Day 3 bloodwork usually measures the hormones involved in egg maturation and ovulation--Estradiol, or E2, FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone), and LH (luteinizing hormone). There are other tests that are sometimes done on this day that provide more information about ovarian reserve but I will not discuss them, partly because I did not have them run and partly because I don't want to be held accountable for such technical information as I am not a health care professional! My clinic also did not test my LH because the u/s did not show any indication of pcos.
My RE ordered tests for E2 and FSH. My FSH was at 9.3 (with 11 total antral follicles detected on u/s). They want to see FSH levels under 12 on cd3. Other clinics might consider 9.3 slightly elevated (see link). My E2 was 38. The nurse told me everything looked good.
Overall for day 3 testing, I have a borderline low total antral follicle count, a borderline high FSH and an ok E2 level. But according to my RE and clinic staff, everything looks good for the IUI (we're relying only on clomid). I want to be positive. Maybe I need more reassurance. It seems that all my test results from the past 6 months are on the fence--my HSG, my mid-luteal progesterone, my "resting" follicles and now FSH and E2 levels. At least (in a weird way), they are not telling me that I am a fertile myrtle, at least my tests are confirming some sub-fertility, if not clear infertility.
I found the following information on normal ranges and Day 3 hormone levels here:
FSH 3-20 mIU/ml (3-9 is good and many clinics suggest donor eggs for FSH at or above 15)
E2 25-75 pg/ml
LH less than 7 and not higher than FSH
Lower levels of these hormones on cycle day 3 usually indicate good ovarian reserve and higher success for stimulation. However, each clinic has their own criteria for what is considered normal, elevated, etc, making interpretation vary depending on how the tests are run. For more information about the role of these hormones, how to interpret levels and fertility treatment protocols visit The Infertility Blog's March 2006 archive as well as Advanced Fertility's page on Day 3 hormones and testing ovarian reserve. Both are written by an MD and do a good job explaining the basics.
9 comments:
Borderline is kind of annoying place to be, isn't it? It's not definite but, yeah, I guess it is at least somewhat of an explanation. But, not enough that you can "fix." Good luck with this cycle.
Those numbers are great! Best of luck with your IUI! I'm borderline on stuff too, although I was able to get my FSH down from an 8 to about a 5 over the course of a year and its stayed consistently in the 5-6 range. Mostly I did that with diet changes and stress reduction (i guess... who actually knows if there's even a reason for it). But in the end, it still hasn't helped me get pregnant yet... so... Anyways. GOOD LUCK!!
I really hope this clomid cycle is exactly what you need to kickstart that borderline system of yours! :) Good luck this cycle - I have everything crossed for you!
Your numbers are fabulous, seriously, I wish I had your numbers! You are going to do just great, don't worry one bit! I'll be following you...
I am jealous of your E2!
Great start to a new cycle. Cheers!
I meant to ask, are you feeling anything from the clomid yet? I barely feel anything from the injections. Feels like they might be just starting to plump up.
Here from ICLW :) Best luck with your first IUI cycle! Wishing you sticky baby dust and sending pregnant thoughts in your direction.
It always feels good to find some answers...some reasons for why it isn't working the old fashioned way. Best of luck to you guys on your IUI cycle!! Happy ICLW!
Found your link through ICLW. It is interesting that you talked about FSH levels here, because mine was exactly the same!! 9.3!! The clinic said they like to see it below. They also did AMH levels, which is another indicator of ovarian reserve - which they said was normal. That with the number of antral follicles indicated things were ok.Does your clinic do AMH?
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