Day 3 test on day 4?

[SallyMischievo]

Dear All,

I saw my GP a couple of weeks ago and she has referred me for the day 3 and day 21 blood tests. AF arrived last night (at 7DPO - taking Vitex has seemingly made me ovulate two days later and my luteal phase two days shorter! NOT the desired effect although I know it can take a few cycles to work!) but looking at my work calendar and when DP would be able to accompany me, (I'm very squeamish and have fainted with blood tests before!), Friday would be better for me than Thursday.

Is having the tests on day 4 still alright or will it sway the results dramatically? I am keen to do everything by the book so could probably juggle things around if need be.

Many thanks,

S x

[AttilaTheMeerkat]

What are your periods like generally speaking?.

Having the blood test done on day 4 won't make much if any real overall difference. This test is important because they should be testing both your LH and FSH levels and comparing them against each other (that is not always done). Comparison of these two levels is important because they can appear ok if only looked at separately.

Would actually refrain from using AC at all because in some cases it can make any underlying hormonal imbalances present worse.

[SallyMischievo]

Thanks, Attila.

I've just had another look at the forms and on the Day 3 one, she's ticked thyroid function, FSH, Ferritin and FBC and written in the other tests section 'FSH, LH, Testosterone, Progesterone, Prolactin and SHBG'. The Day 21 form just says Day 21 Progesterone, (I'm going to go for that one at 7DPO rather than CD21 as I ovulate late). Do the forms sound as though they cover everything that should be checked?

[blamber]

You should plan your day 21 test in the middle of your luteal phase. So depending on how long that is, it's not always 7 days after ovulation, unless of course you have a 14 day luteal phase.

[SallyMischievo]

Ooh thanks, Blamber. I didn't realise this. Nope, luteal phase has been 9, 9 and 7 in my last three cycles so would be great if the blood tests are timed to give an accurate reflection of what is going on!

Thank you again.

[blamber]

I know, most GPs don't know it either, but I found it in NICE guidelines. When you have a short LP you may get a low progesterone level if you test on day 7, but then again testing only 3 days after ovulation might be too soon as well. Maybe test on day 5 or 6 if you can?

Also, how do you know when you ovulate? Do you temp or use OPKs?

[SallyMischievo]

Thanks, Blamber. I have been using the CB digital OPKs and I also seem to get ovulation cramps the day after my LH surge so I am hoping I have been getting it right! I will go for 5 or 6DPO as you suggest.