Short Luteal Phase?

Question

I have been charting my cycles for the past 8 cycles, the one I am on being nine and I just started it yesterday. (I take my temp every morning and I observe my cervical fluid every day) For each of the cycles I have counted and I am concerned that I have a short luteal phase because for every cycle I only had appx 10 days from the time I ovulated until the day I started my period. Is there anyone who has experienced this and went on to have a normal natural pregnancy. This month was my husband and my first month actually TTC but we have been having unprotected sex the entire 8 cycles. We have only two more cycles until, a pregnancy would not be good timing, meaning I would end up having the baby during the middle of a school semester. These next two cycles if I get pregnant then I would have the baby during Christmas break and it would work out, anyway is there anything I can do to speed up the process and what can I do to naturally lenghthen my luteal phase? Thank you

I asked this question last night at a bad time so I am re-asking hoping to get some more answers thanks!

Answer 1

The only thing that worked for me was to take progesterone from the day after ovulation. Most luteal phase defects are caused by progesterone imbalance. You would take the progesterone starting the day after ovulation and then would continue until your next cycle or (hopefully) your pregnancy is confirmed. If you take progesterone and conceive your doctor my recommed using it until your second trimester. (progesterone is essential during the first trimester) You can get progesterone cream over the counter, but a doctor prescribed supository is better.

Good luck to you and your partner!

Answer 2

10 day is an acceptable luteal phase-it's on the short end of things, but it's still considered okay. Most people will have a luteal phase of somewhere between 10 and 16 days. If you're finding that you consistently have a luteal phase of less than ten day, then you may want to talk to your health care provider about a luteal phase defect, which is usually treated with progesterone supplements.

Answer 3

Yes, my luteal phase was quite short, under 10 days depending on the month and I did conceive naturally, but only after 6 years of trying (not due to short luteal phase--other complications.) I wish I knew how to lengthen it--but it sounds like you've already got a lot of good information and have read the one book I'd really recommend--Taking Charge of Your Fertility. Best of luck!