is my doctor wrong?

[bluer]

I had 21 day test taken last thurs on cd23.. I've variable periods that go from 28 to 40 days. I reckon that of i'm ovulating it was about CD25 so I may have been a bit early....however my make doc tells me that it was a low lh result and that I must take the test on day21 next month...when I explained that some months I don't ovulate till much later he kept repeating it must be day 21. Is this right? I wonder if the lh was low as I hadn't actually ovulated yet. Also the female doc who told me to get the tests also told me I needed at test the first few days of my period...this male doc was confused by this and told me that all my results apart from the lh were norma..doors this mean that you can test the lsh on day 23 bloods not day 1 2? I'm guessing I need to make an appointment as this was over the phone...I just don't feel he's listening to me. Also he said if I have two more tests its highly unlikely i'm ovulating...should I try opk? I've never tried basal etc but maybe I should...

[AttilaTheMeerkat]

You need to find out exactly what is causing the irregularity of periods; a condition called polycystic ovaries can cause this to arise. Another possible one is thyroid imbalance.

With regards to a day 2 test LH and FSH must both be tested and compared against each other. What they may find as a result is that LH is higher than FSH (if that is the case this may account for your irregularity of periods).

LH and FSH have to be tested at the beginning of the cycle as these two kickstart the whole ovulation process. There is thus no point at all in testing for these hormones later in the cycle.

The day 21 progesterone regardless of whether it was done on day 21 or even a few days later would likely show non ovulation if your LH and FSH levels are out of sync.

Refrain from using OPKs or temp charting as both are unhelpful if irregular periods are an issue (the OPK measures LH and if your levels are not right to start with the kit will give false readings).

You would be better off sticking with the blood tests and having a referral made to a cons gyane at a subfertility unit.

You will need to be persistant as well in order to get answers.

[bluer]

Thanks! I'm a bit confused as you can see...i've no idea what they tested for

[MainlyMaynie]

He's wrong. The so called 21 day test needs to be taken 7 days after ovulation, so your results are currently meaningless.

[bluer]

So if everything else (no idea what that covers) is normal and the lh is low does that maybe mean I just hasn't had a surge yet? Sorry if i'm being dense its a lot to take on...

[FrankelDeBeauvoir]

A Day 21 test is not looking at your LH, it is looking at progesterone which rises after you've ovulated. If you haven't ovulated when the test is taken you will get low results.

[bluer]

Oh i'm rally not sure now....I think I'll make a face to face appointment to check through it all...I got the feeling the doc on the phone didn't really know what was going on...when I mentioned the five day tests that the lady doc said to do he said he hadn't heard of them!

[Pipbin]

When I had my blood tests done I had the day 21 test done on day 26 of my cycle because that was 7 days after ovulation.

Could you start temping to you can guarantee when you ovulate?

[bluer]

I'm going to try it! I thought I could tell when I was ovulating...and I keep a record and my period comes when I think out should based on ewcm but now I think maybe i'm not ovulating but then i'm not sure if I'd still get ewcm anyway :) nightmare to think of all the years actively spent trying not to get pregnant!

[bluer]

And if day 21 doesn't test lh I can't understand why the doc mentioned that...he didn't say the progesterone word at all! ! !

[EuroShagmore]

I agree with the others. The usual first round tests are:

LH/FSH on days 2-5 of your cycle

Progesterone (to confirm ovulation) 7 days after ov

Your dr sounds a bit confused. Unfortunately many are when it comes to fertility stuff. I can only suggest educating yourself as to what is normally done (e.g. via MN) and then being pretty damn forceful! I agree with the suggestion to try OPKs or temping to see if you can detect ov to time the second test (if you are not this might be a sign that you are not ovulating anyway).

[bluer]

Thanks...well turns out I got the date right as my period has just started so that was 7 days before! I've an appointment for Friday for the next blood test and its with the femaledoc who seemed to know what she was talking about...thanks for the support!

[lightrain]

I really really recommend temping to know what's going on with your ovulation. You can use fertility friend to track and its very easy. Have you read taking charge of your fertility by Toni weschler?

[bluer]

No but I think I will order it! Going to also order OV sticks and a thermometer...Amazon will be getting an increase in sales ;) trying to stay positive and not to get obsessed...

[AttilaTheMeerkat]

bluer

If your periods are irregular using OPKs in particular will be a waste of your money. Do not buy!.

Temping can also be problematic if your periods are irregular as well.
If you do use the themometer set yourself a time limit re its use say no more than 3 months and stick to it. You may well find that it will also prove unhelpful as you could well end up with a chart nigh on impossible to interpret.

[bluer]

Thanks Attila...I think all this has shown me just how little I understand the whole thing...going to take list of questions to doc and also take notes! Its a learning curve!