Is there a 'best' time to test LH and FSH levels?

[ChateauMargot]

I'm having to have some blood tests redone as the clever clogs at the Royal Free failed to test my horomone levels the last time around (d'oh). Likely expecting a diagnosis of PCOS.

I'm just wondering if there's a particular point in my (long/variable) cycle when I should ideally be tested? My doctor hasn't mentioned anything about this, and I'm having a hard time getting through to her at the surgery - so thought I'd ask if anyone here had a similar experience or advice.

Many thanks!

Hi I believe that LH and FSH levels should be done around day 3, this fell at a weekend for me so I had mine done on day 5. If they are also checking progesterone it should be done at around 7 days after ovulation, so for most people this would be around day 21 of your cycle if you have a regular 28 day cycle.

Good luck with the test and hope you can get them done soon

Ok - varied responses so far! Thanks, though. Nobody's mention progesterone, as far as I recall - presumably that would be a separate test, if taken on cd21?

I had the impression that LH and FSH were taken at the same time, so it would be a bit odd if FSH had a discreet 'window' to test, no?..

Yes progesterone is a different test done on a different day.

LH and FSH are taken at the same time, sorry I'm probably being stupid but not sure what you mean about it being a bit off if FSH had a discreet window to test, These two test tests to check LH and FSH definitely have to be done right at the beginning of your cycle, but am guessing there is a small window of maybe a couple of days when these tests can be done.

I would definitely ask about getting two blood tests done, one at beginning of cycle to look at LH and FSH and then a second test approx a week after ovulation t check progesterone levels, if they suspect you have PCOS it may be that you cycles and irregular and therefore it would be difficult to do the progesterone test. Do you chart? This would give you a good idea as to when to have this test done.

Thanks, Helen. So I'll aim for early in the cycle for the LH and FSH.

My cycles can be up to 50 days long (though sometimes 28 or 35) so it's pretty hard to know when (if) ovulation happens. I don't chart as I'm trying not to get too obsessive just yet...

FSH/LH should be taken between CD2 and CD5 (although I also heard that day2 or 3 are ideal)
Good luck :)

Thanks, Choc!