Has anyone conceived with a short luteal phase?

[Sunnyway]

I'm interested in anecdotal evidence that it's possible to I'm interested in anectodal evidence that it is possible to conceive despite a short luteal phase. I have a 7 day lp and have not yet managed to conceive. I conceived my ds with an 11 day lp.

I'm frustrated by my doctor's attitude- "the most important thing is that you're ovulating" - when everything I've read suggests that a short lp does not allow enough time for implantation.

I'm curious to know if other women have conceived a successful pregnancy with an lp under 10 days? Or has anyone been treated on the NHS for short lp, and with what?

I'm trying to lengthen it with 100mg B6 and 120 micro g B12. So far (3 months) no improvement. Considering going back to my doctor and being more assertive.

Sunnyway x
y lp and have not yet managed to conceive. I conceived my ds with an 11 day lp.

I'm frustrated by my doctor's attitude- "the most important thing is that you're ovulating" - when everything I've read suggests that a short lp does not allow enough time for implantation.

I'm curious to know if other women have conceived a successful pregnancy with an lp under 10 days? Or has anyone been treated on the NHS for short lp, and with what?

I'm trying to lengthen it with 100mg B6 and 120 micro g B12. So far (3 months) no improvement. Considering going back to my doctor and being more assertive.

Sunnyway x

I have (somewhat suprisingly!) just conceived with an 8 day LP. Am still a a little in shock and only got my BFP a couple of days ago. It can happen, but I suggest going back to your GP.

Sorry I can't be much help but good luck!

For the last 5 month my period had been every 24-26 days. I've been taking the B vitamins and this month my cycle was 29 days. Not sure if it was a one off but the blood loss (sorry tmi) was a lot less too. I'd go back to GP if no improvement.

Hi Sunny, I'm in the same position as you. My GP also says nothing to worry about. It's my first time TTC and coming up on 18months, B vitamins have made no difference so far. There's so much confusing stuff out there to read but i'm trying to keep faith in my GP who is a specialist. Because i'm only 25 they've been reluctant to do anything except confirm that i'm ovulating, which I already knew!

DS was concieved with an 8 day LP. MW did not believe my dates but managed to get a scan which confirmed it. Fight for a dating scan when you get your BFP because MWs will INSIST on using the LMP date and that could have consequences later if you need to be induced etc as its a lot of extra time for them to finish cooking IYWKIM

I received fertility treatment as I wasn't ovulating. On the first type of treatment they gave me my luteal phase was between 5 and 8 days. They classed this as no response as it was unlikely to result in pregnancy. B vits made no difference with me. On changing the type of treatment it worked first time. I am 27 weeks now. I would fight for specialist opinion and referral.

Thanks for all your responses. It's good to know that it is possible to conceive with a short lp and that at least one other doctor maintains it isn't a problem. I will keep a positive attitude but go and see my GP too. Belt and braces!

I will mention to my GP that a short lp is considered a no response to fertility treatment. That confirms what I've read on the subject.

Congratulations on your BFP Noodlebugs!

I just wondered how you are establishing you have a short LP, e.g. are you charting, taking ovulation tests, or assuming that you're ovulating on a specific date (like day 14) and working from there? Sorry if it's an obvious question. The reason I ask is that I was charting for ages and it seemed to show a short LP, then I realised I have an unusual temp pattern and it wasn't indicating accurately when I was ovulating and my LP was longer than I thought.

Also, are you spotting for a while before proper 'flow' starts (sorry if a TMI question) or do you get a 'full' period seven days after you ovulate? I've come across a lot of people like me who have conceived with spotting and an apparently short LP. I was told not to count the spotting as a period and work from the day of full flow.

I seemed to have a really variable LP before getting pregnant. My GP, a gynae and then a fertility specialist all told me there is 'no such thing' as a luteal phase defect and therefore what I was reporting wasn't a problem, which TBH really pissed me off at the time, but it did get me thinking. I took ov tests after seeing the specialist and realised that the LP was still a short compared to what they said I should have (apparently 13-14 days and he wouldn't believe it could be shorter - which it definitely was!) but it was still better than I thought.

Also, a note on vitamin B. I took it too, but be careful with too high a dose. I found it made me spot more before my period when I was taking 100-120mg. Perhaps experiment with a slightly lower dose - like 50mg for a while if you find it's not helping.

So I think in summary my answer would be yes you definitely can conceive with an apparently short LP, especially if you have before. Just make as sure as possible about when you ovulate in case it could be earlier than you think. That's what seemed to crack it for us in the end!

Hi Hotpinkgingham,

Thank you for your very helpful post. I think it is definitely possible to incorrectly identify a short luteal phase if one's temps take a while to rise following O. Also, not counting spotting can add days to the lp before true AF starts.

I use OPKs, plus temps and checking cervical fluid, plus not counting spotting as the start of my period. But still lp is short!

I will take your advice and try reducing the B6 a bit if I notice any unhelpful changes. It's interesting how many doctors reject the idea of luteal phase defect. It's difficult as a layman to balance the two opposing views.

Sunnyway x