What is a defect of the luteal phase?

The luteal phase is the time of the menstrual cycle of a woman between ovulation and menstruation. In order to be pregnant, the luteal phase must be long enough for uterine lining or endometrium to develop into a point where an embryo can implant. If the luteal phase is less than ten days, some doctors say less than 12 days, there is no time to happen. This condition is known as a defect of the luteal phase, also called LPD. The condition may cause timely abortion and is often associated with infertility. Treatments, including progesterone shots, hormonal supplements and fertility drugs, are often effective. It is this hormone that triggers the reinforcement of the uterine lining and eventually allows embryo implantation. Progesterone also maintains menstruation at bay and prevents Early abortion. One of the known causes of the defect is when the luteum corpus ceases to produce hormones prematurely. In this case, the uterus lining will not fully develop, the implantation will be impossible and menstruation will begin before it is usually. Sometimes the uterine lining does not respond toelevated levels of progesterone. The result is the same as when corpus luteum doesn't work properly.

both of these causes of the luteal phase defect occur in the second half of the menstrual cycle. It is also possible that problems with the first half of the cycle cause or contribute to phase defects. During this time, the ovaries produce follicles, one of which will later become corpus luteum. If these follicles do not develop correctly, the resulting corpusluteum may also be insufficiently developed, causing it to work incorrectly.

For women who do not try to conceive, the luteal phase defect is not necessarily a problem, but for those who want to have a child, it can be a serious obstacle. In general, the only apparent symptom of the luteal phase is a shortened time between ovulation and menstruation. Some women may also notice that their basal body temperature that usually increases after ovulation is not permanently higher than their pre-Oovulatory temperature. Fortunately, there are several medical ways to detect a luteal phase defect, including strategically timed blood tests for determining progesterone levels, ultrasound to control the uterine thickness or uterine biopsy to determine whether its stage of development is in line with the actual menstrual cycle.

Once the luteal phase defect is diagnosed, it can generally be treated easily and effectively with vitamin B6 supplements, progesterone or clomide supplements, a commonly prescribed fertility remedy that increases progesterone production.