Luteal Phase Defect
Luteal phase defect (LPD) occurs when the luteal phase is shorter than normal, progesterone levels during the luteal phase are below normal, or both. LPD is believed to interfere with the implantation of embryos. The lactational amenorrhea method of birth control works primarily by preventing ovulation, but is also known to cause LPD.
LPD is a spectrum. There is unruptured luteinized follicle syndrome (ULFS), short luteal phases (e.g. 9 days instead of 14) and follicular nonresponsiveness to hCG. The second two varieties can be stabilized by taking high dose progesterone suppositories or injections until one gets a positive pregnancy test, and then continuing for another 8–10 weeks until placenta is self-sufficient. Some people have seen normalisation with high dose B6.
ULFS can be treated by high dose hCG at ovulation, or by IVF.
Diagnostics are by ultrasound, day 21 progesterone test, and length of luteal phase.
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