for your phone number. Would you please post it so that participants can reach you at your office?
localhost	[2009] touser Thank you for joining The American Fertility Association and our special guest, Dr. Gad Lavy, Founder and Medical Director of the New England Fertility Institute.
dina	Dr. Levy, What do you think of DHEA?
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chuladonna	Thx Dr. In your experience though, have you ever seen FSH prematurely high because of the effect of other homonal imbalances or some other malfunction or imbalance in the body - which was or could be remedied?
Wendy	Dr. Lavy, I have had several ovarian cysts and tumors (5 total). My OB-GYN said I "lost" some eggs during the different operations. Can this have an effect on my FSH levels?
Lee	Is it a bad sign if you have artificially suppressed (and therefore low) FSH with high estrogen?
dr._Lavy	Dear Wendy: Absolutely. As I mentioned int he intro, surgery can often damage healthy ovarian tissue and thus reduce the numbe of viable eggs. Some women with high FSH levels have a history of ovarian or pelvic survery. In fact surgery in organs surrounging the ovary can also impact ovarian fucntion by disrupting ovarian blood flow.
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momtobeseeker	Dr Lavy, How is FSH measured and what are normal levels for a person my age. I'm 34.
dr._Lavy	Dear Dina: not much. I would not recommend it.
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dr._Lavy	Dear Lee: As I mentioned earlier, high estrogen with low FSH and high FSH with low estrogen have the same significance and are markers of reduced ovarian reserve
localhost	[2009] touser Fertility Dream '05 is a 3.1 mile walk/run that is taking place in Danbury CT on Sept 11. The American Fertility Association is pleased that Dr. Lavy and the New England Fertility Institute have joined us as a sponsor! Please look at our home page for details or email me at Lisa@theafa.org
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dr._Lavy	Dear montobeseeker: FSH is measured in the blood on the third day of the cycle. Normal levels at your age should be under 10.
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wannababy	Dr. Lavy, please, please post your phone number! I would love to come see you!
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luly02	Dr. Lavy - have you heard of and if so, what do you think of, a research drug called pulsatile GnRH, Lutrepulse?
dr._Lavy	Gad Lavy, M.D. New England Fertility Institute Stamford CT 06905 203-325-3200= Stamford office 203-248-2353= Hamden office
hopeandpray	If surgery can negatively affect the number of available eggs and ovarian blood flow, why do so many doctors want to remove uterine fibroids?
wannababy	thank you!!!
btags	Dr. Lavy,
joy	Dr. Lavy, i went thru hysteroscopy and laparascopy prior to IVF all by same Westchester dr.. Could this have affected my ovarian reserve or is it most likely just my age (43)? thx
deanna	How long a wait to get into see you?
Deana26	I've been diagnosed with very high levels of FSH and was wondering what the best options are to get pregnant (IUI,IVF,egg donor)
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dr._Lavy	Dear Hopeandpray: It is often a difficult decision. Surgery should only be done as a last resort (always). However, there have been some studies that show that fibroids, especially those growing close to the uterine cavity can affect that chancs of implantation. Those fibroids can often be removed hysteroscopicaly (throught the cervix) thus avoiding the issue of ovarian blood supply. Occasionally a large fibroid is present and needs to be removed. In these cases a special surgical technique should be utilized trying to preserve reproductive function.
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dr._Lavy	Dear Joy: hysteroscopy does not affect ovarian fucntion. Laparoscopy doesn't either unless it includes surgery.
Julie_C.	I just had cycle day 3 bloodwork done, and my E2 was high (~165) while my FSH and LH were low (<2) and my inhibin B was low (~30). Is there any hope that this could be caused by a functional cyst? I have PCOS and am 38; also, g2 p1.
hopeandpray	What kind of special surgical technique preserves reroductive function?
dr._Lavy	Dear Deanna: generally a few weeks.
btags	In your experience, how have you treated a patient whose eggs get "stuck" in the follicles requiring heavy suctioning at egg retrieval. I am 36 and my FSH ranges from a 9-13. I did become pregnant on my 2nd IVF but it resulted in an early miscarriage. My egg quality is not the best but not terrible. I am currently in my 2ww for IVF #3. I'd appreciate any insight you may have. Thanks. Renee
dr._Lavy	Dear Deanna26: I need the specifics. Very high levels generally suggest egg donation. Moderate levels suggest an aggressive approach - IVF possibly with PGD
dina	Dr. Levy, My highest fsh was 42 - I am considering donor egg, I am 41. I have had three miscarriages in the past year. Any hope of a biological child?
