Day 21 Query

Hi All

Sorry if this question has been asked before but me and DP are trying for a baby -
Was on the depo for 5years came off it July08 and AF started Oct08 -

Had an appointment yesterday with a specialist that said I have to take a blood test on Day21 when my cycle ends to check my progesterone level?

I forgot to ask is Day21 counting from when my AF finishes? or Day 1 when it starts?

Also if say I dont want to do the charting option can I jst do the ovulation test pack things?
Ive seen people talk about it and Ive seen it on trademe lol so thinking I should try that option -

Any word of advice or suggestions will be appreciated

Didnt realise there was alot to take in and learn -
I jst hope I get a BFP soon

Its all very confusing isn't it!!

Day 1 of your cycle is the first day of red blood so you'll go for your test on day 21. I don't chart either but do use the ovulation tests. i normally ovulate around day 14 so I start using the tests (and bding) on day 10 and carry on until I get the + opk.

Hope this helps, good luck

I know!!! lol

k now i know when day 21 falls schedule that in for my blood test -

when do you start using the ovulations tests?

so many different terminologies haha
but gonna lurk in here and learn some new things which i dont know alot about hehe

Cant recommend a book, sorry.

It is probably good to start taking the OPK's (ovulation test) CD(cycle day)10 and continue everyday until you get a positive test.

Bear in mind though, just because you get a positive test, does not mean you have actually ovulated. The test turns positive when you are having a hormone surge that happens around 24 hours before ovulation (it can be as little as 12 hours or more than 24.. cant quite remember how long though sorry.). It is possible to have this LH surge but not ovulate and have another surge some days later and ovulate then. Temping with OPK's is good because if you get at temp rise the day after your positive test and it stays risen for 3 days in a row you can pretty much guarantee you have ovulated.

It is all confusing, I googled for info and asked a lot of questions here.

Good luck, and dont be afraid to ask a question even if you think it is a silly one.

Hopefully you will get pregnant very soon!

The "Making Babies" book that you can get through fertility associates is not that big. But it covers heaps of other stuff as well.

Hi Molz...

I found this info on a website :

What is Progesterone?

Kevin Stitch explains progesterone much better than I could:

"Progesterone is a hormone produced by the ovaries that helps maintain a normal menstrual cycle. By preparing the lining of the uterus for implantation by the embryo, Progesterone also plays a critical role in maintaining the early weeks of a pregnancy. At approximately the eighth week of a normal pregnancy, the placenta takes over the role of producing Progesterone for the remainder of the pregnancy. Progesterone helps relax the muscles in the lining of the uterus, and also helps the breasts to develop in preparation for milk production after the birth of a baby."

The only way to test for progesterone is through a simple blood test. Most doctors order this test on CD21, but as we know, not all women would be 7dpo then, when the test is most commonly ordered. Some doctors even call it a CD21 test which shows a blatant lack of respect for you as a patient.

I always advise women to count out 7 dpo and go get the blood test then NOT on CD21 as is most commonly written on your lab sheet. If your numbers come back very low it suggests there was not active ovulation, even if you felt ovulation sensations or had fertile cervical mucous. Most doctors would want to force ovulation and would suggest a medicated cycle, most often starting with Clomid or Femara.

If, however, your test indicates ovulation occurred but your progesterone is very low, supplementation might be offered. A level less than 14 ng/ml indicates that progesterone production in the luteal phase is inadequate.

http://visibleconception.blogspot.com/2008/03/luteal-phase-defect-progesterone-and.html

Hi molz, I know you don't want to do the charting thing but it does give you a good idea of your cycle, good luck

you could start off charting without doing your temps, just record other stuff, it will give you a good record.

I have VIP on FF which is when you pay for it & get to use the extras, but when it runs out in about 40days, I will not pay again & will stop doing the temp & may just record stuff.

I find I get too hung up on it, but think I am too hung up on the whole TTC, lol.

You can always come & join us in the waiting threads.

hope your wait is soon over.

oh ok lol
thanks for the info -

i bought a thermometer for this beginning of the year but never got to use it haha

guess now will be a good time to get it out of its packaging hehe

so do i start recording my temp on the first day of AF or the last day and how long do i do this for?

kewl - will do that tomorrow morning

cant wait now hehe