Please help me work out best day for Day 21 test before I go crazy

[CosyTeaBags]

I have had 2 'Day 21 tests' - both came back with low progesterone levels. I am really worried, and really want to figure this out.

For my first test, done on CD21, my AF came early, on CD25, so my test was actually done on 10DPO - which I assume was too late?

On the second test, done on CD20, my AF came on CD29, so the test was done on 4DPO - too early?

My GP wants to do another test, but given that I'm never sure exactly which day I ovulate, I really don't know which day to choose? Is it better to hedge my bets and do it a few days later than 7DPO, or a few days earlier?

I can go for a test this Friday, which would be CD20, but that could be hitting too early again? I can't do it on Monday as I'm away.

Am I better off temping / OPKing to work out exactly when I'm ovulating, then go for my blood test exactly 7DPO?

Please someone give me some good advice before I go mad!

I would suggest temping, that will give you a better idea of when you ovulate. Then work out 7 days from that.

You mention your first test was taken 10dpo, I thought progesterone keeps rising until AF so if you had ovulated then it should show 10dpo day 21 tests?? If I'm wrong somebody may be able to correct me?

Do you actually know what your results are? Do you have a figure?

That's what worries me - does it keep rising post ovulation, so at 10DPO it should have still been high??

I stupidly didn't write down my results when I had them, so I don't know. I only have my GPs interpretation that they were ' a little low' and possibly indicated I hadn't ovulated...

I wish I didn't know that now, Im imagining all sorts...

I would definitely suggest temping, the best way to confirm ovulation(other than a scan!) is a sustained rise in temp. The website fertility friend has lots of info and is free to join. If you google "Duofertility" you can get info on a device that monitors your temp for you, it gives you a very clear idea of what's happening in your cycle, though it is very expensive.
When I was charting I found out I usually ovulated between d 13 to d 17, my luteal phase varied from 12 to 14 days long ,so there can be quite a lot of variation.
When I had my progesterone levels tested it was suggested I had bloods taken on 7 and 10 dpo. Because I knew when I'd ovulated it worked out as cd23 and 26, if I had been tested on cd21 it would have been too early. My progesterone level on 10dpo though still quite high was lower than 7dpo, if you're pregnant it will keep rising, if not it will start to drop off as AF approaches.

Thank you Irish I might go for temping. I just Googled Duofertility - looks fantastic, and I was thinking 'Oh she said it is very expensive, if it's around £40 or so it might be worth it'... £500

Will give charting a try - I think it will appeal to my over analytical brain!

Hey Cosy, don't start panicking just yet!

Just had a quick google and it reckons progesterone levels peak at around 7 days post ovulation and and start dropping off around days 9-10 so you may have ovulated but your blood test hasn't caught it.

I would deffo temp though, it will give you a better idea.

Good luck