continued from page 3 Back to page one I HAVE TO HAVE BLOOD TESTS – WHAT ARE THEY FOR?
• CD2/3: The cycle day 2 or cycle day 3 blood tests are normally for follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH). They give an indication of the potential supply of the eggs that are ripening in your ovaries. The quality of the eggs tends to depend on your age • CD21: Progesterone is measured on cycle day 21 of a 28-day cycle. For this test to be accurate it needs to be performed 7 days after you ovulate and, depending on your cycle length, that may not be cycle day 21. Progesterone indicates that ovulation has occurred. • Prolactin: Too much prolactin (milk hormone) may prevent ovulation. If the prolactin level is elevated, the test needs to be repeated to confirm that it is a persistent problem. prolactin levels can increase due to stress. • Thyroid Hormone Levels: If a woman’s thyroid gland is under-active, it can interfere with ovulation and the quality of eggs that she releases. • Oestrogen (Estradiol test): Makes the cervical mucus agreeable to the entry of sp
