Infertility Support Group
In vitro fertilization is one of the most common and utilized ways of treating conception problems. This support group is dedicated to those beginning their journey with IVF and needing support. Join the community and share your experiences, advice, and story with people going through similar challenges starting a family.
Hey everyone,
It's been 2.5 years now that we've been TTC and I feel like I FINALLY have proof that my lining is super thin. Originally, when I got my first blood work done they said everything, including estrogen, was completely fine and they couldn't find anything wrong. After doing 3 IUIs, and having a Lap/Hysteroscopy in April which was showed my uterus to be in lovely condition minus a small septum that was removed, I finally asked for a mid-cycle ultrasound to see if the surgery had helped at all. My lining before the surgery and during the ultrasounds was at 5.5 and 6 and the only time it was good (7,5mm) was when I basically self-medicated with vaginal estradiol pills a previous doctor had given me (though this threw off my ovulation and the IUI was a bust). I ovulate like clockwork every month and I temp to make sure it happens and I get my period like clockwork too - but it's heavy for 2 days and then it's done.
Today my lining at the day after ovulation (confirmed by my progesterone #s, ultrasound, OPK and temp rise) was a whopping 4MM! This prompted the doctor who did my ultrasound to draw my blood for estrogen levels and it was at 105. Apparently the normal numbers for the day after ovulation are 200+.
My AMH - done twice over a period of 2 yrs - is 3.1 (I'm almost 30) and my FSH was normal. My birth mother went into early menopause at 35 (a fact that would have been really nice to know at age 25) and I am not sure why I have such low estrogen.
For the past year I have been doing acupuncture, taking herbs, and eating a high fat/meat all in an attempt to thicken my abysmal lining. I'm allergic to soy so none of that. I've also had a few fertility massages. Been drinking raspberry leaf tea too.
Anyone have advice for what to ask for from my doctors? They only say injections injections injections - which my insurance doesn't cover. I feel like there must be other ways to up estrogen that don't screw up ovulation. Any help is much appreciated. I'm at least happy to finally have some documentation showing that I'm not insane and I do have some kind of hormonal imbalance.
Thanks!
It's been 2.5 years now that we've been TTC and I feel like I FINALLY have proof that my lining is super thin. Originally, when I got my first blood work done they said everything, including estrogen, was completely fine and they couldn't find anything wrong. After doing 3 IUIs, and having a Lap/Hysteroscopy in April which was showed my uterus to be in lovely condition minus a small septum that was removed, I finally asked for a mid-cycle ultrasound to see if the surgery had helped at all. My lining before the surgery and during the ultrasounds was at 5.5 and 6 and the only time it was good (7,5mm) was when I basically self-medicated with vaginal estradiol pills a previous doctor had given me (though this threw off my ovulation and the IUI was a bust). I ovulate like clockwork every month and I temp to make sure it happens and I get my period like clockwork too - but it's heavy for 2 days and then it's done.
Today my lining at the day after ovulation (confirmed by my progesterone #s, ultrasound, OPK and temp rise) was a whopping 4MM! This prompted the doctor who did my ultrasound to draw my blood for estrogen levels and it was at 105. Apparently the normal numbers for the day after ovulation are 200+.
My AMH - done twice over a period of 2 yrs - is 3.1 (I'm almost 30) and my FSH was normal. My birth mother went into early menopause at 35 (a fact that would have been really nice to know at age 25) and I am not sure why I have such low estrogen.
For the past year I have been doing acupuncture, taking herbs, and eating a high fat/meat all in an attempt to thicken my abysmal lining. I'm allergic to soy so none of that. I've also had a few fertility massages. Been drinking raspberry leaf tea too.
Anyone have advice for what to ask for from my doctors? They only say injections injections injections - which my insurance doesn't cover. I feel like there must be other ways to up estrogen that don't screw up ovulation. Any help is much appreciated. I'm at least happy to finally have some documentation showing that I'm not insane and I do have some kind of hormonal imbalance.
Thanks!
The thickest my lining had ever been was 5.5, after doing the following, it was 9.7!!! (Unfortunately, I'm still not pregnant, but I'm doing the same thing again this cycle, so hopefully it wasn't just a fluke).
My RE started me on baby aspirin (81mg) daily, so I'm continuing that.
I read a research study about a few things to increase the endometrium, and decided to go with Vitamin E (400 IU) daily.
Here is a link to the study, I know it recommends high doses of Vitamin E, but I have a heart condition and didn't want to risk it...
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19200982
Pomegranate juice on CD 1-3
8ounces per day
(I get pom juice, because it is 100% juice)
Red Raspberry leaf tea CD 5-13
2-3 cups per day
While doing this, it made me feel like I was actively doing something to help my fertility, instead of just hoping the meds would. And like I said, last cycle was my best one yet. I'll let you know later this week if it worked again.
I also did accupuncture for a short time, took a low dose aspirin and used both licorice root and red rasberry leaf.
Sounds like you have your bases covered so I hope your body catches up and gets with the program!