Trying but concerned!

Hi there, I have never done this before, but thinking that a bit of support in this ttc process might be worthwhile!
I am 32 yrs, my hubby is 30, we got married in April, 2011 & I have been off the pill since December 2010. We both love kids & would love to have our own. We have only seriously been trying, ie. working out when im ovulating etc, for the last 3 mths. My cycles average 25 days, & my Lh surge has happened on Day 13 for the last 3mths.
What concerns me is that also for the last 3mths I have been spotting for 3-4 days before AF starts. This has never happened to me before. Also during this time I have received my first ever abnormal smear...low grade squamous cell abnormalities, awaiting a further appointment to get this checked out. Does this resonate with anyone? Hs anyone been in the same boat?
I wonder if the spotting is due to whatever is going on with the abnormal smear? I also wonder if I have a shortened luteal phase & that a low progesterone level may be an issue? I'm seeing my GP tomorrow, so will ask her these questions.
Just wanted to see if anyone had some advice. I should probably just stop stressing & enjoy the process...Im just longing for my BFP. That's all. Thanks.

Thank you. That is what I have been thinking. I will try the B6. So nice to get a quick reply. Thank you

Hey Guest, I also get spotting a day or 2 prior to AF arriving, so its definitely normal, but do understand you being concerned re your smear test. Hope it all goes ok for you

Feel free to join us on here, its a great place for support and I've learnt loads!

Hi, it's good that you've identified some issues that are of concern, as they can impact on your ability to conceive.

I have short luteal phase, my cycles range from 22 days to 28 days, and I ovulate normally 8-9 days before my AF starts. Anything less than 10 days in luteal phase length (2nd half of the cycle after you ovulate) is deemed insufficient to conceive on. Ideal is 12-16 days.

Vitamin B6 is a good supplement to take that will both help eliminate the spotting before AF and can (in some women) help lengthen their luteal phase.

While spotting before AF is normal in the sense that it happens to a lot of women, it's not "normal" in the sense that it shouldn't happen. It's a sign that the progesterone level is dropping too early.

Get your GP to check your prolactin level, the other hormone related blood tests ideally need to be done on set cycle days, ie; CD3 and CD21. Don't expect too much from the blood test results though, as the range of "normal" is quite wide, and even though you may come back as within normal range, you can still have difficulty conceiving, as I show normal range blood test results, but have difficulty conceiving.

The cell changes in your cervix may also be causing spotting.

Good luck whatever you find out. There are many routes you can take if your bloods come back as "normal" and/or your GP is unable to help other than telling you to keep trying.

Hi babycrazy, could you tell me more about the Patients Advocate? How much does it cost to get tested/buy cream etc? Do they presribe the cream or does your doctor. Also just wondered what the difference is between seeing them and seeing a doctor for the testing, can they test for things doctors dont?

Hi Mumma2be - sorry just read your post now!
Patient Advocates is are specialists in Natural Hormone Therapy and treat an amazing amount of hormonal issues. My mother recommended them after she had worked with them to help her during menopause. They can do everything over the phone and via post so you don't need to be in Tauranga to see them. From memory the initial consult was $120 for an hour. Other costs include the cost of the saliva tests or bloods if you need them then postage to send them to where they need to go (saliva tests get sent to Chch). The cream is about $80 a pot which lasts awhile. I had a double dose so it ran it quickly but this new pot is going further now my dose has changed. They prescribe the dosage etc for the cream however you have to get an actually prescription from the doctor - they send a letter directly to your doc and you make an appt with the doc.
I've only had the day 3 and day 21 tests done at the doctors as I started with PA the same cycle. She uses saliva to test progesterone where the doctor uses blood. No idea the difference. I have found PA to GREAT and really hoping to get my BFP soon now that most things should be sorted out as far as hormones go.
1 thing I should mention is that my DH hasn't been tested yet (ruddy men!!!) but PA is going to test him at my next appt if not UTD by then and apparently she can test him through blood....will be interesting to see!
Anywho its a novel but hope that's helpful. Feel free to PM me any time!