Why are GPs so unconcerned with short luteal phases? Your experiences.

[Lindsay81]

Since I've been monitoring my cycles, I have noticed that my LP is generally 7/8 days (with a 24-25 day cycle). In the last 10 or so months I have had two longer cycles (30 days) which were 10/11 day LPs.

Two GPs have not been worried about this and don't seem to think it would inhibit my chances of conceiving (We have been trying for 16 months). I don't understand how this can be if the average length of time for implantation is 9 days. My period would have started before a fertilised egg had even reached the uterus probably.

Does anyone have any experience or information to share in this area? Perhaps your GP thinks differently or maybe you did conceive with a consistently short LP? Or has it been a major hurdle in you trying to conceive?

I have been on B100 complex for 3 months and tried agnus castus too for a couple of months, although no luck as yet.

I think it's because ovulation tests really aren't that accurate... And the internet/home testing has made us all "experts" in self diagnosis. Without blood tests and ovary scans it's really hard to know what's actually happening.

I self diagnosed a short lp as well, under 10 days according to ovulation sticks and when my period started. Dc2 took 6 months to conceive.

16 months is a while though and I'd be getting a bit twitchy. Can you ask for the progesterone tests? I think they're 3 and 21 day blood tests.

Thank TMNT!

Yeah, I've had the day 21 test and apparently everything was OK. Dr Google made me think the progesterone was a bit low but Doc's exact words were "We are not interested in the progesterone number itself, only to see that there has been a rise indicative of ovulation". I'm not worried I'm not ovulating, I'm worried I'm ovulating too late.

Waiting now for an appointment with the fertility specialist and also sperm analysis for my husband, as it has been well over ayear. We'll get there eventually, I hope.

I think there is a lot of truth in your comment re self-diagnosis.. things were probably a lot less stressful before google and ovulation sticks!

Good news that you've got a referral and all the tests are underway. Hopefully you'll have an answer soon enough. I took b complex vitamins for a while, didn't notice a difference to my periods but my wee did go bright yellow!!

Our first dc was a very happy accident so we consider ourselves extremely lucky. I know it's nothing compared to a lot of people but I found the 6 months we spent trying for dc2 extremely challenging, so stressful trying to dtd on the right days, the 2ww and then the misery of a period arriving.

I really wish you all the best. It sounds like you're in good hands and you have the right people on your side!

Hi, I don't have any advice or experience but on my 2nd cycle ttc #1 and used opks last month and worked out my lp seems to be around 9 days. This has worried me slightly and hope it may lengthen in the next few months. I have done lots of googling and gave come across plenty of stories where women have conceived with a short lp, so trying to remain optomistic

Imo they don't take it seriously because they don't know anything about it. Most gps know bugger all about fertility. They just say if you've already conceived once there is no problem. Haven't they heard of secondary infertility. I went to dr after my periods had still not returned after over a year since giving birth and she sat there and literally googled it in front of me! Just don't let them fob you off.

GPS are general practitioners so know a little bit of everything and know v little on fertility. I took 3 yrs with 2 mc and conceived ds 6 weeks after starting to take 50 mg of b6 when I researched extending luteul phase after a scan had proved I was right about when I was ovulating as tested by opk. In fact my gp said she would tell other women about it and one consultant doing progesterone research knew nothing about it but search peer reviewed papers whilst I was in her office - fair enough she was on the reliving babies side not making them
Robert Winston has even said something along the lines about drs not knowing everything about fertility - and that diagnosis tend to just follow the treatments drs have available. If I drug company had a real patented solution to it drs probably would know more.

Hi,

Sorry you are going through this frustrating experience. I hope sharing my story will in some way hel.

I have had a 11/12 day LP and conceived naturally, albeit after 18 months of trying. After the first DC, my LP then went to 7/8 days and my 21 day progesterone test indicated I wasn't ovulating. I tried to explain to the GP that I felt I was oving but the results were screwed because the timing of the test didn't accommodate a short LP but they were having none of it, believing LPs to be a standard 14 days. I was basically sent away as it was dc2 and we had only been trying for six months.

At this point I had no proof I was oving as I wasn't doing pee sticks ( they never worked for me) I just diagnosed myself from other signs. Anyway, I could see I was going nowhere so I went privately. Scans confirmed everything I suspected and consultant gave me progesterone. First month of takin it I fell with dc2 who is now 4 weeks! Perhaps it was coincidence but I feel not.

I am certainly no expert in this area but I just wanted to let you know I concieved three of my dc with an lp of 8 days

I wish you the best of luck, I really hope it happens for you soon

I have an lp of 10 days. Am neurotic so when ttc #1 had already researched everything and knew about short lps. Started taking vit b complex second cycle and got pg straight away. Could have been coincidence! Am not taking it this time for few months to see what happens.

Thanks for all your messages girls!

Interesting popalina! And also annoying you had to go private for someone to actually understand and confirm your suspicions.

cnix are you still trying for DC2?

kahleesi My doctor said that a short LP is very rarely the only condition contributing to infertility... And your story would confirm this :-)