Low estradiol?? How did I suddenly become a fertility patient???

[doodles999]

So, when I went to the doctor this week, I fully expected him to tell me that nothing was wrong with me and I will get my BFP soon, as I've only been off birth control pills for 5 months. That, however, was not what happened. Instead, I got a phone call that my estradiol levels were low, and I wasn't close to ovulating, despite it being CD13. And now I have to go back Tuesday for repeat bloodwork.

So, now I feel as though I've suddenly been thrust into the world of fertility problems and treatment, and am completely unprepared for this. It never really occurred to me that something could be wrong and I wouldn't *just* get pregnant. I also can't help but wonder if I did this to myself through years of BCPs and smoking (I quit a month ago).

Any other ladies out there facing these issues? How did they treat your low estrogen, and did you end up getting a BFP?

 

[Sideways 8]

Hi hon, didn't want to read and run. I'm only 28 and having to go through the same thing sort of.. I haven't had my bloodwork done yet, but my last cycle was 73 days. By CD50 or so I got fed up and called the doctor and got an appointment. He put me on Provera (progesterone) and told me to take it for a week and I should get my period a couple days after I stop, which I did. I'm supposed to go back on CD21 for bloodwork to see all my hormone levels and we'll go from there but he suspects that I'll have to go on Clomid.

I blame the BCP I took for about 6 years - I came off them in June though, that's why the doctor went ahead and gave me the meds because he said it should have been straightened out by now.

At any rate, I wouldn't worry too much about it hon. Yes it does suck that you can't just get pregnant as easily as we used to think, but luckily in this day and age there are things the medical profession can do to keep us from being labeled "barren" !!

 

[doodles999]

Thanks for responding I'm just about to turn 30, so doubt age is my problem either. I was on the pill for 11 years straight, which I think is for sure what did it. Though I originally went on the pill for crazy cycles and terrible cramping...so perhaps I've always had issues. I actually have fairly normal length cycles (28-35 days) but have late ovulation and a short luteal phase.

Let's hope we both get some good news with our upcoming bloodwork. And isn't barren just the worst word ever?? LOL.

 

[Sideways 8]

Ugh tell me about it, lol. Keep me posted on what happens Tuesday. We'll get through this! I honestly think BCP screws with everyone. I've only talked to one or two ladies (out of probably a few dozen) that got pregnant within the 1st month of coming off the pill.

 

[magicvw]

I would say don't panic. If your cycles range up to 35 days then it would be completely normal for you not to be close to ov at cd13, if you're having one of your longer cycles.

You haven't done anything to yourself - many of us have taken BCPs for over 10 years (I did) with some consequences to our cycles, but blaming yourself is totally the wrong way to go hun! When we took the BCPs we were told they would do no harm and a lot of good. However, it seems that BCP use can muck up a girl's hormones, going by the many threads on this website however.

But even if your hormones are a little wonky, there is no reason to feel too negative about it. Hormonal problems can be treated in many ways and you will find a huge amount of support on this forum, if it does turn out that way. On the other hand, you might just ov late - in which case nothing to worry about.

For what it's worth, I am a "fertility patient" with 2 healthy kids - it's not all doom and gloom :Hang on in there xxx

 

[doodles999]

Thanks for the support, ladies. I have a really good friend who took years, and numerous rounds of IVF to get pregnant (but is thankfully now pregnant with twins), and I've seen how had it has been for her. I'm just terrified of having to go through everything she has. I'm trying to be calmer about this, however.

I really think there should be better warnings about long term BCP use. I actually went to grad school for maternal and child health, and have seriously not read a single study or had a single class which suggested it could cause so many problems for so long afterward.

Thanks again, and hopefully Tuesday will bring some better estrogen levels!

 

[doodles999]

So I went to the doctor again for more bloodwork today on CD18...and am starting to feel like ovulation is imminent (cramping, boobs magically growing). Much to my surprise, the doctor informed me that my hormone levels all look great! The nurse said they looked low because they were not at ovulation levels (duh- I said I ovulate late!!). So now he's going to call me in a few days to tell me how today's levels look, but he thinks I'm just ovulating late but am otherwise fine. Either way, he wants to start me on Clomid next cycle. I'm just so relieved that I don't need estrogen!!

 

[Sideways 8]

Oh good, doodles!! I'm going on Clomid next cycle too. That is, if I don't get my bfp before then! Which hopefully you won't need it either! Do you use any OPK's to pinpoint ovulation?

 

[doodles999]

Hopefully we both won't need Clomid next cycle! Yes, I use OPKs to pinpoint ovulation. Today is CD 19 and still only a faint line...gah! I think I'm getting close, though. I actually tried soy this month and my ovulation is later than last month. Craziness.

 

[Sideways 8]

I've heard a lot of people who have tried soy say that it makes their cycles longer! I'm glad I didn't try it.

