Fertility testing blood tests and other bits Help needed :)

[Love2019]

Hi All,

Not sure if this is the right place but wanted to see if anyone had any advice/understanding around fertility blood tests.

I had my day 3 bloods taken (on day 2-4 of period) a few weeks ago and had the results back.

I am 36 years old, active, slim and always looked and felt younger than my years. I have regular periods, every 28 days and they lasts around 4/5 days and are not overly painful (have pains at the start but ibuprofen sorts that out. I have been off the pill for around 8 years and have used natural cycles until trying to conceive. I have never been pregnant.

My partner is in the fitness industry and he is 30 years old.

We started trying for a baby around 12 months ago. As nothing seemed to be happening I approached my GP who sent me for some blood tests.

I have had a copy of the results and my GP wants to speak with me on Tuesday however I am worried after doing some research about these and a little unsure of the meaning or what the next steps might be. I was hoping someone could assist in a better understanding and knowing what to expect from my GP on Tuesday so that I am prepared.

Fertility results are:
Serum follicle stimulating hormone level RESULT 8 iu/L
Lutenising hormone serum level 7 iu/L.
Serum prolactin level (above range) 782 mu/L

There were some issues raised in respect of my thyroid:
Serum free T4 level - 11.6 pmol/L
Serum TSH level (above range) 5.17 mu/L.

There seemed to also be an issue with the following (I believe to be iron levels?)

Mean cell haemoglobin concentration (below range) 310 g/L

Any advice/help in understanding the above would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance

J x

Just before I commend on anything, did they not test your androgen levels or SHBG levels? X

That should be *comment

Did they not test your serum AMH levels? x

@xoJellyBean

Just before I commend on anything, did they not test your androgen levels or SHBG levels? X

Hi,

Doesn't look like it. These were tests completed on Day 2 - 4 of my period.

The results show full blood count, liver function test, urea and electrolytes, estimated GFDR and the serum follicle stimulating hormone level, lutenising hormone and serum prolactin.

J

@Love2019 your prolactin is high, that could stop you ovulating. And maybe affect your the hood too🤔 you'll probably be given some meds for that.

I'd also think it's worth asking your GP for a day 21 test (or 7 days following confirmed ovulation) and make sure you get your AMH, SHBG and androgens checked ☺️ I had been TTC for over a year with regular periods etc but it actually turns out I have PCOS so those bloods results were important to get done.

Thanks, when I speak to the GP on Tuesday I’ll ask for those tests. Perhaps that’s the next steps anyway?!

Hope you don’t mind me asking, how are you getting on now?

J

Good luck 🤞🏻

My hubby is waiting on his SA and then I'll be getting a treatment plan. Will be put on clomid ☺️

Yeah, @xoJellyBean said it already but definitely get your day 21 tests done and they’ll re-do that prolactin test, probably all of them. Mine came back high (500 and something) and I need to pick up the form to run it again, alongside liver and kidney function tests. Prolactin is an odd one and can be effected by lots of things, I’ve been told to abstain from alcohol and avoid exercise for 24 hours before the next test. Will see what it comes back with soon.

Speak to the doctor and don’t be afraid of asking questions, take notes etc. It’s a lot to take in when this is all new!

Or *affected, even!

I should add, the nhs won’t always do AMH tests at this stage so you might need that test done privately. But asking can’t hurt.

Thanks for your responses. I suppose I will know more after speaking with the GP. Also concerned about the thyroid levels.

@Love2019 your prolactin levels need to be under 400, ideally closer to 200 I believe. You may need to be referred to the endocrinologist to look into this.

Also your GP might not be concerned about your TSH as it isn't that far out of normal range which may be ok for every day life however for conception and pregnancy it should be under 2.5.

Thankyou for your help.