Short luteal phase & supplements?

[crazychemist]

Hi All,

TTc#2 for ...... a while.
I’ve been using OPKs for the last six months or so. I get several “almost positives” about 8 days apart (so let’s say cd10, cd18) then a “proper positive for about 2 days (let’s say cd26&27).

AF always starts about a week after that proper positive, so luteal phase is usually 7-10 days. I think I had one cycle that was a luteal phase of 12.

I’ve heard that:
A) the multiple waves of LH can be a sign of PCOS
B) GPs aren’t interested in doing anything about a short luteal phase, especially if you already have a child.

The obvious thing to do would be to go to the GP.... but DH would rather wait a bit longer and try and keep things as non-clinical as possible. TBH I think he finds it difficult to perform if he thinks about it as ttc on a schedule rather than just having fun sex!

So I wondered if anyone had any helpful advice about getting cycles in slightly better shape? I’m not overweight (although not as fit as I was pre-DD). I take pregnacare conception vits. I’ve read on other threads about other supplements that people take, but I’m not sure exactly what people take them for? I’ve heard about:

A) vitamin C (guess this just generally improves health and energy? Maybe means you dtd more! )
B) Angus castus - some people seem to say you take this throughout, some people say only in first half of the cycle
C) evening primrose oil - some reckon it increases your amount of fertile CM

Any good advice out there? I’d really like to maximise our chances before we take the step of going to the GP. In particular has anyone had any luck with lengthening LP?

Hi
We've been TTC#2 for 2.5 years and I've pretty much reluctantly given up now!
However, at one time I realised I had a short luteal phase and started taking vitex Angus castus from beginning of the cycle - ovulation and it definitely helped. After a few cycles, I was ovulating earlier, therefor increasing the LP and my cycles became more regular. It also helped with PMS symptoms. Unfortunately it hasn't resulted in getting pregnant but it's definitely handy to not have such awful PMS since coming off the pill!
Hope that's helpful and good luck!

I took EPO for the last three months when ttc my son. Made my luteal phase 3 days longer and my CM a lot more copious. I didn't change anything else and had been trying for over a year total by the time I fell pregnant. Just make sure you stop taking it when you've ovulated

Ok, I’ll give Agnus castus + EPO until ovulation a go I think, and I can’t see the harm in taking vitamin C.

Thanks for the advice ladies

Friend used a good vitamin B complex after positive pregnancy tests several months in a row, and working out that the short luteal phase was causing her to lose them. She got pregnant whilst waiting for her appointment at the fertility clinic as she was referred after so many losses. Good luck.