luteal phase deffect

[sjm72]

Hello all-  Does anyone know how short a luteal phase would be to be considered a deffect. I've been charting for years and mine are usually ten and under. Any answers  on how to lenghthen it? Thank you!! Sara

[sjm72]

I am not because i'm not that great with the computer. I have checked out other peoples charts on the web sight and it's been helpful to look at others current charts!!  My sister teaches NFP in Va. and I kind of take advantage of her knowledge.  She doesn't have any trouble concieving or carrying so i think i stump her sometimes.  I've had a headache the past 3 days when i wake up do you think one of the vitamins could be helping my sluggish prog? ( I very rarely get headaches like this) Here's hoping!    Thank you sooo much. Have a great day!     Sara

[Heather5]

OK, so based on your charting, it sounds like you do ovulate on your own...with a few anovulatory cycles once in a while (which is normal). In that case, I do think your progesterone tests were done at the wrong time. The normal progesterone level BEFORE ovulation is low, less than 1.5; and after ovulation, it should be about 10 or higher. In pregnancy, they like to see 12 or higher.

A progesterone test should be taken about 7 days after ovulation. If it is done right after ovulation it is still on its way up, and too close to AF (if not pregnant) it's on its way back down, so 7 dpo is the ideal time to test. Maybe you could ask your doctor to do one this month, and just base it on your chart. Are you using fertilityfriend?

[sjm72]

I have been charting for about five years.  I really only watched when i would take an antibiotic and all other times we  weren't trying (but not not trying if that makes any sense)  Yes- i think the blood tests may have been done at the wrong time.  However the last test which was .88 was what i believe close  to the right time.  Does it have to be taken on the exact day?                 I think my shift is clear but not every month and I do get what i would consider some kind of ovulation pain.  My cycles are long on average 35 to 38 days.  Thanks so much!  Just still trying to make sense of this all! Sara

[Heather5]

Hi Sara! I think it's OK as long as you hit 10 days...but of course it would be even better with 12 or more days. I would try the B6 for a few months...I've heard others on here say they've been able to extend their luteal phase with B6 :-)

As for your progesterone levels, I'm a little confused, because a level of 1.23 in the luteal phase means you didn't ovulate (unless it was right before your period). Do you think the blood test was done at the wrong time in your cycle? I think your doctor is suggesting clomid to either help you ovulate (if you're not ovulating)...or help you stimulate a "stronger" ovulation which could also increase your progesterone.

Have you been charting for a while? And do you get a clear shift in temperatures every month?

[sjm72]

That sounds like a good idea  the more i read everyones posts the more i think i need to switch docs. Thanks for the info.  I'm glad to here so many found docs. that would take a look at charting!  Congrats to you!!!

[sjm72]

Thank you.  I think i need to pay closer attention to my charts.  I was so excited when i'm above ten but now i think i have to shoot for above 12.  Thanx again for the insight on the luteal  defect.  I know it is part of my problem but just when i figure one problem out another seems to pop up!!!  Sara      

[mommyin10]

It's worth switching docs if you're not feeling totally comfortable.   Good luck to you !  :)

[Heather5]

I think they say anything less than 10 is considered a luteal phase defect...but they prefer to see 12 days or more.

[momof32b]

I began charting after I had my 2nd m/c last year.  I took several months of charts into my dr (she's great!) and we discussed my possible luteal phase defect.  My luteal phase was from 9-11 days.  She put me on 100mg progesterone pills starting on day 14 to see if it would lengthen my phase...it didn't....but about 10 months later I got pregnant.  I took the progesterone until I was 12w and am currently 14w 4d!  I think I would have m/c'd again w/out the progesterone.  Sounds like you may need to change dr's if he's not going to take you seriously.  Good luck!

[sjm72]

I know exactly what you mean about wanting the doctor to be concerned about your concerns.  I've been pointing out the progesterone levels since sept.  He suggested  clomid not progesterone which i am still confused about.  I've been doing the cream since then too but it seems alot of people including the  pharmacist think it kind of lays on top of the skin not getting absorbed.  I may just switch docs.  My friend had alot of luck with a female doctor that is alot younger then my current doc.    Thanks again for the input.  I'm hoping it works for you!!!    

[mommyin10]

Hi.  My doctor said my prog. levels should be above 20, but it wasn't alarming that it was 11.  I think, just because we're at that "magic age" it's ideal if they're higher :) , but your level seems pretty low.  Has your doctor mentioned taking progesterone?  Maybe you could see what he thinks about it.  I know different things work for everyone, but it's worth a try.  I actually switched doctors in January 'cause my other doctor wasn't real concerned about my concerns.  I'm not stressed about becoming pregnant & I have a laid back personality, but I didn't like feeling like I was trying to be taken seriously, if that makes sense?!  My new doctor is 37 years old !  She's very easy to talk to, understands the need to cover all bases & all I did is go in casually for a consultation to meet her & let her know I was ttc... she took over from there.  I'll let you know if the progesterone works for me !  I've heard of just using over the counter progesterone cream as well.  You may look into that??  I don't know much about it.

[sjm72]

Thanks-  I actually started on B-6 this month so glad it worked out for you!  I was getting b-12 shots for two years all along i guess i thought this should be enough vitimins (taking prenatals too)  Thanks again    I hope you're feeling well!  Here's to trying for three for me too!! The support has been priceless  

[sjm72]

Thank You.  I was 35 in Sept. and miscarried then.  My level of prog. was .63 at time of m/c and has only been 1.23 since.  At this point i think i need to switch docs. Did your doctor talk to you at all about your charts? Is he a specialist.  My Doctor doesn't seem to hear what i'm saying but i'm so comfortable with him.  Thank you for the support.   Hope it works for you. It sounds like the doc. has it all figured out.  Lots of well wishes your way!    

[tahariel]

Luteal phase ideally should be about 14 days, but sometimes 12 is fine too. While I was charting for my 2nd baby, I found I had a short luteal phase. I took a supplement of a good quality B-6 vitamin and within just a few months my luteal phase lengthened and I became pregnant. B-6 can be taken daily in doses anywhere from 50mg to 200mg, every day during the entire month of your cycle. (I think my supplement was 100mg.) Good luck!  (23w5d, #3)

[mommyin10]

Hey there !  I have the same problem.  I've only been charting since Sept., but my luteal phase is 9-11 days.  I just had my progesterone level checked & that was 11.   My doctor said it's okay, but being 35, she'd like to see it higher.  I'm starting progesterone supplements (suppositories) next weekend.  I'm supposed to start taking them just before I ovulate, for two weeks.  It's supposed to lengthen the luteal phase & then if I get pregnant, it should help to sustain the pregnancy.  So, we'll see if it works !