Blood tests, etc. - experts needed!

[SnowBells]

Question for all the experts:

If my Day 3 results come out 'fine' is this enough or does the Day 21 test HAVE to be done??

The thing is I have had a 'Day 21' test done (i.e. 7 days after ovulation), but as my period is ridiculously irregular, and I had a 49 day cycle that month, it's obviously not going to be right.

GP says that because my Day 3 results are OK, she can't refer me to a fertility clinic just yet (until DH does sperm count, too). However, we can't really do a 'Day 21' test, so how would it be possible to find out whether I ovulate? Does an OK Day 3 result insinuate I DO ovulate?

I do OPKs. None came out positive so far… but that can have many reasons (incl. diluted urine).

What were the day 3 results like and what hormones were tested?. Bet you they've missed something.

They should have tested your LH and FSH levels on day 3 and compared LH against that of your FSH level. If this was not done the test result is meaningless. LH and FSH are usually about the same at this time; if there is an imbalance of LH to FSH then this can be a possible indicator of PCOS.

If GP is unhelpful see another one within the practice if at all possible.
GP should really refer you now; one semen analysis is also not fully conclusive of there being no possible male factor problems either. Also it can take several months for you to be seen by a subfertility unit at a hospital.

With a 49 day cycle this motnh it is likely you are not ovulating regularly if at all currently. Such problems are often caused by hormonal imbalances; in this respect they should be seeing if there are problems with the thyroid or equally if a condition called polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is present.

OPKs are next to useless when it comes to such long cycles so I would stop using these now and not waste your hard cash on any more of these things.

As your periods are so irregular as well, blood tests can and should actually be done according to calendar days, also such tests should be repeated at hospital.

Well, the GP said all the hormones were fine and my thyroid seemed to be functioning well. Unfortunately, I did not ask for a copy of the blood test, but as she does specialize in women's health, I just assumed, she knew what she was doing - but I am not a fan of 15-minute GP appointments courtesy of the NHS. That's a very short time to 'switch' from one patient to the next.

Previous doctor in another place said I had 'suspected PCOS', but then had an internal scan that showed nothing (but again, nurses/doctors at hospital were in a rush).

According to the GP, they generally do not refer until DH does a sperm test, too… it seems to be policy there.

The tiny town hospital next-door to the surgery does host a fertility clinic one day every other week. Not sure how difficult it is to get an appointment once referred though.

As I understand it,

The day 21 test is for ovulation, over 30 is "consistent" with ovulation.

The day 1 to 5 test(s) are for everything else.

I've had result for D21 at 31.something (a bit low I reckon) and an getting results for the others on Wednesday.

I've had 15 vials of blood taken so am being covered for a lot of stuff. If your GP is only doing one test I'd ask to see someone else who'll take you more seriously. My GP is doing all these blood tests as I can't be referred yet, not infertile due to having two bfp's, resulting in not enough mc's for recurrent miscarriage.