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Deana26	My first test was level 37 (extremely hight) the second was 17.. which is another question.. why the huge difference
joy	i also had myomectomy 7 yrs ago.. could that have affected my fertility? thx.
Deana26	I've read that IVF can be stressful and didn't want to go through that if the chances of success is next to nothing
lilly	My fsh is always between 3-7, IÕm 41, trying for 3 years, 4 ivf, and one ectopic with iui, any hope for biological child?
dr._Lavy	Dear Julie: Certainly a fucntional cyst can cause estrogen levels to be high. An ultrasond should be part of the baseline evalaution to check for this possibility.
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localhost	[2009] touser Fertility Dream '05 is a 3.1 mile walk/run that is taking place in Danbury CT on Sept 11. The American Fertility Association is pleased that Dr. Lavy and the New England Fertility Institute have joined us as a sponsor! Please look at our home page for details or email me at Lisa@theafa.org
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petite	has the discussion started?
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hopeandpray	What kind of special surgical technique during a myomectomy preserves reproductive function? How should a person decide between trying to get pregnant with fibroids or having a myomectomy?
dr._Lavy	Dear Dina: I think that you should look into egg donation. Low ovarian reserve presernts in different ways. Failure to conceive, miscarriages and birth defects. Looking at your profile, it is unlikely that you have a successful IVF.
petite	What is a good FSH at age 42?
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Lisa_Rosenthal	Hi petite, yes, we're in full swing with the session.
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momtobeseeker	Thx Dr. Lavy: I have irregular periods and spot for the 1st couple of days before it really starts. My M.D. recently put me on Clomid and wants to give IVF a try. My husband was just given Progesterone and his counts doubled. What in your opinion will the Clomid do?
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lilly	My fsh is always between 3-7, IÕm 41, trying for 3 years, 4 ivf, and one ectopic with iui, any hope for biological child?
localhost	[2009] touser Thank you for joining The American Fertility Association and our special guest, Dr. Gad Lavy, Founder and Medical Director of the New England Fertility Institute.
petite	Sorry to repeat: what is a good FSH at age 42?
dr._Lavy	Dear Petite: FSH under 15 is acceptable to me. with IVF we always try to take a step at a time and see how far we can get; stimulation, retrieval, transfer. We use FSH as a marker that tells us if it is worth starting therapy. Once you start you need to have a good response in order to have a retgreival and good embros in order to have a transfer. As I mentioned earlier you cannot read too much into the FSH.
hopeandpray	How do you preserve fertility and ovarian blood supply when a myomectomy has to be done?
petite	Do you think it's a bad idea at my age to freeze embroyos?
Lisa_Rosenthal	As a matter of fact, we are able to get such wonderful speakers because I promise that I will have them done by 9 PM sharp. That leaves us about 10 minutes with Dr. Lavy.
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dr._Lavy	Dear hopeandpray: reproductive surgery focuses on meticulous techniques with minimal disruption to blood supply and focuses on preserving smooth surfaces in order to avoid scar tissue. special materials are also used to avoid scar tissue fomramtion.
Lisa_Rosenthal	Dr. Lavy, thank you for doing such a wonderful job this evening. We so appreciate all your help and insight. I hope you will consider joining us againg sometime!
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luly02	Dr. Lavy - have you heard of and if so, what do you think of, Lutrepulse?
Deana26	My first FSH test came back at 37.. extremely high. The second one came back at 17. At the age of 30 is there any hope?
Julie_C.	Yes, thank you, Dr. Lavy. It's nice of you to spend the time doing something like this--and online chats are intense!
