Leutal Phase Defect?

[Anonymous]

Once my period came back after the birth of DS it was different then before, 2-3 days of spotting then heavy for a couple of days, the cycle length was usually 23 days. Before the birth of DS the period was heavy pretty much right away. I charted my BBT before conceiving and my leutal phase was usually only 10 days - short but it seemed to work. We started trying for DC #2 in Nov. That month I had the 3 days of spotting and then it stopped. I suspected that I was pregnant but even after a week the HPT was negative. I got I blood work done at my OB and my levels indicated that I was pregnant but they were too low and in the next couple of weeks the numbers did not climb too much and started to go down. I miscarried a week later. I'm 40 so a miscarriage is not that surprising.

I waited until my next normal cycle to try again and started charting my BBT. That month was perfect: OV on D16 and LP 12 days long, but my husband was out of town D12-17 -Bummer. But I was happy because the cycle was normal. This month my Leutal phase was only 8 days and I did not maintain the pregnancy (if it happened at all).

I am going to make an appt with an RE, but I was wondering if any one has had a similar pattern (e.g. change in period to spotting before the real thing) is this a symptom of a LPD? If you've been diagnosed with a LPD, what course of treatment have you done and was it successful?

[Anonymous]

I don't know a lot about LPD, but I know it is common for cycles to become less regular when you hit peri-menopause, so that may be what is happening. But I certainly think it is worthwhile to consult an RE.

[Anonymous]

If you suspect a LPD you should ask your OB for progesterone post ovulation. The only way to truly diagnose a LPD is with a endometrial bx which is rather unpleasant and since the treatment is prog and/or estrogen supplements most RE's just give those to every pt post tx, post ovulation, or at the first + HCG. good luck