Here are the first tests ordered. Thoughts/comments?

CaliCarly1976

So I am checking my lab stuff and my prescription for tests is for the following:

1- TSH

2 - HCG, Total, QN

3 - CBC (Includes Diff/Plt)

4 - Prolactin

5 - FSH

I got my period today, so I figured time to make the appointment for the labs. I made them for Friday. I asked if it mattered when I made the appt and they said no. That seems ODD to me, since I was under the impression that you need some of these done on CD3.  I have an idea of what these are looking for, but not totally certain so any thoughts or comments would be helpful! 

CaliCarly1976

p.s. I have been on this board a week and I already feel like I know more than the dumb ass receptionist girls that work at my Dr's office. Maybe they should take a moment to learn about this stuff.  

Twinkie0612

Are you seeing an OB/GYN?  

I am pretty sure TSH and prolactin can be drawn any time in your cycle, although most have it done with CD 3 blood work.  I'm not sure why they are testing HCG since you got your period.  I never had a CBC (That I know of) as part of my IF work up.  FSH should be tested on CD 3.  Most CD 3 blood work also includes E2 and LH.  My RE only tests LH if he suspects PCOS, but he also tests AMH.   

CaliCarly1976

That's what I thought, too. Good thing I went ahead and made it on CD3. 

OB for 3 months per my HMO, only after that can I get a referral to a specialist. As I keep saying, FUN TIMES.  MH is oot this month for business, anyway, so I guess it will only be 2 wasted cycles. 

Twinkie0612

CaliCarly1976:

That's what I thought, too. Good thing I went ahead and made it on CD3. 

OB for 3 months per my HMO, only after that can I get a referral to a specialist. As I keep saying, FUN TIMES.  MH is oot this month for business, anyway, so I guess it will only be 2 wasted cycles. 

If you do end up seeing a RE (FX that you don't) you might have to do more blood work.  I did my testing and one IUI with my OB/GYN and he didn't order E2 or AMH on my CD 3 blood work.  Luckily I didn't have to redo everything and my RE just ordered the missing hormone levels (I am OOP and the blood work isn't cheap).

Also please demand proper monitoring from your OB/GYN.   

CaliCarly1976

Thanks for the info - that is all good to know. Yeah they are good about monitoring, so I am relieved there. The whole insurance thing is a racket. 

Thank you for your response, seeing that you did IUI with your OB kind of gives me some reassurance that this whole process isn't completely unusual.  

Twinkie0612

CaliCarly1976:

Thanks for the info - that is all good to know. Yeah they are good about monitoring, so I am relieved there. The whole insurance thing is a racket. 

Thank you for your response, seeing that you did IUI with your OB kind of gives me some reassurance that this whole process isn't completely unusual.  

I wasn't completely comfortable working with an OB and figured if I was going to pay OOP for IF treatment, I wanted it to be with a RE.  However, I would definitely be doing what you are doing if it meant insurance coverage.  GL. 

curlylocks3

The FSH def needs to be done on cd2, 3, or 4, so Friday would be great. However it doesn't tell you much by itself because it can be falsely suppressed by elevated estradiol. I'd ask for estradiol or e2 levels as well. Without this your RE will definitely be repeating the FSH test. Many people get LH checked as well at this point but I know less about that so hopefully someone who knows more can weogh in.

shewolf576

Basic infertility testing.  I have POF so these tests are standard to me.  FSH and LH is to look at your ovary function.High LH to FSH is an indicator of PCOD.  High FSH is an indicator of POI.  It lets them see how your ovaries are functioning.  FSH and LH is usually done on the day of LH surge if you cycle normal (I am not normal so it never matters).  Prlactin, TSH, CPC, can be done at any time.