XP: FF Crosshairs or Progesterone Test More Accurate?

[papm951214]

Hi Ladies,

Another question from a noob - This is a crosspost from TWW, so I apologize if I just need to keep my patience in check and should have waited to ask.

I had my annual exam, and since I got my first set of crosshairs using FF (cycle 1 trying), I went ahead and elected to have a progesterone blood draw to confirm ovulation because I've had some irregular cycles in the past. I have a problem with wanting to know all the things. I realize this was unnecessary, but the discussion kind of led itself that way. I regret doing it, honestly.

My results came back, and it was an 8. The nurse said this was on the lower end, and generally 10-15 is what they look for to confirm ovulation. She eventually said she doesn't think I ovulated. Which is right - FF that confirmed ovulation on the 19th or the blood test?

Thanks for your perspectives and wisdom. It's really, really helpful.

[beckynsean11]

How many dpo do you think you were at the time of the test?

[papm951214]

Jan 27, 2015 13:07:51 GMT -5 beckynsean11 said:

How many dpo do you think you were at the time of the test?

Based on FF, four days.

[clecyclist]

Can we see your chart?

[joy]

I believe you need to read progesterone at 7 days post ovulation. Since you were at 4 days post ovulation, isn't the progesterone test not really telling you anything? I don't know for sure.

[samanthasays]

My RE said a level of 5 indicated I ovulated a few days ago. Is this an OBGYN or GP? If so I wouldn't put too much weight in what they say. You could have a progesterone deficiency, so you could have ovulated but just have lower post O progesterone levels. But you should see an RE for that.

[cateyes]

Jan 27, 2015 13:19:27 GMT -5 joy said:

I believe you need to read progesterone at 7 days post ovulation. Since you were at 4 days post ovulation, isn't the progesterone test not really telling you anything? I don't know for sure.

Yes, this test is supposed to be done at 7 days DPO. That alone has me side-eyeing your OB and further shows why tests done outside a RE can be done wrong or not give a full picture. 

[Deleted]

Ugh. Why are OBs so careless with such sensitive subject matter?!

[anonymouseliza]

Jan 27, 2015 13:19:27 GMT -5 joy said:

I believe you need to read progesterone at 7 days post ovulation. Since you were at 4 days post ovulation, isn't the progesterone test not really telling you anything? I don't know for sure.

This, from what I know.

[ldubhawksfan]

Yeah the progesterone test should be 7 dpo. With it being tested earlier, your dr is comparing apples to oranges in a sense because she's comparing earlier values to peak values. Without it being in the right day, she can't say whether you have a progesterone deficiency. My OB tried to do my progesterone test on cd21, and I had to pull teeth to get another slip for 7 dpo because I had a week longer cycle that month.

Try not to let it get in your head. With it being your first cycle, and you confirming with temping, you are a long ways from needing to worry about needing progesterone. And if you got CHs with a temp increase, I'd be pretty confident in O (can we see your chart?). Good luck.

Eta: he's to she's

[Deleted]

Jan 27, 2015 13:35:31 GMT -5 ldubhawksfan said:

Yeah the progesterone test should be 7 dpo. With it being tested earlier, your dr is comparing apples to oranges in a sense because she's comparing earlier values to peak values. Without it being in the right day, she can't say whether you have a progesterone deficiency. My OB tried to do my progesterone test on cd21, and I had to pull teeth to get another slip for 7 dpo because I had a week longer cycle that month.

Try not to let it get in your head. With it being your first cycle, and you confirming with temping, you are a long ways from needing to worry about needing progesterone. And if you got CHs with a temp increase, I'd be pretty confident in O (can we see your chart?). Good luck.

Eta: he's to she's

This. Why are you looking for trouble already?

[sister13]

Yay for unnecessary testing!

[papm951214]

Thank you everyone so very much. joy, cateyes, and ldubhawksfan - thank you!! samanthasays, that's such a helpful chart. Really good to know.

I've attached a screen shot of my chart because I'm having trouble uploading a link. You guys confirmed what my gut said - I shouldn't have had that test done. You're right @pugsandwine, it was foolish of me to give in. I'm going to remain confident with FF, and let this test result go as an outlier to the bigger picture. Thanks again. You guys rock.

[ghostmonkey]

This is why you don't get random testing for shits and giggles. Fuck.

[ghostmonkey]

Also, let's pretend it was done at 7DPO. A level of 8 still indicated ovulatory function, and like is an indicator that ovulation did occur, but it was poor quality.

In other words, that nurse is as much of a moron as your OB for even ordering this test for someone on their first cycle of trying.

[beckynsean11]

Every word GM said.

[talon]

Jan 27, 2015 13:55:54 GMT -5 ghostmonkey said:

Also, let's pretend it was done at 7DPO. A level of 8 still indicated ovulatory function, and like is an indicator that ovulation did occur, but it was poor quality.

In other words, that nurse is as much of a moron as your OB for even ordering this test for someone on their first cycle of trying.

Yep. Say no to random unnecessary testing.