Too old?

[kitchenSink5]

I am 40. AF finally arrived 6 days late (usually 25ish day cycle) this month and only lasted 2 days. Am worried time is or more specifically my eggs are running out. Had my hormones etc checked on CD21 last month and apparently all ok (doctor didn't go into any details!) but had MC last October and been trying for nearly 18months.

Anyone any ideas? Should I just resign myself that it may be too late?

Sounds like perhaps you didn't ovulate last cycle (late period and light bleed). Happens sometimes. Isn't necessarily due to your age.

I think your doctor needs to be going into detail about the tests. Are you not eligible for the his n hers fertility testing after 6 months of trying post-35? I think that's more than day 21 bloods.

Thank you for replying!!

I wonder what that would entail? He mentioned no other tests.

He is referring me to gynaecology but said it'll be a year wait and just don't have the funds to go private (hate the way that is pushed now...like we are all minted). Should I chase GP for extra tests or wait for referral as GP prob won't act on them anyway??

Got a peak on OPK on day 12/13 last cycle - but is that just a cyclic hormone thing and not really an indicator of ovulation?

Hi @kitchenSink5 - after 6 months you should be entitled to a basic set of NHS tests as you are over 35. That includes the Day 21 test you have (although it sounds like the results did confirm ovulation, that's what they test for)

I have just seen you had a MC last year, sorry for your loss. That might be why they aren't doing more testing, because you have managed to get pregnant. However it has been 9 months since then.

Can you get a GP appointment and ask for fertility testing for you and DP? And if they say no, ask them to explain why?

Also:

• are you taking folic acid?
• are you using OPKs?
• have you read 'It starts with the egg' and 'the sperm meets egg plan'? The first deals with egg quality, which is an issue as we get older, and the second is a conception plan to maximise chances of pregnancy each cycle

There is a thread on here about TTC over 40 and I would recommend joining that because those women have a lot of knowledge about what you're entitled to on the NHS and what might help you get pregnant again.

As a final note, lots of women get pregnant at 40+, so keep your chin up!

@kitchenSink5 day 21 tests only really check if you ovulated - you are entitled to/should be pushing for day 3 tests as well. A high FSH could indicate a diminished ovarian reserve.

One thing they don't test until you reach the fertility clinic stage is your AMH so that might be worth getting done privately (costs £79 online). AMH indicates how many eggs you have left.

FYI a peak OPK just shows your body is trying to ovulate, it doesn't mean it will. If you track your temperature you can confirm if ovulation has happened, so that might be worth looking into.

Also how old is OH? Has he had an SA done? He should be pushing for that from his GP. Remember half of the fertility problems are on the men's side so don't assume it's you!