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Kristy	Dr.Lavy I had Disfunctional Uterine Bleeding December last year and the Endoconlogist says that I have PCOS like symtoms I have had a Live Miscarrage and 100% Clueless on what to ask I already know you said to have an Evaluation For Amenrrhea but I was just wondering if Disfunctional Uterine Bleeding could have caused any of this
viviane	Type here
viviane	hi
dr._Lavy	Dear4 Petite: Embryos of good quality should be frozen at any age. We evaluate the embryos closely before freezing and not freeze those that are not optimal. This increases the chancs of survival post thaw and thus the chances of success.
petite	Where is your center?
JT	Are there any reasons an FSH would be abnormally high? Any possibility it is a 'false' high is my question?
Lisa_Rosenthal	Thank you to everyone for joining us this evening and asking such interesting, thoughtful questions. Please check our website for the schedule for next week.
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donature	I just want to thank you for your honest response and suggestion. My doctor offered donor egg first thing and did not suggest checking antral follicles (or even any hormone levels until I requested).
petite	how do we get a copy of this transcript?
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hopeandpray	Thank you so much Dr. Lavy!
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dr._Lavy	Dear Petite: Gad Lavy, M.D. New England Fertility Institute Stamford CT 06905 203-325-3200 203-248-2353
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JT	Are there any reasons an FSH reading could be 'falsely' high?
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eMMA	good night and thanks
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deanna	nite
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dr._Lavy	Thank you for inviting me to this sessiion: This is my first experience with online chat and I have to say that it has been a pleasure.
petite	thanks, Dr. Lavy!
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dina	Good night and thank you.
dr._Lavy	Good luck to all of you. Be strong
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donature	good night and thanks again.
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momtobeseeker	Thanks for your help. I really appreciate it! Hope to have you back again
guest43	thanks Dr very much
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Lisa_Rosenthal	Thank you Dr. Lavy, we appreciate your time and help this evening.
JT	Ack! one last Q: Are there any reasons an FSH could be falsely high?
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localhost	[2009] touser Fertility Dream '05 is a 3.1 mile walk/run that is taking place in Danbury CT on Sept 11. The American Fertility Association is pleased that Dr. Lavy and the New England Fertility Institute have joined us as a sponsor! Please look at our home page for details or email me at Lisa@theafa.org
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dr._Lavy	Good night
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joy	Thx Dr. Lavy!! My friend HIGHLY RECOMMENDS you
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luly02	For those of you doing accupuncture - what are your thoughts?
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kangaruth	i have seen success with acupuncture and wheatgrass (and diet changes) my fsh did lower and my egg quality increased
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luly02	any pregnancies?
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luly02	kangruth - how long have you been in accupuncture?
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kangaruth	3 months
Lisa_Rosenthal	What a great session. You guys are teriffic.
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NJStepford	Thanks, Doctor!
kangaruth	thanks lisa.. is it ok that we chat amongst ourselves now?
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Lisa_Rosenthal	Absolutely, perfect to do now.
luly02	Thank you Lisa
luly02	Kangaruth - Have you had any pregnancies? What is your age?
JT	what diet changes along with acupuncture? I did acu a few times, but don't think i was with it long enough
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kangaruth	i am 38. i had 3 mc and did 4 iuis and 2 ivfs
kangaruth	i was successful with my last ivf... and have twins now
kangaruth	i joined the group because i remember how horrible i felt when i got the FSH diagnosis
luly02	CONGRATULATIONS! - Did you do the accupuncture during your last IVF?
JT	kangaruth - what was your FSH level?
kangaruth	and i wanted to see what Dr. Lavy had to say, since he was recommended
momtobeseeker	What is anyone's experience taking Clomid? I just started my 1st 5 days of pills and have some concerns on uterine lining and cyst development.
kangaruth	yes, i did acupuncture, i did yoga/meditation, i did wheatgrass, i did a change in protocol, i did all i could. my highest FSH was 13
luly02	momtobeseeker - I did 3 cycles of Clomid and developed follicular cysts. they went away with a cycle or two on no Clomid.
kangaruth	i have 2 other friends. one is 42 with fsh of 25.. she is curently pg
JT	mom-to-be: I did clomid 4x 2 @ 100mg and 2 @ 50mg. I got terrible cysts but i think it was bc the drs started meon it later in the cycle than should be
momtobeseeker	How did you know you developed cysts? Uterine ultrasound I would presume.
