Advice needed - concerned GP isn’t doing enough re investigations

[Towliney]

After 5 years of TTC I have finally initiated the process of fertility investigations with my GP. So far I’ve only been offered cycle day 21 bloods which revealed elevated TSH, prolactin and SHBG. GP is convinced that my fertility issues are all related to my thyroid levels and has asked for advice from an endocrinologist (response pending).

My concern is that these thyroid issues are very recent (I had normal thyroid function tests carried out a year ago) and given my longstanding fertility issues, I’m not convinced that my issue solely relates to thyroid. Other than sending my partner for a sperm analysis, I’ve not been offered any further tests or investigations at this stage and this doesn’t seem to align with what I see online in terms of the range of investigations that should be carried out by the GP.

Would be so grateful for some further advice as to whether there’s other tests I should be pushing for at this stage? Thank you!

Hi @Towliney sorry you have been ttc for so long. If I were you I would definitely push for an ultrasound as that can show a whole host of things that can’t be revealed with blood work!

I feel you, I was TTC for 7 years. Due to light periods they picked up my prolactin levels were high and referred me to an endocrinologist who gave me meds to treat this. I then asked them to refer me to fertility as there was still an issue trying to conceive.
Push for a referral, they should do this on your request.
Good luck :)

Thank you @SH998, may I ask, did they make you wait to refer you on to fertility once you got your meds (to see if it solved the issue TTC) or was the referral done quite soon after seeing the endocrinologist? I’m just worried they’ll ask me to wait another year or similar to TTC given the GP seems convinced that if my thyroid is treated my fertility problems will be sorted, which I don’t at all agree with and it’s already been so many years!

I had to wait a few months for the meds to regulate my bloods before I was able to ask for the referral, it’s a nightmare. Dont settle for the years wait if that’s what they suggest, keep pushing. I was 36 at the time so maybe this played a part in the listening when I pushed. You can always ask for a referral and if the meds work and you catch in the meantime then happy days.

I would push for a referral, even if it means private to be faster. How old are you?

Your GP could at least have you tested for AHM, pelvic ultrasound, AFC follicles, full TSH panel, HSG.

Hi - I’d also ask for a day 2 (can be done between day 2-5) hormones test - these are LH, FSH and estrogen x x