Can Luteal Phase Defect Cause Fertility Problems?

Luteal phase defect (LPD) is a most common problem in women with fertility issues.

LPD can impact your fertility and prevents implantation. Finally this can lead to miscarriage.

Do you know what luteal phase defect is?

During your normal menstrual cycle, LPD will start followed by ovulation and it continues until your period starts.

In this time, the corpus luteum releases progesterone hormone and makes your endometrial lining ready for implantation.

Women with luteal phase defect are unable to produce sufficient progesterone hormone during luteal phase or endometrium doesn’t respond properly to the stimulation of progesterone hormone. Finally it leads endometrial lining to prepare improperly and makes it difficult for implantation.

What causes luteal phase defect?

The causes of luteal phase defect are difficult to find out. There are various factors that can affect your menstrual cycle and trigger the production of progesterone hormone during the luteal phase.

In rare conditions, LPD can lead to hyperprolactinemia or thyroid problems in some women. Hyperprolactinemia happens when you have high levels of prolactin hormone, which is responsible for production of milk.

Here are some causes of luteal phase defect:

• Poor follicle production, occurs due to the improper production of follicle stimulating hormone


• Premature failure of the corpus luteum, occurs when the initial quality of the follicle/corpus luteum is adequate


• Failure of the uterine lining to respond, occurs even in the presence of adequate follicle development and a corpus luteum that persists for the appropriate length of time

What type of symptoms will appear?

Most of the women can’t notice any symptoms until they experience problems when they try to conceive. Women with luteal phase defect will get normal menstrual cycle. Only a few women experience frequent but light periods.

How to find the condition of luteal phase defect?

The best way is charting your basal body temperature. During the luteal phase, your basal body temperature will rise. When you chart your basal body temperature, you may observe that your temperature is not elevated during the luteal phase.

Women who are charting their ovulation can find that their periods occur sooner than the average 14 days after ovulation.

How to correct the problem of LPD?

No need to worry, because luteal phase defect can be easily corrected. Consult your doctor before starting any treatments. Usually, luteal phase defect can be corrected with over-the-counter remedies or prescription drugs.

Over-the-counter drugs for luteal phase defect:

Vitamin B6 and progesterone cream are the two main over the counter remedies. You can take vitamin B6 in dosages from 50-200 mg. vitamin B6 can help to prolong your luteal phase. Progesterone is suggested for menopausal women and it helps to lengthen the luteal phase. Use a cream with natural progesterone.

Prescription drugs for luteal phase defect:

Clomid or progesterone suppositories can be suggested for LPD. Take clomid as suggested by your doctor. Progesterone suppositories are used through the vagina after occurring the ovulation.