NOW THE FUN STARTS!

Yes, I have decided that I am sick.

But, the Wicked Witch (also known as: Aunt Flow, Tia Maria (Portuguese), My Period) started yesterday! YIPPPEEE! (Another small miracle.)

So, the schedule:

1. Day 3 Blood work tomorrow morning. According to my research, they are checking for:

1. Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH): FSH is often used as a gauge of ovarian reserve. In general, under 6 is excellent, 6-9 is good, 9-10 fair, 10-13 diminished reserve, 13+ very hard to stimulate. In PCOS testing, the LH:FSH ratio may be used in the diagnosis. The ratio is usually close to 1:1, but if the LH is higher, it is one possible indication of PCOS.
   
2. Estradiol (E2): 25-75 pg/ml Levels on the lower end tend to be better for stimulating. Abnormally high levels on day 3 may indicate existence of a functional cyst or diminished ovarian reserve.
   
3. Luteinizing Hormone (LH): <>
4. Prolactin: <>
5. Progesterone (P4): <>
6. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH): .4-4 uIU/ml Mid-range normal in most labs is about 1.7. A high level of TSH combined with a low or normal T4 level generally indicates hypo-thyroidism, which can have an effect on fertility.
   
7. Free Triiodothyronine (T3): 1.4-4.4 pg/ml Sometimes the diseased thyroid gland will start producing very high levels of T3 but still produce normal levels of T4. Therefore measurement of both hormones provides an even more accurate evaluation of thyroid function.
8. Free Thyroxine (T4): .8-2 ng/dl A low level may indicate a diseased thyroid gland or may indicate a non-functioning pituitary gland which is not stimulating the thyroid to produce T4. If the T4 is low and the TSH is normal, that is more likely to indicate a problem with the pituitary.
   
9. Total Testosterone: 6-86 ng/dl. Testosterone is secreted from the adrenal gland and the ovaries. Most would consider a level above 50 to be somewhat elevated.
   
10. Free Testosterone: .7-3.6 pg/ml
    
11. Dehydroepi-androsterone Sulfate (DHEAS): 335-430 ug/dl.
    
12. Androstenedione: .7-3.1 ng/ml
    
13. Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG): 18 — 114 nmol/l, Increased androgen production often leads to lower SHBG
    
14. Fasting Insulin: 8-16 hours fasting, <>

2. Clomid Challenge test starts Friday and goes on until Tuesday. Cycle days 5-9, 100mg. (Increased from last Clomid cycle of 50mg.) Also may involve more blood work, will know later.

3. HSG scheduled for Tuesday at 1:00 PM. HSG: An x-ray of the pelvic organs in which a radio-opaque dye is injected through the cervix into the uterus and fallopian tubes. This test checks for malformations of the uterus and blockage of the faloipian tubes.

4. Day 10 blood work next Wednesday. Not sure what that involves, must ask. My research hasn't triggered any key information.

5. Day 12, June 30, start to use Ovulation Predictor Kits. When a surge occurs, trying to stay positive, must contact the nurses again to schedule the IUI.

I'm taking the bull by the HORNS!!!!