Infertility can take many forms and shapes, and when you stop to think about all the complexities that all the needs to meet correctly for a new life, this is truly a miracle. Luteal phase abnormalities can sometimes contribute to infertility problems, and unfortunately it seems that this problem is one that often goes undiagnosed. Women who want to conceive a child should monitor their menstrual to detect any anomalies that may occur, to discuss with their doctor further let them discuss
As described by TTC International, a woman’s menstrual cycle is divided into three main parts; follicle phase, ovulation and finally the luteal phase. The luteal phase occurs in the period after ovulation, until the beginning of the next month of the cycle. For couples trying to conceive, the luteal phase plays a key role in the success of their labor – it is the time when the uterine lining is prepared for implantation. If the fertilized egg cannot be implanted, there will be no pregnancy.
After the egg is released from the ovary during ovulation, the corpus luteum or corpus luteum is left behind in the ovary. As described by Randine Lewis, ph.d., those cells then undergo luteinization, a process where increased blood flow leads to structural changes in the cells. After luteinization, these corpus luteum cells produce the hormone progesterone, which helps prepare the endometrium (lining of the uterus) for implantation of a fertilized egg. The production of progesterone depends on the production of LH, or luteinizing hormone.
Simultaneously occurring in the luteal phase, the endometrium develops progesterone receptor cells, making the conditions suitable for implantation; There is a relatively small window of time in which this can be done. If implantation is successful, the embryo will produce the hormone hCG, which in turn stimulates the ovary to produce more progesterone. Dr. Randine Lewis also points out that if implantation occurs late, or if the egg is not fertile, the secretion of luteinizing hormone stops, and in turn progesterone levels drop. When progesterone levels drop, the uterus releases prostaglandins, which cause the uterus to contract. This is when the shedding of the endometrium, otherwise known as a woman’s next period, begins.
The normal length of the luteal phase is considered to be about 11-14 days, although some doctors think that up to 17 days is fine. Most experts seem to agree that a fertile period of 10 days or less is considered a failure because it does not allow enough time for the necessary preparation of the endometrium for implantation.
The most notable cause of luteal phase deficiency arises from a lack of progesterone production, but this theory is somewhat controversial. As some doctors, such as Randine Lewis, p.h.D., point out, if LPD is only related to decreased progesterone, progesterone supplementation treatment should correct the problem. While this treatment works for some women, it does not help everyone. So it is clear that other things can happen in LPD. Some other theories include a lack of luteinizing hormone or even a decrease in follicular stimulating hormone, or FSH, which occurs during the first phase of the menstrual cycle. Much more research needs to be done on how all these hormones work together to produce pregnancy.
Dr. Lewis offers another theory about the possible causes of luteal phase defects; There is a SLOW time in which the body reacts to increased progesterone levels. This means that even if the egg is fertilized, it will not attach to the uterine wall because the conditions are not favorable for implantation. In this case, the fertilized egg passes through implantation, which causes the woman’s period to begin to mature.
The links between luteal failure and infertility can be quite murky. Since conception is not necessarily abortive, the chance of successful implantation is reduced. Likewise, if luteal phase deficiency is associated with decreased progesterone levels, conception and even implantation may occur, but the body does not Reads enough progesterone levels< /a> to be able to support a pregnant woman, resulting in multiple misfortunes at first.
Detection of luteal phase deficiency can be difficult. According to Luteal Phase Deficiency, a biopsy of the uterine lining can be done, and ultrasounds can be used to detect the release of eggs from the ovary. Perhaps the easiest way is by charting basal body temperature-, while it is not foolproof, it can be a good indicator. luteal phase from perhaps Since the hormone progesterone is believed to increase basal body temperature, there should be a spike in temperatures when ovulation occurs. Since progesterone continues to be released until the next menstrual cycle begins, simply count the days of the elevated hand temperature to determine the length of the luteal phase.
So now the tricky part – once luteal phase failure is suspected, what treatment is available to correct the problem? As previously mentioned, progesterone is the most common supplement treatment. It can be taken orally, by injections, or by pessaries, starting from ovulation. It should be noted, however, that if progesterone levels then become too high, it is possible to “trick” the body into thinking pregnancy has occurred, even if it does not, and thus the start of the next period may consequently be delayed. Perhaps an easier treatment is to supplement with vitamin B6, as noted in the article “What is Luteal Phase Deficiency or LPD?” Vitamin B6 is safe to drink at 50 mg to 200 mg when it is water soluble, and when taken throughout the cycle, the luteal phase can be extended.
In addition to progesterone or vitamin B6 treatments, another drug used is clomiphene citrate, or clomid. Ricki Pollycove, M.D., of San Francisco, California describes how Clomid works; “This drug tricks the body into thinking it is deprived of estrogen, which in turn stimulates the ovary to produce more hormones.” In addition to Clomid, hCG trigger shots can be used to promote corpus luteum. For this treatment, there is one case that the hCG hormone is detected when pregnancy occurs, so that a false positive can occur. pregnancy test using these injections.
Many doctors will treat women with luteal phase defects in a variety of ways, using Clomid and progesterone supplementation as an example. The key to luteal phase deficiency in the first place is determining what the problem really is; Once this is diagnosed, the next step is to find out WHY the VITIS deficiency is. So only the best treatment options can be defined.
Infertility can be quite an emotional roller coaster, as anyone who has experienced it at any stage can testify. Luteal period deficiencies are not exempt from this frustration, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, a positive outcome is well within reach.
Sources:
TTC Intl, Luteal Phase Deficiency, (LPD), TTC Intl.
Gwen Morrison, Luteal Deficiency, How LPD Affects Fertility, iParenting
What is a Luteal phase Deficiency or LPD?, Baby Hopes
Randine Lewis, Ph.D., Licensed Acc., Luteal Phase Deficiency, acudenver.com
