What is it? The luteal phase is the time from ovulation until menstruation. During this time, a fertilized egg travels from the fallopian tube into the uterus to implant. The luteal phase should be at least 10 days long, and is usually 10 to 17 days long. A luteal phase under 10 days is called a "luteal phase defect".
In the presence of a luteal phase defect, the uterus cannot sustain a pregnancy. The uterine lining begins to break down, causing menstruation and, in the case where an egg was fertilized, causing an early miscarriage. One cause of luteal phase defects is low progesterone. A doctor can do a progesterone test at 7 dpo to determine if this is indeed the case.
What can you do about it? Doctors often prescribe medical means to correct luteal phase defects, such as progesterone suppositories or fertility drugs such as Clomid (clomiphene). One should consult with one's doctor in any case. However, there are natural methods which are often helpful. Vitamin B6 and natural Progesterone cream or natural sublingual Progesterone are helpful for this.
