How to get progesterone prescription for luteal phase defect

[am316]

Hello! I've been TTC for 11 months now since coming off the pill with no success. We have one DS who is 2. Tracking my cycles with OPKs and BBT charting I know I am ovulating around day 15-20, but luteal phase is very short around 8-10 days and spotting for about 6 days before AF. This has never been the case for me before and I'm convinced it's the pill that has disrupted my cycles. I recently did day 21 bloods ordered by the GP and it came back normal (progesterone 37 and I believe it should be over 21). However, the blood was taken (as instructed) 7 days before AF but for me that was 2dpo so obviously progesterone will be high. My concern is it getting too low too fast as the luteal phase progresses. Should I be asking for a repeat blood test and doing it 7dpo rather than 7 days pre-AF if that makes sense?

From what I've read I'm pretty convinced I have a luteal phase defect but it seems like that's not something GPs/NHS take very seriously/treat. I've read there are various supplements I can try to extend luteal phase but progesterone suppositories are probably what's needed. Can anyone with any experience of this tell me their journey of accessing progesterone? And did it help? Will GPs prescribe or is it more realistic to just go private?

Your progesterone is normal and the length of your cycle sounds normal too. I had very long cycles and low progesterone but wasn’t prescribed anything. I did end up conceiving though. Not sure you’ll receive fertility treatment on the nhs because you already have a child.

Thanks for your reply 🙏🏼 I know progesterone is normal from the day it was tested, but I think it's later in the luteal phase that is the problem so thinking to get it checked again on a later day in the cycle. Do you mind if I ask did you do anything to help with TTC when you had long cycles and low progesterone?

It sounds like the test was after ovulation so this proves that you ovulated level 37 is very good! I just randomly fell pregnant so I don’t have any advice. My level was a lot less than yours. It doesn’t sound like you have any issues with ovulation and progesterone. Apparently it can take up to a year for women to fall pregnant and longer if they would be considered an older mum. Best of luck!

How old are you ?

This is vital as progesterone declines with age

Our ivf consultant told us it declines from aged over 30 - esp from 33 / 34 ish onwards

I understand what you’re saying - your day 21 bloods showed good progesterone, but this is supposed to be taken (from what I know) at 7DPO, which isn’t day 21 for you. Your results are (possibly) falsely high. In any case, they were taken on the wrong day so don’t give any useful Information regarding your potential luteal phase defect. I would definitely be pushing for them to be redone at 7DPO to give you useful information. Spotting for 6 days pre period and a 8-10 day luteal phase are textbook for low progesterone causing a luteal phase defect. Best of luck!

I have a LP defect but mine is only 5/6 days. I've been told anything above 9/10 is 'normal' and what I am aiming for in improving mine.

Thanks all this is really helpful! I'm 30 so hopefully age isn't a huge factor yet. I will definitely push for a second test at 7dpo to hopefully shed more light on what's going on.

@am316 hi! How did you get on with this? I am experiencing similar.