Luteal phase / progesterone issues?

[HM2024]

Hi all,

Does anyone have experience of luteal phase deficiency / progesterone issues?

I'll try to speak to the fertility doctor about this specifically (not sure how easy it will be to get a follow-up appt) but I'm really keen to hear from anyone who has had the same issue?

We have been TTC for about 18 months and having no luck. My blood tests were ok and DH's sperm analysis normal. Had internal ultrasound and HSG - both ok. I'm 38 so know age is a factor.

The only other issue I can see is that my cycles are on the shorter side (with spotting before) and my luteal phase is short. I've noted down cycles from the last year below.

Blood tests on day 18 (GP worked out about 7 days before my period) was 34.8 nmol/L which I've been told is normal. I also had one on day 16 (ovulation day according to LH peak on OPK) which was 3 nmol/L. These weren't the same month but shows my progesterone did rise, which is good. My query is - is it then falling too quickly so implantation doesn't have a chance.

I've been tracking BBT this month and it is a bit all over the place without a clear spike after ovulation, which has sent me down this rabbit hole again (I've been querying short luteal phase for a while).

I contacted someone private about testing and she suggested DUTCH Cycle Mapping test but it's over £400. It Starts With The Egg recommends Proov tests which are more reasonable (£30ish) - but with both options I'm unclear of 'what next' - as I doubt the NHS fertility doctor would prescribe something off the back of these results.

I read that progesterone supplements can help but the NHS NICE guidelines only seem to recommend after multiple miscarriages.

Any experiences or advice very much appreciated!

Thanks x

Cycles over the last year
28 day cycle, 10 day luteal phase (4 days spotting before period)
26 day cycle, 11 day luteal phase (1 day spotting before period)
25 day cycle, 9 day luteal phase (1 day spotting)
25 day cycle, 10 day luteal phase (1 day spotting)
25 day cycle, 10 day luteal phase (1 day spotting)
22 day cycle, 8 day LP (1 day spotting)
24 day cycle, 8 day LP (no spotting)
25 day cycle, 10 day LP (1 day spotting)
27 day cycle, 10 day LP (2 day spotting)
26 day cycle, 9 day LP (1 day spotting)

@Fridayschild25
I had a consultation with Plan Your Baby and would highly recommend them. Dr Sami looked at all my NHS results and picked up a few things like my thyroid levels. He prescribed cyclogest (progesterone) to try for 3 months - even though he wasn't convinced it would help but was happy to let me try.

Unfortunately it didn't work and I'm in the same position and now waiting to start IVF. Depressing to read through this post a whole year ago and still not be any further forward :(

Are you worried about progestogene?

I'm so sorry to hear you're in the same position and really hope you get your baby soon. I wish school prepared us for the heartache of the TTC world.

I'm wondering if it is progesterone, I've got a doctors appointment on weds and hoping for tests. My hormones seem to have changed after my last miscarriage. Hope you're doing ok, thank you for responding to me.

@Fridayschild25 If you don't have any luck getting tests from your doctor, Plan Your Baby will prescribe progesterone based on Proov results. There's a few podcasts by the woman who started Proov that were quite interesting. I know some Proov feedback mentioned earlier hasn't been all positive but it's an option if youre getting no where with the doctor.