what's the story with luteal phase?

I hear some talking about this...

I O'd on day 17 with a 26-28 day cycle. That would mean I have a 9-11 day luteal phase right? Is that bad?

TIA

Re: what's the story with luteal phase?

Luteal phase is the number of days from when you O'd to when you get AF - anything under 10 days may indicate a possible luteal phase defect, which is usually indicative of a progesterone deficiency. Progesterone helps pump up the lining of your uterus - the the luteal phase is too short, it may explain spontaneous miscarriages, which happen because your body starts shedding the lining of your uterus too quickly - it can be EASILY remedied though, with progesterone supplements.

If your LP is consistently under 10, I'd make an appointment with your ob/gyn to check your progesterone levels - all it requires is a blood test on day 21 of your cycle.

Re: what's the story with luteal phase?

Oh...I had no idea. I didn't have any trouble geting PG the 1st time but now its been a few months of trying. My cycle is a little shorter since giving birth and my period is shorter but a lot heavier (TMI)

Could my progesterone level have changed?

Re: what's the story with luteal phase?

I suppose anything can change after birth considering the myriad of hormonal changes that take place! But, from what I understand, low progesterone inhibits a woman's ability to sustain a pregnancy, not her ability to actually conceive - but, I'm not an ob/gyn so I don't know exactly. If you have any concerns at all, just bring your charts to your ob/gyn - (s)he will likely take some blood and do a workup.