Panicking about booking blood tests

[UnicornsNotRiddenByGrownUps]

I'm getting a bit stressed out. Gynaecology want me to have blood tests because I have irregular periods and am trying to conceive. Usually I have extra long cycles with my shortest being 37 days.

Iv been off work sick or a few days with really bad diarrhea and I started with some pink blood last night and a red today but only when wiping.

I'm worried because iv been asked to book a blood test on day 2 (and no later than day 5). It's Friday afternoon now and I don't even know if I've actually my period. I don't know what to do :( my doctors are always really busy.

Sorry I should have said its only day 26 in my cycle, hence not knowing what date it is.

I think Day 1 is the first day of proper flow ie red blood that you actually need to use a tampon/pad/mooncup to collect. Maybe phone Gynae to check what they'd advise, but I think you're ok for now.

You could also make several appts - if you're going to have to guess, better to have to cancel an appt or two or have a test at the wrong time and another later than to miss it altogether.

I would go by calendar days as your cycle is irregular in nature so you could have the day 2 done on September 2nd.

First day of period is when you get proper red blood flow.

Usually irregular periods are caused by hormonal imbalances, a common culprit in this respect is a condition called polycystic ovaries. Another possible cause is problems with the thyroid gland.

Thank-you all for your advice RaRaZ, I wasn't sure which day to count. I've called the doctors and they don't have any appointments for Monday at all so I've called the hospital and left a message asking them to get back to me with any advice. I really only need someone to stick a needle in my arm and collect the blood because I have the envelope for the lab ready and waiting. I just don't know whether I'm bleeding because I'm ill, ill because I'm bleeding or whether the two just aren't connected.

Atilla I know I don't have PCOS or a dodgy thyroid, due to previous tests and scans, but am overweight with a BMI of 30. However, I have been temp-ing and for the last few cycles my temperature shift would indicate I am ovulating.

Thank God for Mumsnet because all I've had so far is the doctors receptionist who knew nothing and a hospital answer machine

Strangely enough...called the doctors back as per RaRaZ's advice. Thought I would just book an appointment on Tuesday to see how it goes. They couldn't see me Tuesday either but could 'squeeze' me in on Monday! Must have had someone who understood more.

I hope you are ovulating but temping as a method is not infallible. It can be wrong as you can get a temp rise in the second half of the cycle when an egg has not actually been shed.

What tests and scans btw have you had done to date?. Any result over 6 months old should be discounted.

Monday would be ok to have the blood test done. Obvious as this is, do make sure you are fully conversant with what they are testing for as this is not always spelt out to you as the patient.

They should be doing a day 2 to check and compare your LH level against that of your FSH level.

Just blood tests for hormones and thyroid so far which was about 5 months ago. I think my blood tests last time showed that I was ovulating. Scan for PCOS in May, during which they noted a dominant follicle which think means I was ovulating? (and if I had my dates right that cycle I should have been ovulating around then).

I've now been referred to the infertility clinic too, although the waiting time is 3-4 months hence not wanting to delay blood tests now. I was really hopeful that my cycles were starting to settle down with two cycles of 37 days in a row but then this one has got me a bit worried!

I wasn't aware that it could shift without ovulating really, that's a bit depressing!

I've got the envelope here, this is what Monday's test are for:

U&E/Creatinine
Liver Function tests
Glucose
Thyroid Function
Prolactin
Testosterone
FSH
LH