How to Correct a Short Luteal Phase
The luteal phase is the period of time between ovulation and menstruation. The average luteal phase is about 14 days long. Anything less than 10 days is considered short. A short luteal phase will make it hard for a woman to get pregnant because her body does not have enough time to produce sufficient progesterone to sustain a pregnancy. If she does get pregnant, she will likely have an early miscarriage, so it's important to get treatment for this condition, if you wish to conceive.
Instructions
Buy vitamin B6 from a pharmacy. Take it every day for the entire month. Vitamin B6 has the added benefit of relieving the symptoms of PMS and easing morning sickness if you get pregnant. Buy progesterone cream. You can get this over-the-counter at most pharmacies. A short luteal phase is sometimes caused by low progesterone levels, so this cream helps raise them. Apply twice a day during your luteal phase. Alternate applications to your inner arms, inner thighs, neck and chest. If you get pregnant, continue using the progesterone cream until you are 10 weeks pregnant. During pregnancy, use only under the supervision of your ob/gyn or midwife. See your doctor if over-the-counter remedies do not work and your luteal phase is still short. Your doctor will probably perform a blood test to check your levels of progesterone. If your levels are below normal, your doctor may diagnose you with a luteal phase deficiency, also known as LPD. Your doctor may also give you an ultrasound during the middle of your cycle to look at the lining of your uterus. A prescription may be given for Clomid, an ovary-stimulating drug, or for progesterone treatments. Some doctors will also give human chorionic gonadotrophin, or HCG. Contact an ob/gyn or midwife if you become pregnant, whether you are currently on treatments or not. Your doctor or midwife may need to monitor your pregnancy to be sure your progesterone levels are satisfactory.
