Day 3 blood tests and vitex question

[RoseIvy]

Hi

I’ve been TTC for 7/8 months and have had some blood tests done because I was concerned about a short luteal phase (it has now lengthened to about 13 days but I spot from about day 10/11). I was also concerned because my periods only last two days. A few women on here have told me they have the same!

In terms of blood tests, I’ve had my day 3 done on two consecutive months (once private and once GP) my testosterone came back marginally high (1.7 - top reference range is 1.6).

My LH was 3.5/4 and my FSH was 7.3/10.

My GP has ruled out PCOS because my LH isn’t higher than my FSH, although I don’t think that’s the only determining factor and I don’t know why else my testosterone would be high.

I’ve read that FSH and LH should be roughly equal, so it seems that my body is struggling to ovulate every month and having to produce a lot of FSH do so!

My prolactin was also raised (470 - upper reference range was 500 odd)

Has anyone else had similar blood tests? Or any idea what/if anything is wrong?

I’ve also read that Vitex (Chasteberry) can increase LH and lower FSH and prolactin so I might try that. Anyone any experiences of vitex on their cycle?

I’m waiting for an ultrasound appointment. My day 21 progesterone showed that I was ovulating (42)

Thanks!

@RoseIvy - hi, just checking in! How are you doing?
The one thing I would say about the luteal phase guide in TCOYF is that it only counts from a temp rise, which is inaccurate; luteal phase is from the day of Ov/the day after your first +OPK if that helps?

Hey @ELW85, I’m fine thanks. 9DPO so hopefully I have another 13 day luteal phase this month with no spotting//spotting holding off for a bit!

I’ve had 9 temperatures above baseline (admittedly the first dpo was only slightly above) so I’m hoping if I get another day or two the luteal phase is long enough!

How are you doing? The TWW is the worst part isn’t it! At least the rest of the cycle you can look ahead and feel like you’re doing stuff to make a difference!

@RoseIvy - hi! I’m 6DPO and feeling fine; been v v slightly achy/crampy the past day or so, but taking the VitB until CD1 (hopefully it doesn’t arrive!).
My temps have been much better this month, so feeling quite positive about the progesterone issue being fixed or on its way to fixed!
The TWW is awful to be fair. Are you planning on testing tomorrow or waiting until AF is due?

@ELW85 that’s really good about the temps - fingers crossed for you!

I was a bit crampy 6dpo/7dpo too - i think I never used to notice these things and now I notice every detail!

Going to wait until 13dpo if I get that far - I strongly suspect the spotting will start so I’ll know AF is on its way anyway! The spotting is normally the first symptom for me, I don’t get back ache/stomach ache until the day before/day of AF but I know it’s coming because of the spotting!

@RoseIvy thank you - I’d love it if both of us got our BFPs this cycle!!
I know it sounds stupid but two other ladies on the other thread I’m on got their BFPs today, and one last week so in my head I’ve decided I’m out, as statistically we can’t all get them.
I realise how stupid that is, and I’m so, so happy for them but just feel like I’m out now.

Totally agree with you on going from never noticing anything to feeling every single creak of my body. It’s crazy.

Anyway! How’s your week been? It’s been a long one here, so I’m looking forward to the weekend and down time :)

@ELW85 it doesn’t sound stupid at all - I totally do the same sort of thing with thinking that statistically I have to be out because others have got their BFP and therefore I can’t be in the % of lucky ones! It’s the same thing though of thinking that I won’t get my BFP because I haven’t for so many months - when in fact every month is a new month so you just never know!!

Also can’t wait for the weekend and hopefully the weather stays good! Do you have any plans? Weirdly I’m looking forward to AF to be here so it can be out of the way - then I can look forward and plan things and try and turn on the positive feelings for next month. Always feel like I don’t want to plan things at this time of the month?!

@RoseIvy - it’s really hard; this is our 4th cycle now and it’s just taking way longer than I thought. I think I can stay vaguely optimistic until around September and then I’ll be throwing every resource at getting to see a specialist because I’m just running out of time.
I know I sound neurotic but when people are getting their BFPs on their 1st or 2nd cycle and I’m tracking everything to within an inch of its life, something mustn’t be right??

I know what you mean about planning. I was trying to book an NYE trip away with DH today and I couldn’t decide on whether to pay the extra for a hot tub or not, because really, I shouldn’t be able to use it by then.
Anyway, I’m just whinging now, sorry.

DH has a day off this weekend so I’ll try to do as much as I can with him, chilling out I hope.
How about you?

