AboutEdward Joseph Ramirez, MD, FACOG Expertise I am a specialist in infertility and advanced gynecological care. I can answer questions about infertility, gynecology related ills, menopause...virtually anything that affects women's health. PLEASE tell me where you are writing from as I am always interested.
Experience I have been practicing as an Ob/Gyn and Infertility Specialist for over 23 years. Gynecology, advanced laparoscopic surgery, basic infertility, IUI's, IVF, reproductive surgery, and ovulation induction are all areas of my expertise. I am Board Certified. I have been doing In Vitro Fertilization in my clinic for 15 years.
Organizations American College of OB/GYN, American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, American Society of Reproductive Medicine, Society of Assisted Reproductive Technology, American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists, Fellow of The American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists,Resolve-National Chapter, Open Path - Northern California, Board of Directors Monterey Medical Society
Publications American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Education/Credentials Medical Degree from Stanford University, Residency at Tripler Army Medical Center, Reproductive Training at Pacific Fertility Center, San Francisco
I am 28 years old and my infertility issue is a luteal phase defect (12d LP with 5-7 days of spotting). I just got the results from my day 3 blood test. My FSH was 3.0 and my estradiol was 58.3. My 6 dpo progesterone was 63.6. Are these levels normal, or do you think that they could indicate a problem?
Also, my TSH was 4.1 (I take Synthroid 50 mcg daily). I know this is within the range of normal, but is there a preferred TSH range for infertility patients?
Thank-you!
Laura from Canada
Answer Hello Laura from Canada,
I apologize for the delay in getting back to you. I went to the U.S. National Infertility Conference, and although I answered all the questions before I left, some much have been placed after that.
All your lab values are normal. Luteal phase defect can be treated in two ways. You can undergo ovulation induction with a fertility medication, which should correct the defect, or you can take natural progesterone, like Crinone, Endometrin or Prometrium starting on cycle day # 16 for 10 days.
The TSH level just needs to be normal for infertility. There is no "ideal" number or range.
I hope this helps,
Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com