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JT	kangaruth - how often acupuncture and for how long?
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luly02	kangaruth - oh boy - I seem to be on the same path - diet change, acunpuncture, yoga. My highest FSH was in the mid 30's
jenlc1124	Type herewhat is the deal with wheatgrass?
kangaruth	i would go once a week for 3 months. 2 times a week while stimming. and stop before transfer
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kangaruth	i asked Dr. lavy about wheatgrass... it seems to help.. it is discussed on ivfer.com and in the book inconceivable
luly02	momtobeseeker - for me it was the uterine ultrasound that found the cysts.
JT	kanga - thx! i was thinking of starting it back up again in the fall. I began running this summer and diet change and feel alot better
JT	what does wheatgrass do?
kangaruth	i increased protein.. ate more organic
kangaruth	ate almonds.. good for egg quality
JT	almonds or any nuts?
luly02	kangaruth -We are trying naturally before we go to IVF since my only option is donor eggs. We are not ready for that. I am going once a week and have been for about two months now.
luly02	I have started on the herbs as well but not on the wheatgrass. I will ask on my next visit.
kangaruth	JT - I don't know what wheatgrass does... but it has lots of vitamins..
luly02	Kangaruth - almonds really?
kangaruth	yes, almonds.. not any nuts
luly02	well I will definitely try anything
JT	how often did you drink the wheatgrass? a friend of mine was diagnosed with high FSH 20 and she started taking wheatgrass
kangaruth	not sure why
luly02	I will look into that as well - also doing the organic stuff. Trying to stay off the meats as much as possible,
kangaruth	i would get the wheatgrass frozen and put two cubes in a small glass of v8 every day
luly02	ugh - that sounds pretty gross though!
kangaruth	LOL - so are shots while doing ivf.
JT	i like V8 tho! yay!
luly02	totally agree
luly02	not me - I'm not a vegetable person but I will try anything as long as I can get pregnant.
JT	actually, i didn't mind the shots at all - we have 2 failed IVFs under our belt and trying to decide if we should go for a third. my highest FSH was 12
luly02	We want kids and I want to try everything in my power to at least have one genetic child
kangaruth	JT - have you considered changing drs. or protocol?
JT	i'm not a veggie person either, but like you LULY, I'm willing to try anything. Get the V8 SPICY blend - it is good!
kangaruth	luly - i understand what you are saying. i thought the same thing. i went super agressive
JT	i;m going to NYU in NYC - yes, thinking of changing to north shore on Long Island
kangaruth	NYU is great rep - do you see Dr. Griffo or Licardi
JT	we did change my protocol of stims between round 1 and 2...added repronex and got 10 eggs where 9 fertilized and all made it for a day 5 transfer
JT	BUT unfortunately, none of the 3 stuck
luly02	Yes we did - we were told our only option was donor eggs and I didn't want to go that route so we took a break. We were looking at different options like adoption or if we did donor IVF if we would go with a family member.
luly02	Anyways in that time period I stumbled across acupuncture and here I am now - currently trying.
kangaruth	yes, repronex and antagon and gonal f worked as my protocol
JT	i actually go to Noyes...
JT	but I've met Liccardi - he is very nice
luly02	thanks for the tip on V8
jenlc1124	i have 2 failed A/I should i even bother with a third or go straight to IVF
kangaruth	luly - i was also told to do donor egg.. and i decided to give my own "old and dusty" eggs a whirl first. So I decided 4 iui, 3 ivfs.. then donor with my sister's eggs then adoption
luly02	Kanga - and where did you land it?
kangaruth	2nd ivf (after 3 mc)
JT	we're also considering donor eggs, but with anonymous....Kanga: did your 3rd IVF work?
kangaruth	if my second didn't work, i was going to switch to Cornell
JT	kanga - where did you go?? i was thinking about Cornell too
kangaruth	i was at Montefiore for all my treatments and had a consult at Cornell gearing up (I thought for sure that my cycle was a bust)
luly02	kanga - I'm glad to hear that you were succesfull. Will you try again or is this it for you?
