Progesterone testing with a Short luteal phase

[Spangdangles]

Hi all been ttc for a while with cycles all over the place, LH is suggesting Ov around day 18 but luteal phase a max of 7-8 days😕

Doc has ordered progesterone tests but I'm confused about when to get it, 7 days before AF seems the rule but that doesn't work with a short L phase! Also BBT suggests a high P count after Ovulation but this only lasts a couple of days hence short L Phase so test seems a bit irrelevant🤔

Anyone have any suggestions for timing or found the test any use with a short L phase?

Xx

6-7 days after ovulation. Ovulation to be confirmed with an opk. Good luck!

I have the same issue - often 7 days after ovulation is just 2 days before AF so it doesn't work for those us with a short luteal phase. I ended up taking the NHS progesterone blood test round about where I thought it should be, but also ordering some online (I use forthwithlife but there's also Thriva) to do on other days. That way I'd have about 3 tests during the luteal phase. They're treating me with cyclogest (progesterone pessaries) so that could be a good route for you if you're at that stage yet. Good luck! It can be really frustrating. X

If your cycles are "all over the place" it is highly likely that there is an underlying problem with ovulation. OPKs and such like are really a waste of time to use at all if the menstrual cycle is irregular. Such kits measure LH: if there is an excess of this hormone to start with, the kit reads that and gives you a false result.

LPD (luteal phase defect) is itself problematic as some gynaes see it as an issue whilst others do not. My counsel is not to get too hung up on this along with when you are tested for the day 21; you need a diagnosis first and foremost.

If the menstrual cycle is irregular you can actually have tests done according to calendar days; it will not make any real difference to the overall result. I would actually be looking to have a day 2 test done as this will compare your LH level against that of your FSH level.