@ELW85 I know it doesn’t feel like it but I really do think it’s just a matter of time for you - you have no obvious problems and all your bloods are perfect. Even with perfect timing every month there’s an aspect of luck so hang on in there!

Know what you mean about thinking you might be pregnant by x date and wanting to plan around it in some ways but also not wanting to put your life on hold!

We have a friends birthday drinks this weekend - always feel really anti-social when AF is around!

@RoseIvy thank you - I suppose I just need more patience but I’m just worried about how quickly everyone else is falling and that February is creeping up on us!

Ah I totally know what you mean about going a bit insular when AF is about - but that’s not considering that this could be your cycle for a BFP! And then you’d have to go and make excuses :)

@ELW85 try not to lose hope! You’re still within 6 months so a very very normal time frame and so there is absolutely no realms on to think that you won’t get your BFP really soon!!

Fingers crossed for this month. When is AF due?

Thank you, @RoseIvy - just having one of those days!
AF is due Mon/Tues so I think I’ll test Sunday. Not long to go I guess!
How are you feeling?

@ELW85 don’t worry I have one of those days every time AF comes! This bit is always the worst and then I find the rest of the month goes quite quickly.

My temp was down a bit today so I think I’m on the progesterone wind down before AF arrives! I think having a scan booked in has made me feel a bit better - at least I might make some progress this next month!

Hopefully Sunday comes round quickly for you!

@RoseIvy - oh no! That’s the one thing I hate about temping is when you see AF potentially creep up on you.
BUT it ain’t over til it’s over!
How are you feeling? I bet the scan comes back great :) but it would be good to understand what your options are if everything is all positive I guess?

@ELW85 yes I’m hoping the scan and DH’s SA help to just rule stuff out...

Some spotting today so at least my cycle is getting to be like clockwork (even if it means I’m not getting pregnant!) temps are still up which doesn’t really fit with the spotting, but that’s usual for me for a couple of days and then will have full flow Sunday or Monday.

I’m starting to think that endometriosis could be a possibility (because of the spotting) but I think I just need to stop self diagnosing!

Hope you’re managing to keep busy in the TWW - it definitely helps now it’s summer!

That’s a great attitude to have though, @RoseIvy :) seeing the positive in your cycle regulating - this is great news!!
Sorry, I’ve forgotten but are the scan and SA far away?
I’m sure they’ll be fine though!

I’m ok actually, keep feeling that I must be miscalculating as it feels like it’d flown over?
FRERs arriving tomorrow ready for Sunday. I’m just feeling like I’ve got AF symptoms, so not massively hopeful but I think they’re pretty similar, so trying not to dwell on it too much.
Interestingly, my temps have been much better this month in proportion to where the cover line is, so I do think the B complex is helping, although I won’t be taking it until after Ov from now on!

@ELW85 have to take the small victories! I went for acupuncture today and my acupuncturist said my temp charts looked good etc so can only hope I’m eliminating some of the causes of whatever the problem is

Have scan at end of the month and DH has his SA then, so hopefully that should bring some more answers/information.

In the meantime I think I’m going to keep with vitamin B but keep the dosage lowered/or only take every other day.

I have heard that there are some better multi vitamins than the pregnacare (aimed at older mums to be I think!) so I may look into those too

@ELW85 I had my CD3 and CD21 bloods done by my GP and my ultrasound & HSG and my husband's SA done by the hospital fertility clinic

@RoseIvy No-one ever seemed concerned by my 2 day period (except me!) even when I mentioned it used to be much heavier and last 4-5 days in my teens and twenties

@RoseIvy - it’s great that you’ve not got that long left to wait!
It’s just dawned on me that we’re classed as ‘older’ mums to be?! Happy Saturday 😂

@polkadotpixie - ah I see! Do you mind me asking what it was like at the clinic and what they offered you when all tests were done?

@ELW85 how are you getting on? My temps have dropped last two days and spotting arrived so I’m due AF tomorrow. Not really too down about it as I’m now in the mindset that I know I’m going to need help to find out what’s wrong!

@RoseIvy - Well I can’t quite believe it but I got my BFP!
DH isn’t home til tonight so I can’t even tell him yet!

I absolutely know that you’ll get your BFP very soon and that if you need any support with it, it’s not too long to wait ❤️

@ELW85 that’s amazing news! Congratulations! A good line too. I knew you’d be fine from your bloods etc and was just a matter of time!

Thank you so much, @RoseIvy! I’m still here if you want the support and to keep chatting? :)