Health impacts of a short luteal phase: What to know

What is considered a short luteal phase?

As we discussed earlier, there are two phases of the menstrual cycle, each playing a key role in your reproductive health. The luteal phase is especially important for anyone trying to conceive since it prepares the lining of the uterus to support an embryo. It starts after the luteinizing hormone triggers the ovary to release a mature egg from the follicle, a process called ovulation.

The follicle then turns into the corpus luteum, an endocrine gland that begins progesterone production. Progesterone is the primary hormone that prepares the uterine lining for implantation. When your body functions properly, the luteal phase lasts about 12-14 days, providing the body plenty of time to prepare for pregnancy. But what is a short luteal phase, and why does it matter?

A short luteal phase, also called a luteal phase deficiency, is clinically diagnosed when the luteal phase lasts less than 10 days and there are issues with getting pregnant or maintaining pregnancy. Without enough time to build adequate progesterone hormone levels, the uterus can’t successfully support a fertilized egg. With a short luteal phase, pregnancy success can be limited, making it harder for women to both conceive and retain a pregnancy.

Unfortunately, this can result in miscarriage or infertility. The good news, however, is that under your doctor’s guidance, it is possible to support the luteal phase and go on to have a successful pregnancy!

Short luteal phase – signs and symptoms

Now that we’ve answered the question, “What is a luteal phase defect,” let’s move on to the signs and symptoms. Identifying short luteal phase symptoms is crucial for getting treatment, but you need to know what to look for. Here are a few of the most common signs of a short luteal phase.

Changes to your menstrual cycle

Tracking your menstrual cycle is a great way to monitor your reproductive health, especially if you’re trying to get pregnant. With a short luteal phase, ttc can be even more challenging since it leaves less time between ovulation and your period for fertilization. If you notice that your period arrives early, within 10 days of ovulation that you’ve predicted by taking urine LH tests or ultrasound, it could be a sign that your luteal phase is shortened.

Trouble conceiving

Lower progesterone levels caused by a short luteal phase can make implantation and development for an embryo difficult. On average, 92% of couples become pregnant within a year of trying, so if it’s taking longer, a short luteal phase may be one of the possible reasons to blame.

Miscarriage

Along with impacting your fertility and making it more difficult to conceive, short luteal phases make you more prone to experiencing recurrent miscarriages. Since the uterus doesn’t have adequate progesterone levels to prepare its lining to support a growing embryo, even if an egg is fertilized, it often cannot successfully develop.

Short luteal phase causes

Now that you know the symptoms, you’re probably wondering what causes a short luteal phase. There’s numerous possible causes of short luteal phase, including the following.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS can cause a short luteal phase since it disrupts your reproductive hormone balance. This condition can also cause missed or infrequent ovulation, follicular developmental issues, and inadequate progesterone production.

Thyroid disorders

Thyroid disorders are one of the causes of late ovulation and short luteal phase. Since the thyroid directly impacts your pituitary gland, which produces luteinizing hormone, which we know is necessary for ovulation, if it isn’t functioning properly, it can hinder ovulation.

Additionally, an underactive thyroid may not produce enough thyroid-stimulating hormone which may also shorten the luteal phase.

Excessive exercise

If you exercise too much, you can cause a delay in LH production and lowered progesterone levels, causing fertility issues.

Stress

Stress is horrible for your body, impacting it in many negative ways. If you’re wondering, “Why is my luteal phase short?” and find yourself anxious and under high amounts of stress, that could be the culprit. Stress can cause hormonal imbalances, specifically with progesterone, which is crucial for a healthy luteal phase.

Luteal phase deficiency diagnosis

Before you know how to fix a short luteal phase, you need to know if you have it. So, what do you do? To start, begin tracking your menstrual cycles to see if your period is starting too close to ovulation. You may also monitor your basal body temperature following ovulation to menstruation however, this method is not reliable. Hormone tests can also be useful, along with imaging of the uterus. Taking all of this information to a reproductive medicine specialist will help them determine if there is a luteal phase deficiency and develop a treatment plan if needed.

But what does a short luteal phase mean for women trying to conceive, and can you get pregnant with a short luteal phase? The good news is that, yes, you can still become pregnant if your luteal phase is short and lasts only 10 days, but it may be more challenging.

You could experience a short luteal phase postpartum if the corpus luteum breaks down early and inhibits progesterone production, but as your ovulation returns, your menstrual cycle will become more regular and the luteal phase will return to a normal length. A short luteal phase after miscarriage can also occur due to hormonal imbalances. Having been diagnosed with a luteal phase deficiency doesn’t mean you will never conceive and have a healthy pregnancy, but it’s important to begin treatment as soon as possible to help increase your chance of success.

Luteal phase deficiency treatment

Once you’ve answered the question, “Why do I have a short luteal phase?” knowing how to support your luteal phase can make all the difference, especially for women who are trying to conceive. Fortunately, your doctor can recommend a treatment for a short luteal phase that works best for your unique situation.

Progesterone supplements

Progesterone plays a key role in building the uterine lining, which is essential to support a healthy pregnancy. If there’s not enough progesterone produced, it could lead to failed implantation or miscarriage. The most common treatment is a progesterone supplement, taken as a vaginal suppository, injection, or orally. These supplements should be started around three days after you ovulate to help build and strengthen the uterine lining.

Ovulation medications

If your symptoms are caused by follicular development issues, you could be prescribed ovulation medications. Your doctor can determine how to increase a luteal phase safely by identifying and treating the root cause.

Lifestyle changes

If your shortened luteal phase is caused by an extreme amount of stress or vigorous exercise, making lifestyle changes could help. Reducing your stress and decreasing your activity levels can help heal hormonal imbalances and return your menstrual cycle back to normal.

While discovering you have a luteal phase deficiency can feel devastating, there are treatment plans you can follow to restore it back to normal. One key tool in monitoring your hormonal health is the Hormona app. This award-winning hormone tracker gives you comprehensive insights into your hormones so you can understand your body better and feel your best.

FAQ

How can I try to lengthen my luteal phase?

First and foremost, please note that the length of the luteal phase serves as an indicator of how your hormones are functioning. A short luteal phase may mean insufficient progesterone levels, which can hinder the preparation of the uterine lining for implantation and support during pregnancy. Therefore, all measures taken by your physician aim to support your chances of conception and pregnancy success rather than merely extending the length of your luteal phase.

Does a short luteal phase always mean low progesterone?

Although a short luteal phase does not necessarily indicate low progesterone levels, it can be a sign of it.

What should I eat in the short luteal phase?

During the short luteal phase, you should eat plenty of complex carbohydrates, protein, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B6. Some examples include sweet potatoes, carrots, leafy greens, whole grains, and lean meat.

Can I get pregnant with an 11 day luteal phase?

Yes, you can get pregnant with an 11 day luteal phase, but it might be more challenging than if you have a longer luteal phase.

Is short luteal phase the same as luteal phase defect?

A short luteal phase is relatively common, and some women do not experience difficulties with pregnancy. However, when issues arise in getting pregnant or maintaining a pregnancy, a short luteal phase may indicate luteal phase deficiency. This topic remains challenging for researchers and practicing physicians, so we should await further research in this area.