It starts on the day of ovulation (or the day after a positive OPK test) and ends with either the start of your period or the start of a pregnancy. The length of the luteal phase is important, as this is the phase where your body produces progesterone, which leads to thickening of the uterine lining. If your luteal phase is less than 11 days, it may be hard to get pregnant or stay pregnant due to lower levels of progesterone and a uterine lining that may not be ready for implantation of an embryo—a condition known as luteal phase deficiency or defect (LPD).
What are some research-backed treatments for luteal phase deficiency?
VITAMIN C SUPPLEMENTATION:
Studies have shown that vitamin C supplementation can improve hormone levels and fertility in women with luteal phase defects. In one study published in Fertility and Sterility, women who took 750 mg/day of vitamin C for three weeks showed significant improvements in progesterone levels. Over a 6-month period, 25% of these women successfully conceived, compared to only 11% in the control group.
HEALTHY VITAMIN D LEVELS:
Vitamin D, an essential fat-soluble vitamin, plays a crucial role in hormone regulation. Research suggests that vitamin D deficiency is widespread and can lead to decreased levels of estrogen and progesterone, increasing the risk of a shortened luteal phase.
ADEQUATE FOLATE LEVELS:
Folate, a natural water-soluble form of vitamin B9, is commonly deficient in many individuals. Lower folate levels, even within the normal range, have been associated with decreased progesterone levels during the luteal phase.
PROGESTERONE CREAM:
Progesterone cream is a common treatment for low progesterone levels. Available over the counter, natural progesterone cream is often applied twice daily after ovulation until menstruation and is often continued into early pregnancy if conception occurs.
PMID: 33827766, 34977455, 32068843, 31056309, 29762856, 28854586, 25681845
To learn more about natural ways to make your baby dreams come true, subscribe to join the natural fertility solutions VIP group.