[Pippa26]

I am after any opinions/advice.

I've been TTC for 10 months. I've been charting and have long irregular cycles with a shortish LP. Last year I had an early MC or chemical pg (not sure what the difference is). After that I saw seeing a naturopath and have been taking vits and a herbal tonic. Ive had bloods done that confirmed that I O. I showed these reults to my naturopath who thought progesterone was low, but GP didnt comment on this (I didnt ask GP at the the time cos everything seemed normal).

Naturopath thought low progesterone could have contributed to my loss and recommended a FS if I wanted more tests done. So I called them expecting to have to wait couple of months for an appointment but now I have an appointment in 3 weeks and Im freaking out!

Sometimes I feel like we've been TTC for ages but I know 10 months is not that long and Drs dont really 'do anything' till youve been trying for 12 months. I dont have a referral yet so will the GP think I dont need one?

What would you do?
Im thinking of cancelling the appointment and just continuing to chart and BD around O. Im 27 so Im not in a huge rush cos of my age.
But at the same time I would have thought my cycles would be a bit more regular by now and have this feeling there's something not quite right.
Im in 2 minds.....

This post has been edited by Pippa26: 04/02/2013, 04:50 PM

[cme]

Hey there, no I don't think it is to early, bit it is completly up to you and what you feel comfortable with. If things are a bit iregular theremay be some simple solutions that a FS can help you with. (I don't have faith in natrapaths). But at the same time these things cost money and it may sort itself out naturally. I went to a FS after 8 months due to suspected PCO's. During the tests we found bigger problems, but that was just our scinario. It then took 12 weeks to see the FS.

[Escapin]

If you've been charting and actively trying to get pregnant as opposed to just 'having sex without protection' then I think 10 months is definitely enough to warrant seeing a FS.

As a bit of anecdata, one of my good friends had 4 miscarriages in a row, and it turned out it was low progesterone. Off to the FS, start taking progesterone, next one stuck and is now a gorgeous little kid.

So yes, I would get onto a FS now rather than waiting around.

[Wishing2011]

you need a referral to see a FS right? So you need to see a GP to get that referral. How low is your progesterone and have you been testing it at the right times as it drops off if you are not pregnant and then AF follows soon after. Only you will know when you are ready for that next step. The specialist will go through your history and possibly order some more tests. Don't freak out too much they won't actually do too much at your first appointment other than send you for more tests, possibly an ultrasound etc..

[NSG]

I got a referral after six months, and got in within 3 weeks. I am glad I did as it turns out I wasn't ovulating on my own. I had a varied cycle with a short LP. No harm in going!!!

[Jenflea]

I'd go to see them. You can always pull out(pun not intended!) if you don't like what they say, or if you want to try longer.
You're not locked into a treatment the minute you see a FS, but you know your cycle, it's been nearly 12 months, and I don't see the harm in having a FS review your case and results and possibly order some more tests.

[hillplain]

Hi Pippa,
Welcome. In my opinion you can never be too informed. One thing I have learnt that we often know our bodies better than anyone else. If you have a feeling that there may be an issue I would get your referral to see a FS and go for the appointment. I would suggest that your FS will order more tests and exams etc. The results from this will leave you well informed.

If you have no issues so far then you can continue on your merry way of BDing your heart out! If there are some issues you have quite a bit of time to save some money and conmence your AC journey if that is what is needed.

I hope that you find some answers and that there are no issues for you. I can remember being 27 and thinking the same as you. Now 9 years later I wish that I had done something about it and pushed DH harder to get his tests done instead of fighting an uphill battle with age on top of everything.

Good luck.

[CharliMarley]

I missed how old you were OP, but I would go and get a referral to a FS, sooner more than later. Nobody knows what is happening with fertility until they are tested and maybe it is your DH and not you. Men have problems that stop them from conceiving too and these problems need to be sorted out.

[CharliMarley]

I don't have any faith in naturopath technology either.

[miss_heidi]

After about 6 months of no success, my GP gave us a referral to a FS, but it was at the Reproductive medicine clinic at our local Women's Hospital, so all the tests were covered by Medicare.

In the end we needed IVF so the FS t the hospital referred us to IVF Australia, however if the problem could have been helped by regulating periods or even IUI we could have had the treatment at the hospital, and it would have been Medicare subsidised.

Something to consider - maybe your GP can refer you to the local Women's Hospital reproductive medicine clinic rather than a private FS?

Good luck!