The Clomiphene Citrate Challege Test or CCCT is a test done on a fertility patient to see how their ovaries respond to stimulation. By testing Estradiol and FSH levels it will give information about how the ovaries are responding and help determine if a fertility patient has diminished ovarian reserve, or a decrease in the overall pool of eggs and a reason for infertility.

Here is how the CCCT is done:

1. Patient comes on on day 3 of their…

I had the pleasure of doing a video interview with Dr. Abbasi of Columbia Fertility Associates a couple weeks ago. As an Expert Bridger on Bridge To Baby she has been providing great content in her blog. She expressed interest in discussing DOR in more detail so a video interview seemed appropriate.

She feels that many women come into her clinic at an older age and are surprised that their chances of having…

When I drank my very first green juice, I prepared myself for the worst. I pinched my nose and threw back the glowing green kryptonite concoction like it my first shot of tequila.  But I was left pleasantly surprised.  It actually tasted really good – very fresh, almost vibrant and I could instantly tell I was…

Originally described in the medical literature as Stein-Leventhal Syndrome, it is now commonly referred to as Polycystic ovarian syndrome or disease. (PCOS, PCOD).

 

What is PCOS?

It is a condition caused by an excess of androgen secretion in the female. It is a common condition affecting between 4-18% of reproductive age women. It has a genetic component, because several studies have shown a familial occurrence, a greater incidence in monozygotic twins,…

I've noticed a lot more woman joining the DOR sub group. As a fellow groupie, I wanted to update everyone on my story. There is absolutely hope for DOR women...they may be able to say you don't have a lot of eggs, but they can't tell you the quality of those eggs!

Almost a year ago to date, I had my final RE meeting. After being diagnosed with DOR (31 years old, an FSH of 42 and anti-mullerian of <0.1, 3 full rounds of Follistim at 450 each day (and several cancelled…

Avocado, where have you been all my life?  For years I avoided you especially during my fat-free NabiscoSnackwells® phase. My taste buds beckoned your rich, creamy guacamole goodness. So glad I decided to study nutrition, because now I can finally welcome you with open, guilt-free arms.

Avocado often…

Diminished Ovarian Reserve is a condition characterized by a low number of residual oocytes in the ovary, as well as impaired development of the oocytes.

It is found in younger women and usually accompanied by a higher FSH (Follicle Stimulating hormone) level than is normal for their age. This is different from age related decline in ovarian function as seen in women above 40.

Causes of diminished ovarian…

Diets don’t work for me.  I believe, like author Geneen Roth, that for every diet there is an equal and opposite binge.  Deprivation and denial don’t create health. Often taking a person’s favorite food away can be almost as bad as taking drugs away from a drug addict.  The food is giving them something they need…

All the surrogacy pieces are in place. Signed contract...check...all surrogate medical reports are in a approved...check...surrogate on birth control...check....

I go in for a baseline ultrasound so see if I have any ovarian cysts. All looks clear. Expect for the fact that the number of resting follicle is low (I wasn't surprised there since my blood work a few days earlier indicated a lower than desired FH and TSH level) and BONUS! I have areas on my ovaries which appear to…