Short Luteal Phase Gang!

[Beau20]

I started a thread a while ago asking for success stories but now I would love to get all the girls together who are struggling to conceive with their short Luteal Phase!

Here's a little bit about me -

TTC #1
Cycle 7
28 years old
Luteal phase average 9-10 days longest being 11 days.
Ovulation CD17-18 cycles 26-28 days long

I have had 2 pregnancies before (both termination please no flaming) both conceived without even trying, one with my current partner of 6 years. I also had a chemical in January. My last contraception was Nexplanon for 1 year and before that I was on the pill for 10 years or so (which was when I conceived previous). I have been taking 50mg sertraline for 6 months then 100mg sertraline for 6 months after that and have just stopped completely today. This is the only thing I have been doing differently since I conceived last time so part of me thinks this may affect fertility.

I'd love to hear about everyone else's journey! x

Thanks so much for your reply ☺️ I already chart BBT which is how I know I had a super short luteal phase. You're totally right. I'll try to go with the flow for a few months and see if things improve, thanks 😘 X

@Proseccoprincess33 x

@MintGreenLife I know how frustrating it is 😤 but no gp or consultant will do anything for a good 6 months after coming off pill sadly 😔 I have only been trying 7 months and already went to fertility clinic to get prog so I understand the stress ans want to fast forward. Do you have a pic of your chart? I have become obsessed by them since ttc lol xx

Thanks for being so understanding, I totally get that I am only two months in but it's hard not to fret. To be honest I'm less worried about it than I thought I would be. I wasn't charting my first cycle but I had a feeling I knew with ovulation was as I got lots of EWCM, and then like I said sore nipples and then AF just a few days later. I had read into short luteal phases and thought well if I ovulated when I think I did that would mean a luteal phase of just a few days, but then I thought no I've probably got that wrong, I'll wait and see what happens next cycle, and then same thing again but I could confirm it this time. The fact that I'm fresh off the pill is keeping me from getting too concerned.

Yeah sure ☺️ It's absolute nonsense though! As you'll see I had three LH surges and on the highest (third) one my temp went up, but only a smidge and just for three days, then AF arrived. With the third LH surge I got three days of EWCM, whereas I didn't get any with the others.

Is the GP starting to help you now after 7 months? Hope they can figure out what's going on xx

@Proseccoprincess33

Hey all,

Been a week or so since my last message on here but I thought I would update after my appointment with the private fertility doctor yesterday. FYI I went to see Dr Gudi, this guy:

I am still waiting for my mid-luteal progesterone result but luckily all my tests and hubby's sperm test look good or normal.

Anyway few things that surprised me was the he said opks can be wrong so sometimes women actually don't get the peak when they are ovulating.
He said often people think they have a short luteal phase but they may not. Although he did acknowledge that I likely do since most months I have been getting obvious symptoms correlating with the positive opks. Last month luteal phase was only 6 days but my whole cycle was off because I took vitex that month and didn't get peak ov opk until CD 21. So don't take vitex unless you are sure it is right for you!

Although he said that a common trait of short luteal phase defect is spotting from early in the luteal phase which I don't get, I just get spotting the day before first full day of AF.

He wasn't at all interested in discussing bbt although I told him I almost never see a pattern and it is always on the low side.

He said said you can spend lots of time trying to investigate if it's a real short luteal phase defect or just start treatment as though it is and see if it works. I had been expecting to maybe get prescribed some progesterone or something but he suggested I start on Clomid next cycle. I'm currently on CD 24 of my 7th cycle TTC so if I'm not pregnant this time around I will start that next cycle. He gave me the pills there and then, enough for the next two months. I know clomid is used for PCOS which I def don't have although he said I might have had it when I was younger though. I think it's actually fairly common that women can grow out of it just because of the changes that come with age (I am 32, 33 in a few months) When he did the ovary scan and follicle count he said what might be happening is the follicles are staying low and coming up too late or something. Honestly I was so overwhelmed I barely followed it all so glad DH was there.
Has anyone else tried clomid? @Proseccoprincess33 was the suggested to you at all?
@MintGreenLife welcome! After reading your posts I hope some of my updates might be helpful to you. I wonder if perhaps you have been ovulating earlier that you think and just not getting the peak? Or could you possibly have PCOS? Also I am not sure if I am going to bother with the bbt anymore as found it had just been making me more anxious than anything and the dr didn't even seem interested. Mine is really a bit all over the place but I am wondering if thats also because I'm a really light sleeper and wake a lot during the night. I know you are probably sick of hearing about it but try not to worry.

