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Conception

When's the best time to get pregnant? Use our interactive ovulation calculator to work out when you're most fertile and most likely to conceive.

Original poster

Short luteal phase- advice needed! How can I increase it?

34 replies

zippyswife · 26/02/2015 13:35

My cycles which were solidly 28 days seem to be getting shorter and shorter.

This month I had positive opk on cd 14. This cycle was really short only 22 days. Does that make my luteal phase 8 days? If this is the case I have no chance of conceiving do I?

Anyone know how to or have had any success in increasing luteal phase?

Am ttc #3 I don't know if this was a problem for me previously?

Thanks for reading!

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LostFox82 · 20/04/2021 22:46

@zippyswife just reading your thread would love to hear what happened as I’m 39 and pretty much experiencing same as you did back then x

Original poster
zippyswife · 03/03/2015 11:29

Thanks for all your advice. I saw gp today. But tests came back as normal- 21 day progesterone was 39.5 she said this was a bit low but within the realms of normal. She's referred me for a scan initially then said we'll go from there. I was cheered by this- I was convinced she'd say that as I have 2 dcs there's nothing they can do.

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Original poster
zippyswife · 02/03/2015 09:56

Thank you. I'm 38 next month how long do I Need to be ttc for before gp would consider clomid?

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Peony58890 · 01/03/2015 22:17

Yes more chance of multiples!

Maybe see what your results are (request the exact number) and then ask for clomid/another test to confirm their findings if results are below 30. If you do need clomid, you will need the day 21 tests on clomid cycles to ensure its working well enough and you don't need a higher dose. Also the test will check it's not working too well.

Original poster
zippyswife · 01/03/2015 21:13

Am I right in thinking that clomid increases the chance of multiple births (gulp!)

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Original poster
zippyswife · 01/03/2015 21:11

Thanks all.

I feel so much more positive now. Should I outright ask the gp for clomid do you think? It's so good to hear success stories!

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Peony58890 · 01/03/2015 19:54

I've known quite a few women use clomid and maybe with half of them the GP was ok to prescribe. The rest were referred on to fertility specialists and got their clomid that route. Generally the women who had regular periods of some form (however rubbish) seemed to respond quickly to clomid. It was much more complex with the women who had no periods at all.

Peony58890 · 01/03/2015 19:49

I had 2 boys, then had to use clomid to concieve two more. I think 6 months worth cost me the usual prescription price of £7.50 (or what ever it is)

Sylviecat · 01/03/2015 19:18

I just took them on their own. Can't remember the exact dosage. But the first time I used them I got a bfp after trying for almost 2 years. The 2nd time I used them I also got a bfp. No idea if it was a coincidence or not but they certainly lengthened my lp.

Original poster
zippyswife · 01/03/2015 17:53

Sylvia did you use b6 with them or on their own?

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Sylviecat · 01/03/2015 17:38

I used Soy isoflavenes (from Holland and barratt) which are sometimes described as a natural clomid. They lengthened my cycle and I'm positive they helped me conceive both my dc's!

Original poster
zippyswife · 01/03/2015 17:15

Yes. I'm fully expecting my gp to be clueless when I go for the results this week.

Really glad it all worked out for you. Thanks for the advice.

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doobeedee · 01/03/2015 17:07

Charting, obviously!

doobeedee · 01/03/2015 17:07

I was chatting for over a year. Had at least 4 chemical pregnancies (that I know of - I didn't test every time) due to weak ovulation. I would test positive after a "period". My progesterone was dropping before the pregnancy could implant. I tried everything; B6, Agnus Castus, loads of other vitamins, had my thyroid checked etc. Clomid worked first cycle. I knew I was preg before I took a test as I'd never had a luteal phase so long. I finally tested at 11DPO and it came up straight away. Luckily, I saw a specialist who was experienced in this sort of thing. Many GPs just aren't aware.

Original poster
zippyswife · 01/03/2015 13:13

doobe did you have a short luteal phase too? How many cycles did you take? Are there any side effects?

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doobeedee · 01/03/2015 12:50

Clomid did it for me where everything else failed.

Original poster
zippyswife · 01/03/2015 12:23

Thanks peony I have 2 dcs. This would be number 3- would they still give me clomid?

Will clomid sort the luteal phase?

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Peony58890 · 01/03/2015 12:06

A good day 21 progesterone test will indicate that your ovulation is strong enough/eggs are mature enough to be fertilised.

However you're possibly much like I was, just needing a boost in the form of clomid to help eggs along. It's the cheapest and most easiest and very very common fertility issue to deal with.

You can get your egg reserve tested privately

Peony58890 · 01/03/2015 11:59

The day 21 progesterone test usually takes place 7 days post ovulation. I think the difference in progesterone between 5 and 7 days post ovulation is minimal though. So wouldn't worry. Please can you ask for the exact results. Anything below 30 (or boarder line around 30) ask for another day 21 progesterone tests test and then the drug clomid.

Original poster
zippyswife · 01/03/2015 11:25

Thanks for your responses again.

I had bloods for 21 day progesterone (think I ovulsted on day 15 of a 22 day cycle my bloods were taken on day 20 as I had a 12 shift on day 21 so couldn't go then). I think they also tested for fsh? Does that mean anything?

What does the 21 day test actually show? I'm 38 will it show if my eggs are no good? Will it show if I actually ovulate?

I actually had the bloods done as I've had problems with periods hormonal etc and I was worried I was getting an early menopause.

Thanks for listening!

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Showy · 28/02/2015 23:35

I do think your GP is absolutely the right port of call right now.

There is a lot of conflicting information about luteal phases and lots of different anecdotal advice. I can tell you of 3 people I know who conceived easily with an lp under 10 days. I can also tell you of people I know who have successfully increased their luteal phase using various methods. None of this particularly helps you tbh.

What you need to do is find out what is happening to YOU and use that information to make an informed decision.

There are lots of things you can do which may help and certainly won't harm and I know you must be so keen to try something, but do get everything checked out first. It might be something easily remedied. Best of luck.

IfYouWereARiverIdLearnToFloat · 28/02/2015 23:29

I found out about a natural fertility clinic that offers acupuncture, herbal & nutritional support. Then discovered they have a sister clinic nearer me.

It's £30 a session but I saw the change after two treatments. I'd start by searching for fertility acupuncturists in your area. I went last night as I was ovulating yesterday. So now just keeping everything crossed!

Peony58890 · 28/02/2015 23:26

You need to tell your GP that your ovulation to period phase is getting worryingly short and request he does a day 21 progesterone test to test the strength of your ovulation. Having periods and positive opk sticks doesn't mean you ovulate mature enough eggs. If you have no joy through the GP, you could track your cycles for a bit with a special fertility monitor and fertility chart book from boots. Then go back to the GP armed with charts, having read up a lot.

Original poster
zippyswife · 28/02/2015 23:14

Thanks for responses.

How do you go about finding someone for acupuncture? And how much does it cost?

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Maranello4 · 28/02/2015 16:10

Did you take the vitamin b complex as well as the conception multi-vitamin?