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High FSH and Acupuncture

by Andrea
(Yukon Territories, Canada)

Hi Amelia.
I Googled high FSH level and found your web site. I am 33 years old and living in Canada. My husband and I have been trying to conceive for over a year now.

I have a very regular period and a 30-31 day cycle. My period is quite strong for the first 3 days and it lasts for about 5 days. The blood is vibrant red in colour and sometimes it is a bit dark and clumpy.

Approx. in the middle of my cycle, for a couple of days, I tend to have a very eggwhite like discharge. My 2 most recent 3rd day cycle FSH levels were 14 and 16.

My husband's recent sperm count results were : 45 million per 1 ml, 69% motility, 6% normal form (Rapid progressive 4%, Slow progressive 64%, Non progressive 0, Immotile 32%). We are desperate to conceive. Do you have any advice for us? It would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Andrea

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High FSH and Acupuncture

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starstarstarstarstar 		High FSH and Acupuncture
by: Amelia Hirota

Hi Andrea,
So you have a high FSH and are wondering about acupuncture? What is your FSH and have you had it tested more than once? What about 6 DPO (days past ovulation) progesterone?

Thanks for sharing all of the helpful details and your chart. If you'd like a more thorough analysis of your chart, please schedule a consultation with me. I would love to speak with you, as it appears that there are just minor problems with your cycle.

I'm very encouraged that you have a regular cycle and the blood is bright red. I don't like the dark, clumpy bit, but that could be improved.

It looks like there is a little going on with your cycle and a little going on with your husband's sperm. How many ml are there in an ejaculate? I'm concerned about his morphology at 6%. In studies done on couples who conceived naturally, the morphology (normal forms) was at least 12%.

It's important to keep in mind what the figure of 6% normal forms means. It means that 94% are abnormal sperm that won't fertilize an egg.

Your chart has what is called a "saddle" pattern with the curved dip in the middle. It appears that you're ovulating and have a nice luteal phase of 12-13 days, which is extremely encouraging.

Please respond in the comments area to my questions.

Sending Baby Dust Your Way,
Amelia Hirota, Licensed and Board Certified Acupuncturist and Herbalist
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starstarstarstarstar 		High FSH and Clomid
by: Andrea

Hi Amelia,
Thank you for your response. My FSH was 14 in April and 16 in May this year. My blood was never tested for 6 day past ovulation progesterone. Could you please suggest to me why this would be a good idea?

I was told that my Prolactin is slightly elevated but I will re-test it. As for my husband; his latest sperm volume was 3.1 ml.

I received a prescription for Clomid recently, but I wonder if I should start it or not. I feel like I don't know enough about Clomid. I hate taking pills and would love to conceive naturally. I just don't know what to do next. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Andrea
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starstarstarstarstar 		High FSH and Acupuncture
by: Amelia Hirota

Hi Andrea,
You test your progesterone 6 days after ovulation to make sure that you're ovulating. The only reason for taking Clomid is if you're not ovulating. If you are ovulating, it's not really indicated for you.

I would test the prolactin again. Elevated prolactin levels are associated with sub-fertility. Your husband's semen value is average.

Just from looking at your chart, I would guess that you have an elevated FSH. Also, I wonder if you're stressed, going to bed after 11 PM, not feeling rested, possibly having some night sweats, drinking coffee and maybe alcohol.

Do you have an acupuncturist near where you live? I really think that you just need a bit of balancing.

Sending Baby Dust Your Way,
Amelia Hirota, Licensed and Board Certified Acupuncturist and Herbalist
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		High FSH and Acupuncture
by: Andrea

Hi Amelia,
Thank you for your response to my high FSH and acupuncture advice. My FSH level was 14 this April and 16 in June. My 6 DPO progesterone was never tested yet. Could you please tell me, why this is important? My husband sperm sample was 3.1 ml.
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starstarstarstarstar 		High FSH and Acupuncture
by: Amelia Hirota

Hi Andrea,
Your FSH is a bit high for your age, but it's definitely not the end of the world. I've had patients in their late 30's with FSH in the teens, who have gotten pregnant with acupuncture, Chinese herbs, dietary changes and lifestyle advice.

I asked about the progesterone test, as it's important to make sure that you are ovulating. There are only 2 ways to know if you're ovulating (other than getting pregnant, of course); testing your progesterone 6 days after ovulation and getting ultrasounds before and after suspected ovulation.

I hope this is helpful. By the way, whenever placing comments, please use your name, so that I know who is asking the question. Thanks!

Good luck to you!
Amelia Hirota, Licensed and Board Certified Acupuncturist and Herbalist

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Grab a cup of warm herbal tea and enjoy a good read about how to naturally enhance your fertility in the Article section. You also can just relax and watch informative Videos or listen to educational Podcasts. And don't forget to join in the Discussions! acupuncture-infertility
My name is Nicole and I started working with Amelia after not getting my period for several months after going off birth control pills. I had been on and off birth control pills for 10 years and was ready to start trying for a baby.

At 28 years old (and my husband was 29) we could not imagine that we would have problems conceiving. After 3 months and lots of tests with my OBGYN, I was encouraged to try acupuncture because there were no "medical" reasons why I wasn't getting my period.

After just one appointment with Amelia I got my period and after just 3 or 4 months, I was pregnant. I am now 32 weeks and due in September. We are so excited to meet our baby boy!

I would strongly encourage any woman to give acupuncture a try if they are having trouble conceiving or even just having trouble getting their body ready for conception. Best of luck to all of you!
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