Short luteal phase after mc - anyone had this?

[pinkpeony]

I had a missed mc in Aug 07, followed by ERPC, and since then my cycles have shrunk to 24 days (were 27-30 days before mc) and luteal phase of 8 days. Don't know what my luteal phase was pre-mmc as came off the pill in May and only had 2 cycles before falling pg (and as happened so quickly, never got around to checking when I ovulate). Have been charting (CM and BBT) since ERPC, and also using Clearblue fertility monitor to double-check, to see if am ovulating and check cycles. All seems normal as get EWCM, cervical position changes, temp shifts, positive OPKs - but then period 8 days after ovulation. Am worried that my luteal phase is too short for implantation if I want to conceive again - and just turned 35 so don't want to wait for months more to see if things go back to normal naturally. Am guessing my hormones have gone all awry since mmc and may need time to get back to normal, and have booked an appointment with consultant tomorrow to get medical view. Anyone else had this and any advice?

pp
sorry to hear about mc. only thing i have to offer is i have a short luteal phase(no mc just the way iam), i spot from day 19 of 27, so i was thinking the same as you.
i have been seeing a reflexologist for 6 weeks and iam just getting my first 'proper' period. i have only spotted on day 25, which is a massive difference. the way iam feeling this period is going to be a big one, boobs very sore,emotions hightened and spotty.
so i suppose what im saying is: if you are into it i would completley reccomend reflexology to balance your hormones. also its lovely having someone tickle your feet!
good luck and hope it all works out for you.
xxx wp

hi pinkpeony and sympathies

I had a luteal phase defect, also 8 days long. Consultant told me that when pregnant your hormones get chucked up in the air and afterwards they just land any which why which could be the reason why.

High-dosage vit B (100 -200mg daily) is supposed to help .. but it can take a while to work

my consultant gave me clomid to 'kick-start' my cycle (I was ovulating fine) .. I had 50mg x 5 days and conceived first cycle

consultant also said that other consultants give progesterone treatment but that she felt this was treating symptoms and not the cause

HTH in some way

hi pinkpeony, after a mc your body does some odd things. my last mc was in june and my period has been all over the place since, one month i ov on CD10 the next its CD21, have you seen your gp?

I had two ERPC operations last year (for molar pregnancy and a missed miscarriage) and my periods went from being 28-30 days to about 24. They'd never been that short before.

Anyway, once we tried again I got pregnant in the 2nd month of trying and I was 39 at the time. I'm now 33 weeks pregnant.

I was worried that the short luteal phase would make it difficult to conceive, but in my case it didn't.

oh forgot to say they won't diagnose defect unless you have 3 subsequent months .. and it may just be your system settling down .. so I would try to give it a few more months .. taking the supplements can't hurt though .. I posted a list once .. will try to find

found it (although its from 2003-2004 so may be more up-to-date info now)

supplements that a woman can take that are 'supposed' to be helpful in optimising conception on top of the standard pre-natal vitamins:

Baby aspirin (less than 81mg) daily throughout cycle

Vitex Agnus Castus from period to ovulation (although some theories that can be taken throughout cycle but should be stopped when pregnancy established)

Evening Primrose Oil (1500mg to 3000mg per day) from period to ovulation (do not take past ovulation)

Vitamin B6 (100mg to 200mg) most B6 supplements have a lot less so should ask specifically for this

HTH

Thank you everyone for you replies. Thanks TT for the advice on supplements. Mungarra - sounds like my cycle is doing the same as yours, it is reassuring at least to know someone else has been through this and all ended well. Am feeling down and emotional today I guess as just got AF after cycle of 24 days so must be very hormonal. My cycle had been going by the book with all the fertility signs, temp shifts, BD'ing on the right days - but then AF 8 days after ov'ing for 2 cycles now. And it looks definitely like AF and not spotting - plus was having uterus cramps for last 2 days - although temp did not fall this morning which is weird.
Am seeing gynae tomorrow - hope he will help!

Hi Pink Peony thanks for posting this it has really helped me too. I came off the pill in April and had a mc in July. I have been using ov sticks and have ov'd on day 20/21 and last two cycles have been 29 days.

I have an appointment to see GP on Mon as I am worried about my short LP.

What advice did your gynae give? (hope you don't mind me asking)

Thank you for your messages. I went to see gynae last week, who told me that normally my cycles should go back to what they were pre-mmc but it might just take some time. Did some tests and scan and prescribed me Clomid in small doses (50mg) for a few cycles on CD2-6. It is supposed to help "kick-start" my ovaries into action, as short luteal phase usually means you're not producing enough progesterone. So just took the 5th tablet today (it seems to increase my BBT slightly compared to last few cycles), and will see what happens in the next few weeks.
Am also taking extra supplements of vitamin B6 (100mg) which is supposed to be good for regulating cycles and not harmful in those doses (this was my own decision and not on advice of gynae).

Thanks Anniemac. I have booked a reflexology session (my first) for Wednesday - I have also heard (on MN and elsewhere) that it is supposed to help. Have also heard that acupuncture is helpful. Keeping fingers crossed that combination of all these things should get me back in shape to TTC...