The luteal phase of a woman's menstrual cycle is the time between ovulation and menstruation, during which the body produces the hormone progesterone to prepare for the implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterus. Luteal phase deficiency is a medical condition in which a woman's body does not produce enough progesterone during the phase to allow for a successful pregnancy. A healthy woman's luteal phase usually lasts for about 14 days, but a woman who commonly experiences phases of less than 10 days may be suffering from a luteal phase deficiency and resulting infertility. There are few easily recognizable symptoms of a progesterone deficiency besides the obvious problems with fertility, and the condition must be diagnosed by a trained physician. Fortunately, most women are able to overcome the condition and experience successful pregnancies by taking hormonal supplements as suggested by their doctors.
Progesterone is produced and released by the corpus luteum, a structure that forms during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Insufficient or irregular development of the corpus luteum is a primary cause of luteal phase deficiency in otherwise healthy women. Without the proper levels of progesterone, the lining of the uterus begins to break down, causing early menstruation and preventing a fertilized embryo from attaching to the uterine walls.
Most women with luteal phase deficiencies do not experience noticeable physical symptoms; they simply find themselves unable to keep an embryo after conception. Afflicted women may find that their menstruation cycles are slightly shorter or result in lighter bleeding than average, though such conditions may not necessarily be indicative of a luteal phase deficiency. Women typically experience slightly higher body temperatures during their luteal phases, but those with deficiencies often do not maintain elevated temperatures.
A woman who experiences infertility should consult her primary care doctor or gynecologist, who can conduct tests to check for a luteal phase deficiency and prescribe the appropriate treatment. A doctor usually collects a tissue sample from the uterine lining during just before menstruation and orders a biopsy to determine whether or not a deficiency might exist,. By analyzing biopsy results, tracking a patient's fertility cycle, and physically recording progesterone levels, the doctor can make a proper diagnosis.
Some women are able overcome deficiencies by taking vitamins, especially vitamin B6, and progesterone supplements. If a doctor discovers a severe progesterone deficiency, he or she may prescribe oral medications or suppositories to stimulate proper corpus luteum development and progesterone production. With ongoing treatment, many individuals can maintain appropriate hormone levels and enjoy healthy, normal pregnancies.