Good luck all!

Thanks :) just been reading your update and sounds like you're getting all the help you can, so hopefully it won't be much longer until you get your BFP and it's brilliant that you've reached out for help!

Like you I haven't had any spotting before AF, this cycle I seem to have a proper bleed right from the start, whereas last cycle (my first off the pill) it was much lighter and more brown. I'm fairly certain I did ovulate when I think I did as I had EWCM for three days prior and a temp increase, although very small increase. I'm sticking with the fact that I've not long been off the pill now. I found a really helpful article about how the pill depletes essential nutrients for fertility and how to replace them when coming off, as well as how important eating well etc is in regards to your body detoxing the synthetic hormones from the pill. I have IBS and I had a three week long flareup last cycle, so I'm sure that had an adverse effect. The article is here if of interest: avivaromm.com/post-pill-reset/

I've read several now and they all give round about the same advice. I've just started taking the recommended supplements, have swapped low fat dairy for high fat, cut out sugar and haven't had a drink in a month so will continue with that. I'm 31 and was on the pill for 10+ years, so from what I've read both age and how long you're on the pill for can really impact how long it takes your cycle to get back to normal. I have a BMI of 22 and I already exercise regularly, so hoping those aspects will be in my favour. Really hoping this next cycle looks better x

@KateMCL

@MintGreenLife I had a wee peek at your chart there and honestly I think you had an annovulatory cycle which is common and happens to most people at some point, esp when coming off the pill. So I wouldn't worry about a short luteal phase yet. If you decide to take your temps next month I can help you dichpher them 😊 it's good your periods are back. I know a few girls who's periods vanished for like 6 months 👀

@KateMCL thank you so much for all that. My consultant did not feel luteal phase was an issue lol shocking I know. But he did give me progesterone because I asked and he said it would do no harm. There was no mention of clomid. Just keep trying and if not successful then ivf is root and it'll be unexplained fertility. He seemed to be sure I will get pregnant with no issue.... We shall see. I hope he is right 😂 If I do it was the progesterone that did it 🧐

I'm excited to see how clomid goes for you. Fingers crossed it's the missing piece of the puzzle ❤️🤞 xx

I think my consultant is overly negative @proseccoprincess33! Yours sounds much nicer and I’m really pleased that he was positive. It only takes one egg right?! I have no health issues, healthy weight and recent pregnancy and yet he said I probs only had a 5% chance of natural pregnancy (over 12 months). Anyway - what will be will be!!
@KateMCL that’s really interesting - I may lay off the AC next month. It’s funny that no consultants really seem to think short LP is a thing. Maybe time to stop worrying about it!! Good luck with the clomid - I’ve never tried it though I think if FSH is on the higher side it’s not recommended.

@kittie321 a friend of mine is 35 and has similar numbers and her consultant is also not freaking so think it's a bit u fair that yours have caused you so much stress. My consultants main thing was that I had a chemical preg so I can get pregnant and he said if you've been preg before that is the main thing as your body knows what to do. Wish my consultant was yours. So please don't feel too disheartened xxx

@Proseccoprincess33 thanks so much for the reassurance. I just have to believe it can happen - if it does amazing, if not then think again. Hope you’re feeling positive, clearly there are many reasons why your consultant feels positive about your chances. I’m sure he is absolutely right and you’ll see your BFP soon!! xxxx

Hi everyone! @Proseccoprincess33 thanks for checking in. It's been a real rollercoaster

