luteal phase defect & spotting

I've been charting my cycles for a number of months now, and I consistantly have a very short luteal phase. I don' tknow if I have always been like this, or if this is new beause I only started charting the past few months. For the past three months I have begun spotting 8 days post ovulation. Today is CD 18 and 8 dpo, and again I spotted this morning. This doesn't seem like enough time for implantation to even occur, if there is fertilization. I got pregnant naturally 6 months ago, but lost it at 8 weeks, and had a D&C. Since then I spot before each menses. I had never spotted before the pregnancy.  

My question is what can be done about the short luteal phase??  I was prescribed progesterone lozenges (200mg) to take twice a day after I ovulate, for added support. Even with those I am still starting my menses/spotting early in the cycle. I am 43, got pregnant 6 months ago, and we recently tried IVF, unsuccessfully. We will try it again, but in the meantime we will continue  trying on our own, but I want to address the luteal phase issue in case that's a factor.
Thank you.

[Keith Downing, MD]

Hello,

The shortening of the luteal phase is likely related to your age and so there is nothing that can be done about that.  Supplemental progesterone is often prescribed, but its use in this fashion is not supported by any substantial data.  The best thing for you and your husband is to keep trying on your own as you have been doing.  

Best regards,

Dr. Downing