Luteal Phase Defect (LPD)

Your luteal phase (LP) is the time between ovulation and when your next period (AF) is due. Your LP should be between 12-16 days, with the average being 14 days. Although there is some sites that say anything between 10-17 days is normal. Some doctors believe that if the luteal phase falls under 12 days, then it could cause a problem falling pregnant.

If you think about it, implantation occurs anything between 6-10 days past ovulation (dpo). Now if you have a LPD, and your LP is less than 10 days. Your body isn’t giving the fertilized egg enough time to successfully implant. Your uterine lining will start to break down causing AF to unpack her bags and make you miserable at another failed cycle.

So what causes this LPD?

Mostly LPD is due to low progesterone. There are three main causes however; all are linked to the lack of progesterone. Poor follicle(egg) production leads to the premature break down of the corpus luteum (after ovulation). The corpus luteum in turn produces low levels of progesterone which then causes your uterine lining to not prepare itself for implantation.

How do you know if you have a LPD?

You need to monitor your cycle. Determine when ovulation occurs and count the days between O and AF. The easiest way to do this is confirm your ovulation by charting your Basal Body Temperature.

How to treat LPD?

1) Vitamin B6 can be taken daily for your whole cycle
2) Progesterone Supplement, which is then given after ovulation has been confirmed. (Remember that if you are on a Prog Supp that you continue taking it if you fall PG, until your doctor says it’s safe to stop.)
3) The use of Clomid. Clomid will in turn produce better quality eggs which will kick off the cycle of better corpus luteum and better progesterone levels.

So treating a LPD is pretty straight forward, and should definitely be looked into if you suspect your luteal phase is too short!