The luteal phase of your menstrual cycle begins right after ovulation when your ovary releases an egg. This phase typically lasts around 14 days and concludes with the start of your period. It’s one of four phases in the menstrual cycle, with its primary role being to prepare the uterus for a potential pregnancy. But what happens when this phase is cut short?
While this is a concern for many women, there are ways in which it can be treated. Here we take a look at the causes and symptoms of a short luteal phase and the options available to increase your chances of conceiving.
What happens during the luteal phase?
After ovulation, the dominant follicle turns into the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone and some oestrogen.
During the luteal phase (1), progesterone levels rise, helping to thicken the uterine lining to prepare for a possible pregnancy. This thicker lining creates an ideal environment for a fertilised egg to implant and develop.
The increased hormone levels then cause the cervical mucus to become thicker, forming a protective barrier that helps prevent bacteria from entering the uterus.
If pregnancy doesn’t happen, the corpus luteum breaks down, hormone levels decrease, and the uterine lining is shed during your period.
What is a short luteal phase?
A short luteal phase is typically defined as lasting eight days or fewer. If you’re tracking your ovulation and menstrual cycle, you may notice a short luteal phase if your period begins 10 days or less after ovulation.
Progesterone plays a vital role in supporting implantation and the development of a healthy pregnancy (2). It prepares the uterine lining to be receptive to an embryo, allowing it to implant and grow into a foetus.
When the luteal phase is too short, there isn’t enough progesterone to properly thicken the uterine lining, which, in turn, doesn’t allow your uterine lining to support an embryo. Those who struggle with a short luteal phase may struggle to get pregnant.
What can cause a short luteal phase?
A short luteal phase can be caused by various factors, often linked to hormonal imbalances. Low progesterone is one of the most common causes, as it’s essential for preparing the uterine lining for pregnancy. When progesterone levels are too low, the lining may not develop enough to support an embryo, leading to a shorter luteal phase.
Plus, stress, excessive exercise, or rapid weight changes can all disrupt hormone production and affect the luteal phase.
Thyroid issues, such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, can also impact reproductive hormones and shorten the luteal phase. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is another common cause, as it often leads to irregular or absent ovulation. This results in reduced progesterone levels, which can prevent the uterine lining from thickening, making it harder for an embryo to implant.
As women approach menopause, hormone changes can naturally shorten the luteal phase. Additionally, conditions like hyperprolactinemia, which leads to excess prolactin, can interfere with ovulation and further affect progesterone levels.
Symptoms of a short luteal phase
The most common symptom of a short luteal phase is having a period that arrives sooner than expected—typically less than 10 days after ovulation. Women with a short luteal phase may also experience difficulty conceiving, as low progesterone levels can prevent the uterine lining from properly supporting implantation.
Other symptoms research has shown include spotting between ovulation and menstruation, which may be an early sign that the uterine lining isn’t developing fully. You might also notice lighter-than-usual periods or experience recurrent miscarriages, as a short luteal phase can make it harder for a fertilised egg to implant and develop.
Additional signs, such as premenstrual symptoms (like mood swings, breast tenderness, or fatigue) that seem to appear earlier than usual, may also point to a shortened luteal phase.
Does a short luteal phase impact fertility?
A short luteal phase can affect fertility by making it more challenging to sustain a pregnancy. During the luteal phase, progesterone is produced to thicken the uterine lining, creating a supportive environment for a fertilised egg to implant. When this phase is shorter, progesterone levels may not be high enough, which can prevent the uterine lining from developing fully.
This can lead to difficulties in conceiving, as the embryo may struggle to implant or may be unable to develop properly. In some cases, a short luteal phase can increase the risk of early miscarriage due to insufficient hormonal support.
In women with PCOS, hormonal imbalances often disrupt ovulation, leading to irregular or absent luteal phases. This further complicates fertility, as the body may not produce enough progesterone to support a pregnancy.
Fortunately, there are treatments and supplements available that can help improve the luteal phase and help you conceive.
How is it diagnosed?
A short luteal phase is typically diagnosed through a combination of cycle tracking and hormone testing. If you’ve been tracking your menstrual cycle and notice that your period consistently arrives earlier than expected after ovulation, it may indicate a short luteal phase.
Basal body temperature monitoring can also help, as it often shows a shorter time between ovulation and menstruation.
Blood tests are commonly used to measure key hormone levels, including follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which regulates ovary function, luteinising hormone, which triggers ovulation, and progesterone, which is essential for thickening the uterine lining during the luteal phase. In some cases, additional hormone tests, such as those for thyroid function or prolactin levels, may be done to rule out other issues.
An ultrasound may also be used to check the development of the uterine lining and confirm ovulation. Or, your doctor may recommend an endometrial biopsy. This procedure involves taking a small sample of the uterine lining to assess its development and determine if it’s prepared for implantation.
These methods together help provide a clear diagnosis, guiding appropriate treatment options.
Can a short luteal phase be treated?
While this may be a very daunting time for you, thankfully, a short luteal phase can be treated to improve fertility outcomes. Treatment often involves progesterone supplements to support the uterine lining and extend the luteal phase (4). For women with PCOS or similar conditions, medications and lifestyle changes are also recommended.
Products like Inofolic Alpha can be particularly helpful. Inofolic Alpha stands out due to its unique formulation, which includes alpha-lactalbumin, a whey protein that enhances the absorption of myo-inositol. Myo-inositol is crucial for hormonal balance and metabolic functions, but up to 38% of women with PCOS have difficulty absorbing it from food or standard supplements.
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Navigating fertility challenges can feel overwhelming, but remember, you’re not alone. By understanding and addressing issues like a short luteal phase, and exploring treatments such as Inofolic Alpha, you can take proactive steps towards improving your fertility. Embracing lifestyle changes, seeking professional advice, and accessing the right resources can make a significant difference.
References
- Thiyagarajan DK, Basit H, Jeanmonod R. Physiology, Menstrual Cycle. [Updated 2022 Oct 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK500020/
- Crawford NM, Pritchard DA, Herring AH, Steiner AZ. Prospective evaluation of luteal phase length and natural fertility. Fertil Steril. 2017 Mar;107(3):749-755. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.11.022. Epub 2017 Jan 5. PMID: 28065408; PMCID: PMC5337433.
- Schliep KC, Mumford SL, Hammoud AO, Stanford JB, Kissell KA, Sjaarda LA, Perkins NJ, Ahrens KA, Wactawski-Wende J, Mendola P, Schisterman EF. Luteal phase deficiency in regularly menstruating women: prevalence and overlap in identification based on clinical and biochemical diagnostic criteria. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2014 Jun;99(6):E1007-14. doi: 10.1210/jc.2013-3534. Epub 2014 Feb 27. PMID: 24606080; PMCID: PMC4037737.
- Miller, P, Soules, M, Glob. libr. women’s med.(ISSN: 1756-2228) 2009; DOI 10.3843/GLOWM.10327