The Luteal Phase Defect issue in Conception

When the body is unable to produce sufficient amounts of progesterone during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle it is called a luteal phase defect (LPD). In other words, the endometrium does not respond appropriately to the progesterone stimulation due to which the endometrial lining is not sufficiently prepared for implantation.

The luteal phase refers to the second half of the menstrual cycle - the two-week period which begins after ovulation under the influence of estrogen and progesterone produced by the corpus luteum. If the luteal phase is shorter than 10 days or longer than 14 days, a luteal phase defect may be suspected. Luteal phase defect can impact fertility since a pregnancy cannot be sustained because the uterine lining begins to break down, bringing on menstrual bleeding and causes early miscarriage.

Causes and Symptoms

LPD could be attributed to more than one reason. Poor follicle production, premature demise of the corpus luteum, and failure of the uterine lining to respond to normal levels of progesterone are the three main reasons. Majority of women with LPD will have a normal menstrual cycle because of their regular periods. A few women may experience frequent but light periods.

For most women, the main cause of a luteal phase defect is low progesterone levels. A progesterone test is conducted seven days after ovulation to determine the exact deficiency. There are several ways of correcting this defect.

Diagnoses and correction of the defect

LPD can be diagnosed through the measurement of basal body temperature using a daily basis fertility chart. The basal body temperature of women with LPD does not stay elevated for the normal 12 days of the luteal phase of the cycle. Also, their next cycle will begin sooner than the normal 12 to 14 day time span.

Endometrial biopsy is another line of testing which involves the removal of a sample of the endometrium which is then studied under a microscope. This test checks to see if the endometrium can support implantation and growth of a fertilized egg. This is a test that must be done about three days before the start of the period.

On testing the progesterone levels if a hormone problem is identified, the doctor may suggest a fertility drug to see if the progesterone levels increase.
Luteal phase defects are easily treated with supplements and/or with prescription drugs. The most common prescription drugs for luteal phase defect patients are Clomid or progesterone suppositories. These are taken after ovulation has occurred until the 10th to 12th week of pregnancy - should one occur.

A luteal phase below 10 days cannot sustain a pregnancy since sufficient progesterone is not being produced. If a woman were to get pregnant with a luteal phase defect, she would most likely miscarry. However with the right treatment, fertility problems can be quickly handled. Depending on what is causing LPD, the appropriate hormonal drugs will be prescribed.

East Bay Fertility Center, Dublin, California, offers a wide range of infertility treatments along with expert medical counseling to couples facing difficulty in conceiving. Under the guidance of Dr. Ellen U. Snowden, Medical Director and Reproductive Endocrinologist, medical staff at East Bay provides dedicated treatment for infertility and reproductive endocrine issues. The center conducts endometrial biopsy which is a test for luteal phase defect and is one among the various female fertility tests offered. Call 925.828.9235 for a free initial consultation.