Gosh posted accidentally then! Haha
As an update, It's looking like DH won't be needing chemo anytime soon. The type of cancer he has is slow growing, so we just 'watch and wait' until it causes a problem. This obviously brings a whole different set of concerns to our day to day life but from a ttc point of view still means we'll be seeking help. The psychological impact of living with cancer isn't going to make the regimented fertile window an easy thing to fulfil and it looks like I'll still be able to receive help due to this so that's a slight relief.
So first stop will be my gp, next week I think as our opening discussion. My assumption is we'll still go through all the usual first steps - checking my bloods/if I ovulate etc and DH sperm and then if all is ok it will literally be that we need the help putting the sperm where it needs to be. That's best case scenario I suppose, will cross the bridge about any extra steps if our tests don't come back spot on. I'm also prepared to go private if needed but will see how the nhs goes first.
Pleased to see some of you are moving through the initial stages of checks quite quickly and the updates are really helpful as these initial stages will be my world soon enough. AF came this morning, around 12 days late (stress, we hadn't tried so knew it wasn't pregnancy!) so pleased it's back just for my sanity! Xx

Just had my 3rd cycle of a 10 day luteul phase, I only came off the pill 5 months ago so I thought it was my cycles regulating but I am ovulating and having af like absolute clockwork so maybe this is just me!
I keep reading 11-14 days is the average but then also read 10-14 day’s is so who knows

Hi @Boc86 I had two cycles of 10 day LP when coming off the pill 6 mo this a go. (After a 35day+ cycle and then a 15 day cycle!).
Last month I took 100mg of vit b6 every day and cOq10 and my LP lengthened to 12 days. Was impressed it worked so quickly and although sad AF came feel much more positive about next month not I think things might be working out. Have also started to contact and have sent details to an acupuncturist that should be working in July.

Have you tried b6 at all? I spoke to my doctor who said I must be wrong and you always ovulate 14 days before your period (not true!) but taking b6 wouldn’t do any harm so crack on! I’m sure she’s say it was coincidence and just the pill leaving system but I’m not so sure!

@sausageface I'm sorry this is such a difficult time for you both. Fantastic that you will get support with ttc. Ttc is stressful enough without the added pressures you guys are under. I'm glad that the cancer is slow moving but sorry that treatment will be delayed as a result. Although are they hopeful it may not be needed? I'm sending best wishes and hugs to you ❤️

@Excitablemuch and @boc86 hello and wekcome.

I tried b6 this cycle for first time (50mg) and lp extended by 2 days. I didn't think I was pregnant as I just didn't feel pregnant so wasn't disappointed. Just glad it lengthened. It could have been the acupuncture also.

This ttc game is a mindfield. Sorry for my late reply, been a busy week. Thinking of you all and hoping for all our bfps soon xxx

Hi everyone.

I thought my cycles were pretty regular but they seem to be getting shorter. I just got my period on day 23 : o (they have been between 24-28 days). Always have spotting for at least 3 days leading up to it as well. But my ovulation occurs day 13 almost every time, so it is the 2nd part of the cycle that's really short. Is there some way to find out more about this? What's going on, and what can I do?

Related note: I checked and it seems almost impossible to see a gynecologist in the UK? There are 26+ week waiting lists in my area, and I imagine that is intended for women with much more serious issues than this! I also tried to fill out the form on my GPs website for an appointment, but you have to have some sort of symptom or pain.

When I lived in Germany before, all I had to do was call up a specialised practice and they gave me an appointment 2 weeks later on my EU health insurance (was for recurring UTIs at the time). Why is it so hard to chat to a professional about this in the UK, what am I missing?

Hi everyone. New here :-) I’ve been using ovulation kits since April and noticed that the past 3 months my body works like clockwork. Day 17 I get my peak on my ovulation test and my cycles last 26 days

What supplements have people take including doses to try and extend their luteal phase? xxxx

@Proseccoprincess33 @KateMCL hi both. Just read your updates. I had a bit of a break but my spotting is back worse than ever this month after being much better last month. I just wanted to check what clinic you went to and what they said about it not being 2 years. Im worred about going and it being straight to IVf if u pay privately. Are they good at looking at different options?