Lisa_Rosenthal	Ladies, I hope that you know about our message board system. It's a great place to continue the types of connections that you are making between yourselves right now. The peer support would be the perfect place to touch base with each other. How did you all hear about tonight's session?
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JT	i really want to have one genetic child....but it is so hard to go through those last 10 days after transfer
kangaruth	I know this journey is hard and painful. Just wanted to give you some hope
luly02	Lisa - I received your member email
JT	with IVF so not sure I'm ready to try and be disappointed a 3rd time.
JT	kanga you really have. and I appreciate it immensely!!!
luly02	I don't know if I can go through all that I have heard from everybody - that was why we took a break. Hats off to both of you for going through that. You are both wonderful women!
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kangaruth	JT - my sister said something interesting to me.. she said... "your road to a baby is hard and filled with tears.. but it is in your power to just stop, otherwise, keep moving forward
kangaruth	luly - my other two friends did not do IVF and they had HIGH fsh and both are pg. Both were told no hope, and donor egg. One is 38 the other 42
luly02	kanga - very inspiring - thank your sister for me.
JT	like i said, the shots didn't bother me and i was so positive and hopeful, until the last days when i 'felt' it didn't work. Thank you for sharing your sister's thought
momtobeseeker	That's great advice. Thanks for your support and good luck to you. How old are your twins now?
JT	i do agree....i just feel like I have to keep trying.....i KNOW it will happen for us somehow - whether our own or through adoption or DE
kangaruth	8 months
luly02	Oh great - then there is hope - I am 34 and have plenty of years in front of me. Really didn't want to make such a hasty decision with the doubt that I could have on my own.
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luly02	JT - we feel the same way.
kangaruth	have you read the book inconceivable?
kangaruth	it is about high fsh
luly02	One way or another I will have children to care for
kangaruth	also, infertility cure by randine lewis
Lisa_Rosenthal	Julia Indichova wrote inconceivable, it's one of my favorite books, about enpowerment
JT	i haven't read either - I work around the corner from barnes and Noble tho.....THANKS
luly02	No I have not - I am reading the The Infertility Cure
momtobeseeker	How about the new book, "A Few Good Eggs?"
luly02	That is a great book
luly02	I am pumped with that woman's book
JT	has anyone heard of the theory about antibiotics?
luly02	JT - Infertility Cure is all about what we discussed earlier - diet, exercise and acupuncture - very interesting. Great reading
kangaruth	Lisa - I just want to thank you personally too. I reveived a lot of great emails from you. The AFA helped me immensely. especially the "ask the doctor" boards
luly02	JT - what theory?
JT	there is a 'holistic' doctor and i forget his name, but he believes antibiotics can help egg quality and 'clean' our systems....
JT	a friend of mine did the intravenous antibiotics and got pregnant her next cycle...
luly02	JT - but are we talking about Eastern or Western medicine ?
Lisa_Rosenthal	kangaruth, how lovely to hear, I appreciate it.
JT	infertility cure - OK I'm going to get a book tomorrow and start reading...and I have a train commute so perfect time for it!
kangaruth	I am sorry, I need to leave. I just want to wish you strength and courage
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JT	luly--don't know
luly02	ok
JT	he is located in NYC
JT	i think he wrote 'fertility vs infertility' book
JT	thanks ladies - i wish everyone success in this area of our lives!! have a good night
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momtobeseeker	thanks everyone. Good luck!
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luly02	good luck to you all!
Lisa_Rosenthal	good night lulu
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luly02	Lisa - thank you for these sessions - they are very informative and great bonding with our peers. Keep them coming!
Lisa_Rosenthal	luly, my pleasure, good to see you tonight... best of luck
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Lisa_Rosenthal	any of you lovely women who can join us in connecticut on sunday to walk/run about fertility, we would love to see
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The True Significance of FSH

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