Luteal Phase Defect
("LPD")

The female cycle is broken into 3 phases:
 

  • Follicle Phase
  • Ovulation
  • Luteal Phase

    Corpus Luteum Defect is quite common, easy to remedy and
    translates to a short luteal phase.
     

  • The luteal phase is the number of days after ovulation
        (dpo = days past ovulation).
  • Ideally the luteal phase is no less than 14 days in length.
  • Any less than 10 days is considered a defect or problem.
  • The corpus luteum is the corpse of the follicle.
  • The corpus luteum remains in the ovary after the egg leaves/ovulation.
  • The corpus luteum contains cells which produce progesterone.
  • The corpus luteum has a 7-10 day lifespan
    and then it begins to disintegrate unless you have conceived.

    When our progesterone level drops, our body interprets the drop to mean we are not pregnant and the lining begins to shed (menstruation).

  • After conception (sperm fertilizes egg),
    Fertilized egg rolls down fallopian tube and into uterus. It can take as little as 5 days after ovulation and as much as 10 days for implantation to occur.
  • Implantation refers to the fertilized egg
    (know referred to as the blastocyst)
    digging into the uterine lining and connecting to our blood supply.
  • The cells of the placenta produce the hormone hCG.
  • Once hCG is circulating in the bloodstream,
    the corpus luteum is revived.
    Once revived, the corpus luteum will produce
    the needed progesterone until the 2nd trimester
    when the baby takes over hormone production.

    So by supplementing with progesterone you will
    lengthen the luteal phase
    (trick the body into thinking you could be pregnant.

    There are herbal approaches which have helped many of us
    such as Vitex, False Unicorn Root and Alfalfa.
    Herbs should not be taken at the same time as chemicals
    such as clomid or progesterone. They will offset each other.

    I hope this helps you understand what is happening.

    Sending lots of love and positive, eggly thoughts :o}
    Momma Kath
    ++++++++++++++++++++

    I went to the doctor for Day 21 testing and it came back that
    I have low progesterone and a corpus luteum defect.
    Can you explain this defect to me and what it means?
    The doctor has prescribed progesterone for me which I
    will take twice/day from Day 15-30 beginning next cycle.
    Does this seem okay?


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