Xx

Hello @Molly3456 and welcome. Short luteal phases are a mind field. People swear by b6 and I took 50mgs of it this month and between that an acupuncture it increased mine by 2 days. I've been prescribed progesterone by a private consultant but only because I asked could I have it.

@whilstwewait remind me what was it that lengthened your lp before it retreated to the shorter length? The consultant I saw was very much of the opinion my lp was fine 🙄 I mean 8/9 days is not fine but he said it wasn't an issue. I asked for cyclogest and he said yeah no prob but that he didn't think it would make a difference. He advised that as we had had a chemical pregnancy that this was a good indication we can get pregnant and he wants us to try for another 3 months before progressing with a treatment plan. He was definitely not forcing ivf. I really wanted the hsg test to check tubes but again as we had a cp he says that's a good indication that at least one of the tubes are fine and feels its not needed right now. Hope you are doing okay. You def need a break every now and then from the forum madness xxx

@whilstwewait have you had bloods done at gp? Xx

@Proseccoprincess33 thanks so much. Im glad they arent pushing you into anything. I think ill ring for a consultation. I may say we have been trying longer as don't want to be told it has to be 2 years.

I took vitamin d ,e, calc fluor and omega 3. Took same this month and lots of brown spotting. Also did soy isolvanes both cycles.Glad yours extended. Perhaps its the cyclogest. Really thought id cracked mine.

This month im taking nothing it makes no difference really. Ill just take seven seas conception tablets and vital dha. Ive had bloods ive been in touch with doctors and they're posting results out for me. I want to know my fsh as they said satisfactory in jan rather than normal.

@Molly3456 welcome. Sorry you're having same issue. I've tried everything and nothing seems to help for me. I used to be 12 day LP but started spotting day 11, then 10 then 9. I think a few days of spotting is considered normal and LP is counted up until full AF not spotting but it does annoy me. I think vitamin b6 has helped lots of people . How long have you been TTC? Is this your first? Xx

@AnonymousXXIX sorry you find yourself here. I get what you mean the NHs is amazing but when it comes to fertility the wait is horrific. I have private health care but fertility isnt included even tests. So unless you pay you have to wait. There's loads of tips on here to try but none have worked for me xx

@whilstwewait I lied and said we had been trying longer so gp referred me to NHS but I started ball rolling privately. I haven't taken the cyclogest yet. I only just got it this cycle. It will without a doubt lengthen lp. My prog was 13.3 on 6dpo, i dont know how anyone can say that's not a problem. But yes lie about how long it's been and find out what your fsh was for def.

@AnonymousXXIX I am so sorry I did not see your message there. As @whilstwewait said private insurance over here doesn't even include any of the fertility scans etc. It doesn't even cover if you have endo. So you have to pay to go privately and even then it's a ball ache trying to get speaking to someone. And no one believes in lp defect. It's infuriating.

I said to my consultant so implantation usually takes place in day 9. He said yes. And u said so if I'm bleeding by day 8 how is that not an issue. He said if it was a strong egg the corpus luteum should last longer and lp would extend. But there is such thing as a corpus luteum failure and people who are naturally low in prog.

Anyway he asked if u wanted to try prog and I said yes give me it lol so I'll try it for a few cycles and report back. He was reluctant to give it as it gives false assurances you have conceived as it delays period and gives preg symptoms. But I am prepared for that!

Eurgh ttc is the worst you guys. I'm going for bd every other day this month. Ramp it up! Got my acupunture tomo, trying to work on this cold womb of mine lol xx

@Proseccoprincess33 thankyou! I will try the vitamin B6 supplement and see how this helps. I came off the pill beginning of this year so my body still might be getting back to normal. I am very glad I have found people to talk to in a similar position as I don’t know people personally who have had this.

@Whilstwewait thank you lovely, I will try the vitamin 6. Yes it’s my first TTC I have been on the pill since 16 and came off 9 years later so I don’t know if I need to give it more time