hormone testing

[megglesco]

Hello!
I've been TTC with my partner for about a year now. Does anyone know of a good clinic or consultant to go to in London for hormone/fertility testing? (e.g. test for ovulation, progesterone, etc)
My GP is rather useless and I don't want to wait months for this so I'd prefer to go privately if its not too painfully expensive.
If I were to use the NHS, anyone know what the rules are to get support, ie trying for how long, age, etc?

[pinkpeony]

The Lister Hospital in London is very good - you can google it to find website. Also have friends who used the Bridge Centre, which has a good reputation. I went privately so don't know about the NHS rules. If you have private insurance, it might cover all or part.

[megglesco]

Thanks pinkpeony, I've actually called both places and haven't been able to talk to a human yet or a reply to my messages. I guess they have a lot of clients! I'll keep trying though.

[bubblebell1]

hi megglesco

i have been trying for dc3 since oct 08 and i have been refered for a scan and bloodtests already. i went to the gp because i have irregular cycles and told them what i wanted tested etc. they were more than happy to help. i believe you have to try fo 2 yrs but its not standard. it depends on your circumstances. age etc.

do u have regular periods? are you temping? using opks? if you go armed with info and seem like you know what your talking about they are less likely to fob you off

hth xxx

[itsallsoscary]

megglesco I am in a pretty similar position - also in LOndon, also looking into private hospitals for tests etc. My GP thinks we have been trying for 11 months (is actually only 9, officially) and is being not at all helpful. I went armed with charts, which clearly show a short luteal phase and asked for progesterone test. She told me with confidence that a luteal phase defect didn't exist and that 5 - 6 days was ample time for implantation and to come back when we'd been trying for 2 years since I was only 27. Saw a different GP in the same practice and she reliably informed me that 'all women ovulate on CD14 irrespective of cycle length'. And that did I know some women nowadays (?!) conceive in their 40s so I had plenty of time!! (sorry for rant...)
But anyway, I am also looking into options. I have been on the London WOmen's CLinic but have not heard of anyone who has actually been. Also, anyone have an idea about costs involved? Sorry, didn't mean to hijack your thread, am just in a similar position...

[megglesco]

Hi all, itsallsoscary, I can't believe the GP didn't do the tests! In general I think they tend to be very oversubscribed in London to the point that every time I call or go in, everyone seems to be trying to get rid of me as soon as possible. When I was pg (which ended in MC) the GP just had me pee in a cup and said come back at 13 weeks. And I was having a lot of pain! So I am reluctant to try and use them for this, b/c I don't want to be patronized. I did call the Bridge centre today and they said they would charge 170 for a consultation, and then additionally for each test that you want. You have to go for the consult first and then they order the tests.

I am thinking to call the GP to see if I can get the tests first and then maybe send them over to the private consultant to save a little money!

[itsallsoscary]

Grrr I know - some GPs are lovely but it's just hard when you get the feeling they have a million and one things to do and you are fairly far down the list!
Whereabouts in LOndon are you based?

[helenlouisey]

Hi - I can highly recommend Mr Trew of 92 Harley Street, details here www.92harleystreet.com/meet_team.html and more info on him here at the bottom of the page guides.tatler.co.uk/WCS/Doctors/2007/details.aspx?d=876 Good luck