Help please - low estradiol

[Trina]

Hi everyone

I am hoping someone may be able to help me as I am really confused. We are looking at private IVF treatment abroad (male factor and PCOS) as we don't qualify for NHS treatment. The clinics that I have looked at needed up to date day 3 bloods as mine were last done in 2015 and my estradiol has never been checked.

I have just had the results back and I am really confused. Most are in the normal range, but my estradiol seems ridiculously low.

The results are:-
FSH 8.0
LH 3.47
Estradiol 28.6 ('normal' range started at 97!)

From what I can see, they don't seem to support PCOS, but I can't find anything for that low estradiol (I am not an athlete and am overweight and those seem to be the only google explanations other than menopause - I'm 34).

I just don't understand it and am feeling really worried that this could be why we have been ttc with no luck for the last four years.

Has anyone else seen or heard of such a low level and what it could be and is it likely to stop us being able to have IVF?

Thank you x

 

[phonixgirl]

Hi

I can't help that much but I've been through IVF a few times now and what I can tell you is not to worry about oestrodial. This is because a fresh IVF cycle will see you pumped with drugs designed to stimulate the ovaries anyway and in a frozen cycle they can give you HRT, which includes oestrodial (I had my most successful cycle using this).

I also have polycystic ovaries. My LH and FSH and most other things don't match with PCOS but my ovaries ARE polycystic and I do over-respond to drugs like clomid (I had 8 mature follicles on 50mg...).

Which clinic are you looking at? I think we are going to Serum later this year. I've already done one test with them and they've been brilliant so far. xxx

 

[Trina]

Hi and thank you.

My ovaries are polycystic on the scan as well but I did wonder whether I have the cysts without the PCOS.

I feel happier knowing it might not be such an issue. I could only find horror stories of low estradiol meaning menopause or people having IVF cycles cancelled because it was too low.

I am looking at Reprofit in the Czech Republic and I have a good feeling about them. I am still in two minds about whether I should have our first cycle here (since I really don't know what to expect and the hospital basically said we don't qualify so go away), but the success rates are so good and the prices so low (1,950 Euros) that even with the travel, we could afford to have two fresh cycles there for the cost of one here - anything to up the success rates. xx

 

[1sttimer]

Slightly off topic Trina, but just as a bit of reassurance, I know someone who went to the Czech republic for their treatment and raves about the experience. Thinks they were great and is really glad she went there! x Good luck with it all!

 

[phonixgirl]

Wow! I might look into that one too! why aren't you eligible for NHS treatment?