FSH numbers, anyone?

[quantumleap]

I just looked at my latest labs, and my FSH is a 4.1 (the RR is 4-15). I freaked, cause it seemed so low, and then did some research and as it turns out lower is better? When I've had day 3 labs done before, I've never actually seen them, just been told they were "good" or "fine".
Is lower actually better? Is there such a thing as too low? We're not stimming, and probably never will (donor sperm and a potential embryo donation are our current projects), if that makes any difference.

And, on a related note, do you guys see your labs or do you just get a verbal summary? Can you read them? If you can, how did youu learn?

Thanks.
Katia

[songbird45]

I don't know if lower is better, but high numbers indicate that you're menopausal. Basically there is a feedback mechanism - once a follicle is mature it produces hormones that cause fsh to go down. If you're menopausal you never get a mature follicle so your fsh just keeps going up.

[mischievium]

Hi Katia,

I don't have a specific answer to your FSH question, but as far as understanding lab results, there is a great website called Lab Tests Online that gives all sorts of helpful information about different lab tests, why they're used, what they mean, etc. Here is their page on FSH.

I hope that helps!

mischievium

[Elowyn]

Low is good. My FSH is routinely in the mid-3's, and my RE's quite happy with it. 4.1 is a great number.

(You can have a too low FSH, if your pituitary's not working, but I think that's a number much less than 1.)

[poetgirl]

4.1 is a great number. Really really good. I'm normal for my age (34) and it's 6.3. My sister is 37 and it's 9.9. Numbers approaching 10 and a bit over might indicate perimenopause.

[veganmama719]

4.1 is a great number.

Mine was 10.78 and I'm 40. That is "exactly normal for 40" apparently!

[veganmama719]

I am posting to this thread again to add that I am PG. My RE said I only had a 5% per cycle chance, if that. I conceived 4 days later.

So take all these numbers with a grain of salt, they are not the be all and end all.

[Seedlings]

veganmamma - Congratulations on your pregnancy. Wishing all the best!

[veganmama719]

Thanks Seedlings, babydust to you!