Luteal Phase Defect (LPD): What you need to know

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted with Specialist Doctor I Truong Nghia Binh - Specialist in Obstetrics - Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Da Nang International General Hospital.
If you are having trouble getting pregnant or getting pregnant but have had a miscarriage, one of the possible causes is a luteal phase defect (luteal insufficiency). It is the condition that causes menstrual cycle disruption. Although, until now, scientists still have many arguments about whether it is a direct cause of infertility, there is no method that can test this hypothesis.

1. What is luteal insufficiency?

The luteal phase is a phase of the menstrual cycle. This phase occurs after ovulation (when the ovaries release an egg) and before the menstrual cycle begins. During this phase, production of hormone secretions such as progesterone and estrogen occurs, and an increased preparation of the uterine lining begins for a fertilized egg. At that time, the lining of the uterus is usually thicker to serve the pregnancy process. If a fertilized egg is not present or hormone levels are not optimal, the menstrual cycle begins.
If during this process there is a luteal phase defect - luteal insufficiency, the lining of the uterus does not develop properly according to the process of each cycle.

2. Causes of luteal insufficiency

The luteal phase usually lasts between 12 and 14 days. During this time, the ovaries will have the function of making the hormone progesterone. It is also the substance that sends signals to the lining of the uterus to develop in preparation for pregnancy.
When pregnancy is initiated, the embryo develops and attaches to the thickened lining of the uterus. If in the absence of pregnancy this lining of the uterus is shed and the menstrual cycle occurs.
A defect of the luteal phase - luteal insufficiency can occur if the ovaries do not release enough progesterone hormone or it may be the case that the lining of the uterus does not respond to the hormone progesterone.
The cause of this condition can be related to many health problems, including:
Anorexia Endometriosis Hyperprolactinemia (too much of the hormone responsible for the production of breast milk)

Obesity Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Thyroid Disorders If you experience many of these causes, you may be treated by a specialist to help manage these symptoms. From there you can control the defects of the luteal phase - luteal insufficiency.

3. Symptoms of luteal insufficiency

When a luteal phase defect occurs - luteal insufficiency you may notice some of the following signs:
Happens more often Miscarriage Difficulty getting pregnant Spotting between cycles

4. Diagnosis of luteal insufficiency

A specialist can identify luteal insufficiency as the root cause of your health conditions. However, there is no test that can accurately diagnose it. So, doctors may recommend blood tests as one of the tests that can help learn more about what's going on in your body, such as tests that check levels:
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Progesterone In addition, pelvic ultrasound can also help doctors measure the thickness of the lining of the uterus lining and recognize abnormalities occurring. in this location.
Previously, doctors may recommend a series of endometrial biopsies. They may take a small sample of the lining of the uterus at a particular time of the month and examine it under a microscope to see if your sample is “in phase.” However, to date this is no longer practiced.
Remember, every woman can change her luteal phase from time to time. The National Institutes of Health has concluded that endometrial biopsies cannot tell the difference between fertile and infertile women. Therefore, medical professionals do not recommend this as a routine infertility test to be used in all cases.

5. Treatment of luteal insufficiency

Any intervention for this condition depends on the overall health of the body and should be considered whether you are trying to get pregnant or not. Of course, you will need treatment if you have any health problems that could be the cause of the luteal phase defect that causes testicular failure.
In case, if you do not or do not want to get pregnant, you may not need the support of treatment by specialists. However, if you are trying to get pregnant and have a baby, your doctor may suggest you take some medications such as:
Clomiphene citrate (Clomid): This medicine works to activate the ovaries to make them. more follicles, while also helping to release eggs. Human gonads (hCG): This gland can help start ovulation and make more of the hormone progesterone. Progesterone injections, pills, or suppositories: All can be used after ovulation to help the lining of the uterus grow. Before treating luteal insufficiency, talk to your doctor about all treatment options for luteal insufficiency. From there, you can understand the information as well as consult the doctor to choose the most suitable treatment method. However, some studies have also failed to demonstrate that treatment of luteal phase defect - luteal insufficiency can successfully improve pregnancy in women who have not used any of these techniques. any assisted reproduction.

The Progesterone method can help some women get fertility treatment and improve fertility. However, to date, there has been no scientific evidence that taking progesterone pills after you become pregnant will prevent miscarriage.
Vinmec International General Hospital is the address for examination, treatment and prevention of diseases, including obstetrics and gynecology. When performing the examination process at Vinmec, customers will be welcomed and used modern facilities and equipment along with perfect medical services under the guidance and advice of experts. Good doctors, well-trained both at home and abroad.
Especially with the strength of intensive examination and treatment of gynecological diseases, fertility support, Vinmec will certainly be the address for those who are aspiring to be parents to be able to trust and be able to do it. my dream.

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Reference source: webmd.com