Doctor won't help me understand my results... Google is confusing!

[Lolly_Popp]

Hi all! I am new here. Apologies for the long post!

I have had bloods done on Day 3 of my cycle. My GP was reluctant to even do them in the first place, but now telling me that everything is fine without wanting to discuss what they actually mean... I've also had an ultrasound over 3 weeks ago and just been told this morning by the receptionist of all people that I have fibroids, but no further information as to what they even are, or what I can do! Google has told me that Fibroids could be an explanation to the swollen belly I have for half the month, and the inability to lose inches around my abdomen, despite reducing my overall body fat levels as much as I can.

I am 34. Was using the Pill from 16-23, and implant from 23-29. After implant my cycle was ruined, and I had to use the Pill again for a year (age 30-31) to regulate it. I'm now contraceptive free (2.5 years) and taking Inositol twice a day. I've never shown I'm ovulating on a home test for 5 years, but Doctors don't care...

I have been unable to conceive whenever we have tried over the last 4-5 years.

These are my results I'm struggling to understand. Can anyone help a little?

Cycle Day 3:

Serum TSH 1.37 mu/L (normal)

SHBG 18.0nmol/L (abnormal)

Prolactin 351 mu/L

LH Level 3.0 iu/L

FSH Level 7.8 u/L

Oestradiol 205 pmol/L

Cycle Day 21:

Progesterone 49.3 nmol/L

Thank you <3

[hoping2021]

Hi Lolly_Popp,

Do try to arrange a telephone appointment with your GP to explain your results. Most GPs are quite clued up on baseline fertility results. It's a good sign already that they have arranged these tests that you have posted, as it indicates that they know what they are doing!

Just say to them that you are stressed about the results and would appreciate a telephone call to go through the results.

Judging by your day 21 progesterone, it does seem that you do ovulate:

gloshospitals.nhs.uk/our-se...

Now if you have been trying to conceive for 4-5 years, I would suggest asking the GP to refer to a fertility specialist to discuss your IVF options. If I understand correctly, in the UK NHS you are entitled to this. I had my NHS treatment a while ago, and things may have changed... but I hope others here might know more. It was a straightforward process for me, I just went to the GP and was fairly direct about wanting a referral. But it could be a postcode thing.

What is your local area and their CCG funding for IVF - do you know?

Good luck,

[hoping2021]

With respect to the fibroids, they are common and they are benign growths in the uterus. They can interfere, depending on size with fertility:

nhs.uk/conditions/fibroids/

so again, completely reasonable for you to request a referral to see a gynaecologist regarding this also. Good luck,

[JoyfulStar]

Hi Lolly_Popp,

Getting answers from G.Ps when it comes to women’s health is so frustrating! I totally can relate as I had/have issues with Fibroids!

I went for a scan because I was iron deficient then they told me I had fibroids. Luckily I was told the size and like you lost weight but still had a swollen belly which I put down to age. So when the GP told me that it was nothing to worry about, I asked for a second opinion i.e a referral to a gynaecologist.

It was the best thing I ever did. As they ask you about your symptoms and how it affects your life etc Mine was really heavy periods hence the iron deficiency. They also talked to me about my desire to have kids and they recommended the best way forward in terms of treatment.

So my advice is ask for a referral to a women’s health specialist! Even if your G.P is dismissive, you can point out that the location and size of fibroids can have an impact on fertility so keep pushing and don’t take no for an answer!

If you want more detail about my experience, please ask. All the best xxx