Luteal phase defect (failure of uterine lining to respond)?

[exhale]

Does anyone have any experience of this? I'm just starting cycle 3 after weaning 8m-old DD: I've ovulated twice (charting), but my periods (after 14 days) have been nothing more than (bright red) spotting for a day or two after 'normal' cramping etc: not nearly enough for a tampon. I've googled it (I know - don't trust self-diagnoses on the internet...) and it seems like this could be the cause - it's like my whole cycle is working other than the lining isn't building up enough..

Do I just wait? Is there anything I can do to encourage a thicker lining/better period/more likely implantation?

[eurochick]

What were your periods like before you had your daughter? If they were normal before, I would just wait.

[exhale]

Really? That's really reassuring. Thanks.

Took a while to regulate after coming off the pill but were otherwise fine before I had her: nice and regular and decent flow (yum).

How long do you think I need to give it (appreciate there's no way of knowing) before I should worry?

[eurochick]

I've no idea (still trying to conceive my first) but this does sound a bit like a case of over googling to me! I've read on here that women have taken a wide variety of time post baby to get their normal cycles back. I think you are probably stressing too early. Hopefully some of the 2nd or 3rd timers will be along soon to share their experiences.

[exhale]

really should spend DD's nap time more profitably...

Was hoping I'd be one of those women whose cycles clicked right back in but clearly not... Just hate how every cycle takes a whole month!! Such a long time to wait and see what's going to happen...

[helenlouisey]

What sort of birth did you have with your DD, did you have any retained placenta or need a D&C after?

Just to try and reassure you that my periods have never been the same after the birth of my DD, much lighter after.

X

[exhale]

Ventouse, but no retained placenta or D&C needed. Some slight tears but fairly minimal I think compared to some women's!

Thanks HL - that's interesting/reassuring. Wonder why it is? They were lighter whilst I was on the Pill, but these are stupidly light - I'd hardly notice if I weren't looking out for it (although the cramps/spots etc are just like normal...). Just can't see how there's enough for an egg to snuggle down into...

[helenlouisey]

It is just that sometimes when you have retained placenta or need a d&c you can develop scarring in the uterus, Ashermans Syndrome, and a symptom of this is light periods, however it sounds like it would unlikely in your case.

Im not sure why periods change after child birth, but mine definitely did. Also try not to worry about how light your periods are, you'd be surprised that women even with thin linings conceive, its more quality of lining (something called triple stripe which would be visible on a scan)

As you've only had a couple of periods since stopping feeding I'd try not to panic yet (I know easier said than done) as your hormones will probably be all over the place still, fingers crossed things will settle down in a few months.

[exhale]

Thanks HL. We won't be ttc for a few more months anyway for various reasons, so hopefully things will be up and running properly by then. I guess the fact I'm o'ing is a pretty positive sign :)

Might look into what herbs or foods can help with linings-like to feel I'm doing something pro active!!

[Jailey]

Hi, Im currently (and rather unsuccessfully) ttc #6, so have had alot of post baby period experience. Generally my periods started roughly 3 weeks after weaning. They have ranged between really heavy to virtually nothing. Until our last baby, it never made much of a difference to my fertility whether they were heavy or light.

Since the last one ive had lutuel phase defect, been on too low a dose of thyroxine and had to use contraceptives to induce period as it hadnt started 3 months after stopping feeding.

I'm now taking right level of thyroxine, and also take agnus castus and vitb6 which has made a positive impact on my cycle lengths (and if last period was to go by, im definately making more lining!)-drs said neither would make difference.

Hope this helps x

[exhale]

Thanks Jailey - amazing that your body has reacted differently with each child..

I'm on AC and started vitb6 during my last cycle so hopefully I'll start to see some positives from all that..

Are you going to take the thyroxine indefinitely/until you get pregnant, or is it something you're taking just until things sort themselves out?

And fascinating that your fertility hasn't been affected by the heaviness or otherwise of your periods - I guess a fertilised egg is pretty small really, so doesn't need a huge depth to burrow into...

[Jailey]

Hi, I have an underactive thyroid so I have to take thyroxine for rest of my life. I am on quite a high does (150mcg) so virtually full replacement (as my thyroid has virtually no function anymore).

Being on too low dose with an underactive thyroid gives PCOS style symptoms (and most GPs say PCOS without even thinking of an alternative). I only got diagnosed 7 years ago because both my aunts and mom were diagnosed within couple months and Dr finally tested as a precaution.

Hope you get some good results from the B6 and AC. It has really made a differnce with my cycle length, my PMT has eased. Only drawback is i seem spottier (round chin/forehead) and more windy which is never good. But Im hoping that if we finally get one last BFP it will all be worth it.

Good Luck! x