 

[doodles999]

Yeah, I'm starting to regret it! I usually ovulate somewhere between CD16-21, though, so I'm still in my "normal" range...and I had an almost positive OPK tonight. I think tomorrow will bring my positive, and hopefully I'll O on Friday! DH is starting to get tired of all of the BDing...hahahaha.

So did you have your CD21 day bloodwork already? I'm guessing yes if you know you're starting Clomid next cycle. The nurse left me a message at home about yesterday's bloodwork (which I obviously didn't get until after they closed tonight), so I will have to call tomorrow to get the results. Let's pray I have some more estrogen going on!!!

 

[Sideways 8]

No, the bloodwork is next Wednesday, I'm just putting the cart before the horse because my cycles have always been so looonnnggg that there's no way I'll have ovulated before CD21. And if I haven't, then off to Clomid I go.

I am praying for you hon!! Keep me posted, it would be nice to have a buddy to chat with about this very thing!

And... are yall doing the SMEP? We tried that once and I got soooo tired of the BD and I'm sure DH did too. Who'd ever thought that we'd get tired of sex! LOL

 

[doodles999]

Well, hopefully Clomid will help! If I don't get a BFP on my own this cycle, it's Clomid for me, too. DH, incidentally, got excited that it increases chances of twins. Hahaha.

I will definitely keep you posted! It's such a relief to be able to discuss this with someone in the same boat. No one really understands all of this nonsense with Clomid and OPKs, etc...I think my friends and family think I'm insane.

Just decided to start SMEP this month...and already meeting resistance. If I had it my way, we'd BD every day when I get close to O...he should be glad I'm only making him do it every other day! At least I will most likely get a positive OPK just in time for the weekend, so he will hopefully be more receptive to some extra BD time. I'm having some major ovary twinging now, though, so I wonder what's going on...the suspense is killing me! LOL.

 

[arpeters]

No, the bloodwork is next Wednesday, I'm just putting the cart before the horse because my cycles have always been so looonnnggg that there's no way I'll have ovulated before CD21. And if I haven't, then off to Clomid I go.

I am praying for you hon!! Keep me posted, it would be nice to have a buddy to chat with about this very thing!

And... are yall doing the SMEP? We tried that once and I got soooo tired of the BD and I'm sure DH did too. Who'd ever thought that we'd get tired of sex! LOL

lol I know how you feel. We tried SMEP last cycle and got tired of BDing. Never thought it would happen, but it did just before OV so we pushed through it. lol. This cycle we are starting to BD much later. We are on CD 16 and will start tomorrow since I usually OV 19-22 and my OPK are still light. Good luck and lots of to everyone.

 

[Sideways 8]

Hey guys, we last night... and... guess what?? I got a positive OPK this morning!!! woooohoooo!!! I guess we're tonight and tomorrow as well, then we're resting. Wish us luck!!

PS it's only CD15 so that makes it even better!!

 

[doodles999]

Wooohooooo Sideways!!!!! Maybe we both won't need Clomid!! Maybe both of us are finally getting our hormones regulated post-BCP. Perhaps it just needed a little time. Today is CD20 for me...so it looks like I'm ovulating *just* inside of the acceptable range.

I just talked to the nurse and she told me that my ovulatory hormone levels look awesome. I'm sooooo relieved. I go back next Thursday to check my progesterone. Let's hope the little eggy comes out and makes a ton of progesterone...and then stays put.

Last night was almost a positive OPK, so I'm pretty sure today will be a positive. I gave DH last night off...but plan to BD tonight through Sunday. Then he can relax. LOL. We actually start BDing late every cycle, as we're religious Jews and can't BD until one week after AF ends and I go to the mikvah...usually around CD12-13. With later ovulation, that hasn't seemed to be much of a problem...and it helps to keep us from getting burned out. And 2+ weeks of no sex makes DH significantly more enthusiastic when it's ovulation time.

It looks like all three of us are on about the same cycle! Hopefully we will all have BFPs in a few weeks!!! Best of luck to both you ladies! Please let me know how it goes.

 

[Sideways 8]

I'm glad to hear that your hormone levels are good. What a sigh of relief, right??

How was your OPK today?? I'm waiting to hear from you!

 

[doodles999]

Totally a relief! So yesterday's OPK was darker, but not quite there. I'm hoping that means that today will be the positive and not that I just missed the surge, especially because *someone* has been too tired to BD for the past two days. I'm currently trying to not be hysterical about this. So frustrating! I know my little eggy is getting ready to come out, but can't convince DH make just a tiny bit more effort. Let's hope ovulation won't be til tomorrow and I will have better luck with the BDing this weekend!

Hope you've been having more success

 

[Sideways 8]

Hi doodles! Interested to hear how your OPK was today. Don't feel too bad, my DH has already told me he wants to go to bed as soon as he gets home from work tonight at 7. Ugh. I had another very positive OPK today as well. We did last night and the night before, I hope it's enough. But maybe I can get him in the mood anyway My temps haven't gone up yet either so still waiting on that to confirm ovulation.

 

[Sideways 8]

oh and good luck and to you!!!!