Progesterone test help

[Kkk87]

Hi so I’ve recently discovered I have a short luteal phase of 8-9 days. I’ve been to see the doctor today and I felt he didn’t have much knowledge on this at all. He’s going to send me for blood tests to get my progesterone levels checked. Now he’s told me to get my bloods done 7 days before my expected period. However after some research I’ve found out that you should be tested 6-8 days after ovulation, if I was to go 7 days before my expected period it would only be 3 days after ovulation. Do I go with my instinct or the day the doctor has told me to?
TIA x

[MouseLove]

7 days after you ovulate. I have a short luteal phase too and my doctor was also oblivious. Go with what you know to be good. X

[Kkk87]

This is what I’m thinking.. when I was with the doctor I asked him “what if I got the blood test a day early-day late due to Work commitments” and he said it would mess the blood test up.. if I go with my own instinct it’s going to be 4 days later than he’s told me to.. he’s told me if my progesterone levels are low that I’d be referred to a specialist.. as bad as it sounds I’m temped to go on the day he’s told me (as I know they will be low at that point anyway) then at least I’ll be referred and get the chance to see someone who actually knows what they are talking about as I feel with this GP I will get nowhere ? X

[MouseLove]

You will get referred either way. This usually just allows your gp to possibly act sooner. Try to go for the most accurate day. I’m having my “21” day bloods in just over a week. (Annoyingly when I had my gp appointment it was the correct day) and I should have my ultrasound results by then too.

[mascaraisamust]

Do it when they say. You levels should show you have ovulated even if the progesterone levels are decreasing. The fact they are doing them is a good start and for me this is where the ball started rolling to get progesterone supplements for after ovulation x

[Kkk87]

He didn’t seem concerned at all and said he doesn’t think there’ll be a problem. I really felt I knew more about it than he did. Also told me short luteal phase isn’t linked with miscarriage!! I’ve read numerous people having reacurring miscarriages with a short luteal phase. And because I’ve been pregant (miscarriage at 6 weeks) I should be able to concive again fine.. I know my body and I know something isn’t right. It’s so frustrating. He said if my progesterone isn’t low then I wouldn’t get referred for another 6 months x

[MouseLove]

How long have you been TTC? They will refer you after a year.

Your doctor is right though, having a short luteal phase has nothing to do with miscarriage. It actually prevents implantation. Your body doesn’t have enough time for an egg to implant with a luteal phase of anything under 10. My luteal phase is 9 but I’ve had a mmc at 10 weeks in February so I’m assuming before my mmc my luteal phase was longer.

[Kkk87]

Tbh I’ve only been TTC for 5 months but I told a lie and said it was a year. I wasn’t tracking my luteal phase before my MC so I’m unsure what it was before that . I’ve trad people can conceive with luteal phase of 10 but struggle to stay pregnant?

[MouseLove]

Honestly. Try for a year. Give yourself a fair chance. 5 months is nothing!! You’re rushing before you can walk!

[boatrace30]

7 days after ovulation, which is also 7 days before expected period of you have a regular cycle. I find many doctors can’t get their head around non regular.
You might find this thread helpful (especially the happy endings!!)

[boatrace30]

Long cycle / short luteal phase
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/conception/2888250-long-cycle-short-luteal-phasewww.mumsnet.com/Talk/conception/2888250-long-cycle-short-luteal-phase

[Djmarbella]

Following... as from my other post my bbt is about the same before and after i have supposed to have ovulated. I will be seeing my gyno next month and will ask about the 21 day blood test as mentioned by MouseLove x

[Kkk87]

Yeah boatrace30 I know.. my cycle is only 26 days and I don’t ovulate until around day 18. So 7 days before my expected period is only 3 days after ovulation . X

[boatrace30]

@Djmarbella If your BBT doesn’t change then that would indicate you are not ovulating. Are your cycles regular?

[boatrace30]

@Kkk87 - I would just go for the test 7 days after you ovulate. My doctor recognised my irregularity and let me book myself in when I felt I needed it.

Slightly different situation for me as I had long cycles and didn’t ovulate until around day25 usually. But nevertheless I feel confident that while a short LP can effect your chances it doesn’t completely dash them. So fingers crossed for you!

Ps. I think you’re right to look for help ASAP the whole process is very slow!!

[Djmarbella]

@boatrace30 thats what i was thinking and might be anovulatory... im going to speak to doc and see what they suggest x

[boatrace30]

Should probably have added that I’m currently 19weeks pregnant after 11months TTC officially and 18months without contraception. Met a lot of people in the thread I posted all of whom successfully conceived just took a bit longer than most

[Kkk87]

That’s lovely news boatrace30, congratulations.. it won’t let me get the link you shared.. did you have any treatment etc? X

[boatrace30]

Oh that annoying. Maybe you’ll get it if you search “long cycle short luteal phase”.

I had just been referred to a consultant and been prescribed Clomid but miraculously fell pregnant that month and never took it!!

[Djmarbella]

Well i caved as i am on day 22 of my cycle i went to see the gyno and she did an ultrasound and can see i have ovulated, eggs are healthy but cant understand why bbt is low. Had blood drawn and should get results next week to find out about progesterone, thyroid etc... so will keep you updated x

[Kkk87]

Yeah Ive done that now thanks @boatrace30 .. oh wow that’s fab!