Re: Luteal Phase

Posted By hfhs.md.rcs on July 02, 1998 at 18:47:19:

In Reply to: Luteal Phase posted by Marianne on June 19, 1998 at 23:44:15:






Hi.
I am currently charting my menstrual cycles and seem to have a short luteal phase -- ovulate on day 18 or 19 and begin menstruation on day 30.  I conceived twice, both times easily but lost the first pg. at 11.5 weeks.  The second pg, i took progesterone supplements during the first trimester "just in case."  If I was able to conceive ... could I have a LPd or would I not even be able to conceive if this were the case?
Marianne
Dear Marianne:
The luteal phase of the cycle is at least 10 days in length, is an average of 14 days, and can be as long as 16 days without being unusual. If one ovulates on day 18/19 and begins flow on day 30, at least by length, the luteal phase is not shortened.
The diagnosis of luteal phase deficiency is made by either consistently low progesterone levels (peak value < 10 ng/ml) between post-ovulation days 5 and 9. The gold standard is an endometrial biopsy in which the maturation of the endometrial cells is delayed by greater than two days when compared to the clinical dating.
Most patients with luteal phase defect are able to conceive: they experience early miscarriage.
Progesterone supplementation is very safe and when it is used as you describe, it is impossible to know its benefit.
This material is provided for information purposes only and is not a medical consultation. If you have specific questions, please contact your primary physician.
Keyword. Luteal phase defect.