Progesterone Levels Normal but Short Luteal Phase Still

[OneDay1234]

Hello there, wondering if anyone can help me, or if anyone is experiencing this also..
I had a progesterone test, taken CD25 of a 30 day cycle (I have a 10 day luteal phase hence having the test done CD25 instead of 21).
My results came back as 50.2 nmol/L which i was lead to believe is relatively normal.
But i'm wondering why my luteal phase is always 10 days, sometimes even 9? Most people with short luteal phases have low progesterone and its dealt with relatively easy with supplements, but I guess low progesterone isn't always the reason for a short LP.
Is anyone else having the same problem? If so was there another reason for your short LP?
I have had FSH, LH and estridiol tests, and they all came back normal (estridiol was a little low at 108, but its still okay i think). Wondering what is wrong with me. TTC for almost a year.

@OneDay1234 - Are you suffering from stress? I have a similar problem and did some research which came up that psychological stress can have a shortening effect on the LP. This was definitely the case for me so I took some drastic actions to reduce stress -changed job role and reduced my working hours, started yoga, etc. I’m currently undergoing IVF so I can’t tell if it’s made a difference as the cycles aren’t natural but I certainly feel better!

@CritterTamer thank you so much for your reply! I am stressed about TTC, but apart from that everything else is okay. My jobs not too stressful, I exercise regularly, and I feel as though (apart from TTC) i have nothing to be stressed about. I had a spout of palpitations and anxiety last year, and i had no idea why as i was in a good place at the time and wasn't TTC. So idk, it could be stress.
I'm really pleased that you are feeling a lot better. I've dabbled in yoga also, its so relaxing! Did you also have normal progesterone levels but just a short LP?
I wish you all the best for IVF hun, i have my fingers and toes crossed for you. Thanks again for your reply!

@OneDay1234 - I’m not sure what to suggest in that case. For me I had cumulative work stress on top of the TTC stress, and it had gone on for about a year - reached the point where some days I would get home from work, curl up in a ball in a dark room and just sob for hours. Took a lot to admit I wasn’t coping but I’m so glad now that I sorted it 😊 my progesterone is ok, not as high as yours but in normal range and i have a 10 day LP. I know there are some supplements out there that are said to help with LP - I think maybe Maca, vitex and some others but I’m no expert so it might be worth you doing some research to see what’s out there? I wish you all the luck in the world and really hope you get a BFP soon xxx

@OneDay1234 I am in the exact same situation! I’ve had 2 progesterone tests now, 1st one was borderline low and done at 7dpo doctor wanted to repeat at 3dpo and it came back 30.8 which is normal and shows ovulation. However I’m still having a 10 day LP. Your progesterone is a very very good level, mines is a lot lower! They say 10 days is the cut off and anything lower needs investigated. I have anxiety so wondered maybe if that’s what causes mines to be so low. I hope you get answers soon. It’s very frustrating x

I'm (finally) pregnant now but was very similar to you whilst TTC

My luteal phase was usually 11 days (but sometimes 10 and once 12) but my Progesterone was fine on my CD21 bloods and my FSH and LH were also both good and like you my Estrogen was slightly low but normal, no reason found for my short luteal phase

Have you tried B6 supplements? They made no difference to me but a lot of women swear by them to increase their luteal phase

How long were you ttc for @polkadotpixie ? I use B6 but make no difference to me!

@OneDay1234 We were actively TTC (OPKs, temping, PreSeed etc) for what felt like forever but were successful on cycle 12

Good to have some hope @polkadotpixie I hope I’m lucky soon, I’ll be entering cycle 6 this week, which I know is nothing compared to others!

Hi there! 😊 just wondered if any of the lovely ladies from this post had an update? Just looking for some positivity and or some tips of things that may have worked for you? I am in the same situation - I’m on cycle 14 of TTC after a mmc last year with a 10day LP but progesterone results are good at 7DPO (41.2 n/mol last cycle)

All other results seem pretty normal it’s just this pesky short LP that I can’t seem to budge! I believe this is new as don’t think this was an issue pre-miscarriage.

I’m starting to think it is stress related - I stress about work and TTC and I feel I can handle one or the other but not both at the same time! I also seem to get my hopes up every cycle and think “this is it!” only to crash out…early! 😊 which I think doesn’t get me off to a good start on the next cycle!

I’m trying a few things to help improve it but…..no change so far 😊

Any updates would be lovely to hear!

Wishing everyone all the best 💕

Just wanted to comment for anyone who might read my previous post - I’ve just had a laparoscopy which found quite severe endometriosis (not sure which stage, they didn’t say). I have had no symptoms of endometriosis at all (other than some minor discomfort during sex which I had just written off as “normal”) so I had completely ruled it out in my head (I actually have pretty painless and light periods which is the opposite of the common symptoms!!)

seems that short luteal phase is a symptom of endometriosis though so perhaps this was the answer all along.

they removed the endometriosis as part of the laparoscopy and will try to remember to update this post if I manage to conceive successfully (although I have a lower ovarian reserve confirmed by Amh and follicle count so I am likely jumping into IvF shortly anyway!)

xx

Just wanted to update this for anyone who might be searching for the answers in every.single.post like I was!

I had my laparoscopy, period came 2 days later, and I conceived naturally 2 weeks after that! I’m now snuggling my 5 month old baby girl 😊 if you’re reading this when ttc - don’t give up hope ❤️ it’s the hardest experience I’ve been through but it has all been worth it! ❤️