Tests for fertility

[xrayz]

I am 41 and have had successful pregnancies in the past. This year I have had a chemical pregnancy, a miscarriage at 9 weeks and now I am pretty sure I am having a m/c again at 5.5 weeks. I am considering going to an RE but would like to have the bloodwork done at my husband's office to save time and money before I make an RE appt. What tests and days would I need to have done?

[Sherri90049]

There are also several tests specifically for trying to determine the cause of m/c. Hopefully the RE will order those for you. You have now sadly had enough losses where they should be willing to order those. (anti-cardiolipin, lupus anticoagulant, NK cells, etc.) Normally they wait until thre losses to call it "recurrent pregnancy loss", as if two losses is ok. I would make sure they check your thyroid (TSH), too. I pray they can figure it out so you never have to go thru that again. I am battling my immune system with steroids (Prednisone) and blood thinners (Lovenox) to try to hold on to pregnancies. Hoping those two things will be enough for me. We'll see hopefully soon!

[Marietta2000]

I'm really sorry about your M/C. I didn't realise you were still in the throes of it.  I actually thought you'd just gotten a new BFP when I saw your mood today.  So sorry!

I'm not sure about how reliable the tests would be right now, as I suppose you would still have pregnancy hormones going on.  I have heard it's a good idea to start TTC straight after a M/C due to these hormones.  But thankfully, so far, I've never had a M/C, so I'm not talking at all from experience.  Going to an RE may be of help to you.  

I really pray you get there in the end!!!!  You've come close to it, and I'm sure it's just a matter of time!  

XOX

[xrayz]

Ok thanks! I remember now reading about the AMH and had asked hubby about running that one too.  I was really hoping to try to do things on my own before having to go to an RE but maybe just having everything done properly would be the best thing. Since I am having a m/c would I need to wait a couple of cycles before testing the FSH and Estradiol or would it be ok the next cycle? After my June m/c my cycles were crazy for about 3 cycles with a week of spotting before I even started a period.

[Marietta2000]

The AMH test is the Anti-Mullerian Hormone test - it also measures ovarian reserve. AMH is a substance that is produced by granulosa cells in ovarian follicles smaller than around 8mm. It is first made in primary follicles that advance from the primordial follicle stage. At these stages follicles are microscopic and can not be seen by ultrasound. The levels are constant and the AMH test can be done on any day of a woman's cycle.  

If you ovulate on day 18, then I suppose you would need to get your progesterone tested on around day 25.  

I'm taking low dose aspirin to help with blood flow.  I don't think I have any specific problem, I'm just taking it as a precaution.  I know of women who do take it for problems like yourself, but I would ask a doctor about this.  There would also be info on the net about it, but if you do have a specific problem, I would check it out properly.

GOOD LUCK!!!!  SSBD for 2011!!!  :0)

[xrayz]

Thanks for replying! What is an AMH? Also, I O on day 18...would I still have the progesterone drawn at day 21?  I have also heard about some clotting disorder where women have to take baby aspirin. Do you know anything about that?

[Marietta2000]

I got my FSH and estradiol (E2) levels taken on day 2 of my period.  The combined results of these two tests can indicate the ovarian reserve left in a woman.  I also get my progesterone done on day 21 (this should show if ovulation has occured and if progesterone is good enough to sustain a pregnancy).  I have also had my AMH done.  I'm pretty sure this can be done anytime, but you may need to check on the net to make sure.  

GOOD LUCK!!!  I'm 38 with a 5yr old son and 2yr old daughter, but have been doing ART for almost two years, and can't get pregnant!  I'm really sorry about your losses.  I really hope you achieve your dream soon!!!