1. westlove      Posted 1 month ago #
   

   
   

   Hello,
   I found this site after finding Julia's book in the bookstore after an ultrasound on day 3 of my cycle showed only a few follicles on each side. I just turned 31 and my doctor said it looked like that of a 37 year old. The doctor made it sound like my chancing of conceiving would be slim. I was in total shock. Can someone explain to me how follicles work, because I have read on here and the nurse also mentioned that follicles the next month can be higher in number. So what effects this? I was also really stressed/depressed in the few weeks leading up to the appointment could this have any effect? I would really like a better understanding as I am trying to educate myself the best I can. I did call for my blood work results I took that day and they said my fsh was normal to them at 13 and only thing was prolactin was 29 so they want me to recheck b/c the result could possibly be from stress.

   So glad I found Julia and this community. My husband has a low sperm count so we always thought we may have to do artificial insemination or ivf. But after reading her book and going through this site I believe for the first time we can get pregnant naturally. Thank you to everyone who shares on here, I have been going through the message board and it gives me so much hope!

2. jo2010      Posted 1 month ago #
   

   
   

   Hi there,

   You raise an interesting question. I remember I was told something similar when I did an ultrasound on day 3 and for them 6 follicles on each side was way worse than in other women in my age group. Then another doctor said it was not too bad and that most likely other follicles were not visible. I also had high prolactin, up to 75 one month, then it went down. 29 is still a small number and more likely due to tension or even the very fact of having a blood test - they explain me that even the simple insertion of the needle can cause it. Ask whether it is possible to have a prolactin test where they collect the blood at several intervals, which means they test you once and then after 30 minutes, the same day. This should rule out the anxiety factor. Also, the prolactin should be tested when you have been up for at least two hours, so do not take the test first thing in the morning. Going back to the follicles, it very much depends on the doctor's perspective and yes, it can very much vary from one month to another. Next month you can have many more follicles. Also, remember that you HAVE a chance, even if they say it is slightly smaller. I say slightly because we do not know it and, given the uncertainty, it is better to start training your brain that the chance is good enough and you can work to further increase it. If I could go back I would not let them scare me that much, it is so counterproductive and the panic they put you in can well increase the stress hormones and makes things worse! Try to see if you can find another doctor that is a bit more relaxed about all this counting and perhaps a different perspective can help you believe it too. Otherwise you are in the right place to change your perspective. Welcome to fertile heart.

   Hope this helps.

   P.

3. AnneElizabeth      Posted 1 month ago #
   

   
   

   You can definitely increase your follicle count. I know because over the course of a year, I saw my count triple. I am 42 years-old and have gone through three fresh IVF cycles, each resulting in early miscarriages. Prior to my second cycle, I had only 2 or 3 follicles on either side. This was after experiencing two traumatic events in the months prior: a missed miscarriage at 7 weeks followed by D&C and the sudden tragic death of my brother. Following that failed cycle, which resulted in a chemical pregnancy, I changed the way I ate, followed the FH recommendations for nutritional supplementation, experimented with talk therapy, hypnotherapy, and Accupuncture. I also continued to developed my meditation practice. My third cycle resuled in eleven fertilized eggs, seven blastocysts, and a twin pregnancy which unfortunately ended at a little over eight weeks when the embryos stopped developing. Once I adjusted what I put into my body and began to adjust my thought patterns, my ovarian function changed too. I am still doing the work with increased knowledge and an abundance of hope. The last time we counted, I had eight or nine follicles on either side! I started participating in the phone ciircles and practicing Body Tallk and Visualization about three months ago. My practice is not yet well developed, but, at the same time, I cannot tell you what a difference the work has made in my ability to maintain my peace and develop the courage to face each day. I am confident that it is also preparing my heart, mind and body to concieve and give birth to my children. You are in the right place, my friend. Welcome to this magical circle of support and love. Anne

4. westlove      Posted 1 month ago #
   

   
   

   Thank you both so much for sharing! I really appreciate learning from your experience. I definitely feel better knowing the truth about counts going up.

RSS feed for this topic

Reply

You must log in to post.