Luteal phase defect

What is a luteal phase defect?

Luteal phase defects affect a woman’s ovulation cycle and can make it difficult to experience a healthy pregnancy. This condition is characterized by low progesterone levels and limited uterine lining growth, which can impede egg implantation and fetal development. 

During normal ovulation, the luteal phase, which is the 12 to 16 days between ovulation and menstruation, is when progesterone levels increase and the uterine lining (endometrium) thickens. This creates a healthy environment for egg implantation and eventual embryonic and fetal growth.

Women with a short luteal phase of 10 days or less will have lower progesterone levels and thinner endometrial lining. These factors make it considerably more difficult to become and stay pregnant.

Symptoms of luteal phase defect

Many women with this condition are unaware they have it until they experience trouble conceiving or suffer pregnancy loss. Some symptoms of a luteal phase defect include:

• Spotting between periods
• Difficulty conceiving
• Miscarriages

A woman may realize she has a luteal phase defect when tracking her ovulation cycle and noticing there is a shortened period of time between ovulation and menstruation.

Causes of luteal phase defect

Any woman can develop a luteal phase defect when progesterone production drops. Certain health conditions may increase the risk, such as:

• Endometriosis
• Underactive or overactive thyroid
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome
• Obesity
• Stress
• Extreme amounts of exercise
• Anorexia

Diagnosing luteal phase defect

Women experiencing difficulties becoming or staying pregnant can have several hormone levels checked via a simple blood draw:

• Progesterone hormone which surges after ovulation and supports the endometrium.
• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) which stimulates ovarian follicle growth and is released by the pituitary gland.
• Luteinizing hormone (LH) which triggers ovulation.

A luteal phase defect can be managed with lifestyle changes, supplements and medications, or a combination of measures.

Treatments for luteal phase defect

Addressing the underlying cause of suppressed progesterone levels is typically part of luteal phase defect treatment. Women may need to make lifestyle changes, like reducing stress through breathing exercises, or losing weight with moderate exercise. Progesterone levels may also be increased, extending the length of the luteal phase with the help of certain supplements and medications. 

Your doctor may prescribe you:

• Progesterone
• Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG), which stimulates the production of progesterone 
• Clomiphene citrate, which stimulates the production of FSH and LH and triggers ovulation