[nina9809]

My FSH level was 9.5 when I got tested last month. While this result is still in the normal range, it is definitely on the high side (I am 31). I was advised to take DHEA to lower my FSH levels but I really don't want to be taking a hormone like this unless it is really going to help!

I asked my doctor to do the AMH test and he refused saying they don't do them there (Kaiser - just not possible) and that I didn't need one. I know I don't need one, but I think it would help me to know the results. Very frustrating.

I am not taking the DHEA at this time. I want more information before I start taking it....

What do you ladies think?

[Lash]

Yes you absolutely need the AMH testing. In fact it's a much stronger and more reliable test than FSH.

I'm a really big proponent of natural options, but there are restricted studies that show DHEA assists in these cases, and it's a small number. It's also a testosterone based hormone and can sometimes cause more harm than good. You need that one tested too before you start taking it. It can also damage egg quality if you already have normal levels of it and then start dumping in more

[nina9809]

Lash - I appreciate your knowledgeable response! I emailed the secretary of the infertility specialist and she said she had never heard of the test (***?) and that I should just talk to the doctor when I see him (Jan 27th). I guess that is what I will be forced to do!

What do I need testing first before I take Dhea? My testosterone based hormone? Well I am glad I went with my instincts and haven't stared taking it yet!

Goodness, I can only hope the the infertility specialist that I go and see on the 27th knows a bit more than the other doctors I have come into contact with so far!!

My abnormal test result was that my Thyroperoxidase antibody was 45 and a normal range is below 35. To begin with they said I should start taking a thyroid medication every day - after some discussion they said that since my thyroid is fine right now.... then once I am pregnant I need to have it tested again to see if I need to take the thyroid hormone. That's fine with me. Basically he was explaining that when you get pregnant your thyroid needs to do more (or something) and mine might not be able to which would possibly explain mis-carrying between 6-8 weeks.

Last weird result was a positive ANA test. But I am told that is of no relevance at all and sometimes people just have positive tests.

What do you or anyone else think about my other test results? Nothing looks too serious to me..... but of course I am slightly worried! 2 weeks until my first specialist appointment.

[Lash]

They told you that positive for antinuclear antibodies was not a big issue? Insanity! That can imply autoimmune issues with fertility, including high natural killer cells that lead to miscarriage as well as a need to be on steroids during pregnancy, especially early pregnancy.

They tested for it, but decide the results don't matter? I'm so confused.

Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA)

And this doc has never heard of AMH? Do you mind posting the name of the doc? Do you know his SART data?

Some people do just have weak ANA test results, but if it's enough to test positive and you have thyroid issues, they need to be examining this really closely. There is an entire field called Reproductive Immunology. If they are testing for immune issues and you are hitting positive, they need to pay attention. There are treatments for these kinds of things, sometimes simple treatments like aspirin or steroids, even simply fish oil, but you still need to be taking them and someone needs to take it seriously.

Want to hear something super weird? I never get sick. Like ever, I never get sick. My immune system apparently is super strong. It attacks any **** thing that comes into it's path. Which sounds terrific, until you put an embryo in my body. And it attacks that too. It turns out that my "health" wasn't necessarily a good thing and I actually had to attempt to suppress my system for IVF. It didn't work anyways for me in the end but I had shyte embryo's and a long list of other issues. But there are so many sides to this reproductive immunology stuff that are quite serious.

[nina9809]

Originally Posted by Lash

They told you that positive for antinuclear antibodies was not a big issue? Insanity! That can imply autoimmune issues with fertility, including high natural killer cells that lead to miscarriage as well as a need to be on steroids during pregnancy, especially early pregnancy.

They tested for it, but decide the results don't matter? I'm so confused.

Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA)

And this doc has never heard of AMH? Do you mind posting the name of the doc? Do you know his SART data?

Some people do just have weak ANA test results, but if it's enough to test positive and you have thyroid issues, they need to be examining this really closely. There is an entire field called Reproductive Immunology. If they are testing for immune issues and you are hitting positive, they need to pay attention. There are treatments for these kinds of things, sometimes simple treatments like aspirin or steroids, even simply fish oil, but you still need to be taking them and someone needs to take it seriously.

Want to hear something super weird? I never get sick. Like ever, I never get sick. My immune system apparently is super strong. It attacks any **** thing that comes into it's path. Which sounds terrific, until you put an embryo in my body. And it attacks that too. It turns out that my "health" wasn't necessarily a good thing and I actually had to attempt to suppress my system for IVF. It didn't work anyways for me in the end but I had shyte embryo's and a long list of other issues. But there are so many sides to this reproductive immunology stuff that are quite serious.

Well I went to see a special doctor about the positive ANA test as I was just not happy with the response that it didn't matter and he studied me and asked me lots of questions and concluded that that I did not have an auto immune disease (Lupus is most common I believe).

GREGORY N. SACHER MD told me he had spoken with the infertility specialist and he does not do this test (AMH), there is not indication. After that I asked ANITA ELLEN LEVINE-GOLDBERG NP as she is organizing my appointment with the infertility specialist (Dr. Huang) for me about it and she had not heard of this test!!

As for the thyroid stuff, I have been emailing with JEROME RICHARD MINKOFF MD who gave me the info that they will test again once I am pregnant and then I might have to go on thyroid medication. I also have an appointment with him in early Feb for him to look at my thyroid and stuff.

Well, all I can hope is that Dr. Huang knows more when I see him on the 27th. I am with Kaiser - Santa Rosa and therefore am quite limited to who I see as they have to be part of Kaiser.

Goodness, you have been very helpful - but I really don't know what to do next!! Wait for my appointment I suppose! Or demand other tests when I go in? I will be demanding the AMH test for sure.... Oh, this is such hard work!

I also never get sick, like ever, just like you! I wonder if I have the same problem as you regarding my body attacking everything!

[EmptyWomb]

Some doctors just amaze me how they are not willing to help their patients. I hope you get the answer you are looking for as well as a doctor who go down every path to find out the issue. My thoughts are with you!

[Lash]

If you want them to test Natural Killer cells, this is treatable and studies even evidence simply taking high doses, and I mean HIGH doses, of fish oil will reduce NK cells

[nina9809]

Thanks. I hope the special doctor I am going to see is knowledgeable! Arrggh!

[Servilia]

If you have a thyroid issue it would be best to start treatment before you get pregnant. In the meantime, are you on baby aspirin? It's your best bet in terms of self-help in an autoimmune situation. Good luck!

[nina9809]

Originally Posted by Servilia

If you have a thyroid issue it would be best to start treatment before you get pregnant. In the meantime, are you on baby aspirin? It's your best bet in terms of self-help in an autoimmune situation. Good luck!

Since my thyroid is normal right now, they don't think I have a thyroid issue... They think it might be an issue if i get pregnant, and that is when they will treat if necessary. I am taking baby asprin and have been for a couple of months now.
I have my appointment with the infertility specialist on Tuesday now (I moved it), so I am looking forward to hearing what he has to say!
Thank you so much for all your responses.