Question about blood work

mrssoprano

Because of my history of some medical problems and my abnormal O pattern (7-8 day LP and/or no O), my GYN did some blood work on Wed. She called me this morning and said my FSH to LH ratio was 5.8, when it should be <2, and I would "definitely" need meds to help me O.

I always hear people talk about CD3 blood work, but this was done on CD24. I guess my question is does her opinion sound right or should I have had the testing done on CD3?

FWIW, I asked about monitoring and she said she does monitor with u/s and wants DH to have an SA first too.

Thanks

bigbear

21day blood test will be done very often to check your levels after ovulation. Or to see if you did O. It can be done a few days sooner or later of course too, but the 21 day is used/called in general going by the average cycle of 28 days and women ovulating around CD14. So the test is done a few days later to see what the levels show.

limpetfan

I could be wrong, but I believe FSH/LH has more to do with ovulation than it does with ovarian reserve (which is what CD3 blood work looks at).  A high FSH/LH ratio can indicate PCOS, which is probably why she's talking to you about ovulation meds. 

I personally wouldn't stress over CD3 blood work being done unless your doctor tells you to have it done, but if you'd feel better knowing it was checked you can usually ask for it and have it done next cycle without a problem.

Good luck!

 

mrssoprano

LGL- thank you so much for the chart and all of the info. That's very helpful. She did say that she doesn't think I have PCOS, so my guess is DOR. I had an eating disorder and did not menstruate for a number of years, so she attributes my hormone levels to that. It's hard knowing that in a sense, I did this to myself. We will try to make the best of it, though. Thanks again to all of you who responded!

LS50

Was FSH/LH the only thing she looked at? As far as I know a day 3 FSH and estradiol are to look at ovarian reserve...typically more important if you are over 35yo. A LH/FSH ratio >3 could suggest PCOS but I am not sure what day that would be drawn...I think closer to ovulation. Day 24 is a common time to check luteal phase progesterone, maybe she checked that then too? If that was super low it could mean you are not ovulating. If you have Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Weschler it has a good breakdown of some of the common tests. GL!

mrssoprano

LGLDVM:

As someone who is obese and suffering from infertility, I can relate to the feeling of 'I did this to myself' and I hope that you try not to beat yourself up too much.  I still think you should go to an RE and try to get more information with testing done at the right time. The results may be the same, but hey, they may not. PM me if you need anything.

(((hugs)))

Thank you. (((hugs)) back!

mrssoprano

LS50:

Was FSH/LH the only thing she looked at? As far as I know a day 3 FSH and estradiol are to look at ovarian reserve...typically more important if you are over 35yo. A LH/FSH ratio >3 could suggest PCOS but I am not sure what day that would be drawn...I think closer to ovulation. Day 24 is a common time to check luteal phase progesterone, maybe she checked that then too? If that was super low it could mean you are not ovulating. If you have Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Weschler it has a good breakdown of some of the common tests. GL!

FSH/LH was the only thing she checked. Good suggestion to see what TCOYF has to say- I have a copy so I will take a look!