I felt a bit overwhelmed yesterday afternoon, after meeting with the nurse practitioner (NP) who looked at my NFP charts with me. Although I have been using Billings, apparently the Creighton model is only a step up. Luckily, I had enough information. I was relieved by that.
The NP told me that it looked as though I may have some issues with my luteal phase (it varies by more than 2 days in some cycles). Additionally, I may not be ovulating. So, in order to determine what my hormones are doing, I will be undergoing a month of testing. Starting on day eight of my cycle, I will also have my estrogren (estradiol) tested (every other day). Two days after my peak, I will begin having my progesterone tested, along with the estrogen (every other day through peak +11). Then, 11 days after my peak, I will have about 10 different hormones tested. It is crazy! The NP told me that I will feel like a "pin cushion." I'll say! I really hope and pray that this testing is worth the money and gives me some answers. I guess even if the tests come back as normal, the answer will be that I need to look at something else.
Aahh...welcome to the blood test club! :) I'm not gonna lie, it will NOT be fun. But it's a really important part of figuring out your IF, so it's worth it. Lots of prayers during this time, and I hope it gives you some insight! Good luck!
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