How to rectify a Luteal Phase defect?

[Jhumia]

Hi everyone...we have been TTC for our baby#2 for 6 months without any luck...and I have been temping since then...what I came to conclusion from the minimum knowledge I gained these few months is that I have a lutheal phase defect. My ovulation charts will give you a better idea...my average LP is 10-11 days which is thought to be a short one. Does anyone have any idea as how to lengthen it? Any suggestion is welcome...Thanks for reading

And yes I take folic acid with Vitamin B12 regularly...but I read somewhere that Vitamin B6 is good for improving LPD

[Jhumia]

Thanks dear....have started talking B6....will see if it works...if not will go for vitex....am having so many suggestions that now I am getting confused about what will work best for me...But all your input are commendable....I am glad to be filled in with information of all kind...its always better to be educated than being dumb about something...I appreciate all you answers...thanks once again

[1angelbabyM]

I take Vitex and it has completely regulated my cycles!  A large percentage ovulatory and menstrual problems are caused directly or indirectly by low levels progesterone following ovulation (the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle). Low levels of progesterone may cause LPD (luteal phase defect) or corpus luteum insufficiency. In the context of hormonal imbalances, Vitex may prove helpful with these infertility issues. According to studies and clinical research, vitex has proven effective. Benefits will increase over time - with maximum benefits after 3 months.  For the first 3 months I took two pills a day and then after that 3 months I started taking just one a day.  Plus, I take Fertilaid for women and vitex is also in that.  Might be something to look into!  Good Luck and SSBD!!

[Jhumia]

I took prenatals for like 4 months....then switched to vitam B12 and folic acid...but then I came to know from here that B6 works so am taking B6 and folic acid now...getting a lil constipated...do you know if B6 can cause it! Thanks for your reply hun

[LosingMyMindInGA]

My LP was running around 11 days.  Someone suggested the b vitamins but i couldn't remember which one so I just started taking a prenatal vitamin....LESS than 2 months after I started taking it i got pregnant.

[Jhumia]

I just saw tarajanes mentioning to take B6 all cycle...so ignore my question about how long shall I take it

[Jhumia]

Thanks for all these info. I have a few more questions regarding it...Shall I stop taking B12 since I am taking B6 now? can those two be taken together? and also how much B6 shall I take...1 tablet is 50mg...is it sufficient? or shall I take more...And shall I take it for the whole cycle or shall I stop it after ovulation? I am a mother of a 3 yr old and that proves that one can conceive in a short luteal phase too...I am gonna be 32 this year and we are waiting to have just one more baby to complete our family. I just want it to happen soon as my son is turning 4 in May and I dread of siblings too much apart in age. My insurance policy has been changed lately in which we do not have to pay the premium each month but will have to pay whenever we visit a doc. so was worried about how much the tests will cost. I think I will just try with vitamin B6 for a couple of cycles to see how things go before going to a reproductive endocronologist....thanks once again my ladies...I really appreciate your replying to my problem...god bless

[tarajanes]

Yes i had rthe same problem vitamin b6 will help lengthen Lutheal phase.take it all cycle,you need a luteal phase of at least 12 days to substain a pregnancy.

clomid will not be given for this reason.they will suggest you try for at least 12 months ,then they may consider testing.doctors will suggest you try something to lengthen lutheal phase,as for progesterone they wont give it out just like that,you could try the cream over the counter instead.I would think this may work since you only need to boost it a little.good luck.

[Eirlis]

You want to take B6, not B12 to lengthen your luteal phase. BTW, it is possible to get pregnant even with a very short LP -- I managed with a 9 -10 day LP and then with a 6 day LP. However if you do have low progesterone, you'll want to be on supplements once you do get pregnant.

Also, Clomid is a common treatment for short LP. I suggest you go to a reproductive endocrinologist and get some testing done. I have insurance so I'm not sure how expensive it all is, but they'll do at least one ultrasound to check your ovaries, bloodwork throughout your cycle to check your hormone levels, and an HSG x-ray to check your tubes.

Good luck!

[Jhumia]

rdh- can I take all those things without consulting a doctor?

30something13- all these info are real helpful...so I have to go to a doctor to find it out...can you please give me an idea about how expensive are these things?

[Jhumia]

Thanks girls....I will get checked with my doc

[30something13]

You have low progesterone which is kicking in your estrogen to early and causing your AF. You will probable not be ablt to concieve unless you take progesterone suppliments starting the night after you ovulate. Low progesterone casues mc when you do concieve. I had the same problem and after one month on them got pregnant, then mc casue the pahrmacy did not send the pills on time. THat is how important it is to start them on time and take them as perscribed. THe next month I got pregnant again and am 16 weeks pregnant. B12 can help them get longer but over a long period of time, say 6-9 months from my experience. But if you ahve low progesterone it will not help with mc at all. You would have to get a blood test the day after you O or on CD 21-23 to see if it is low.Some dr's do not check for this but by showing him your temp charts it is easier for them to see for a fact you ahve a LFD and need yoru progesterone checked.

I was never checked for this before. I have had several mc and all my babies were premature! ALL 4! The last one died shortly after birth, she was born at 23 weeks. I had my tubes burned out and then 8 years later had them fixed back adn learned of my progesterone problem. I am doing great this time for the first time out of 7 pregnancies! Best of luck to you!!!!

[rdh1981]

I took a B Complex and Evening Primrose Oil from CD 1- until ovulation date. After ovulating I started with Flaxseed.

It helped me big time!