Questions regarding Luetal Phase

Okay...so last month was my first full cycle off BCP and I had, what I suspect, was an abnormal period. I spotted for two days then light flow for one day, then spotting for one more day and that was it. No cramps no nothing. I took an OPK on a whim one night during that cycle and it was a smiley face on Feb 24th...so on the 9DPO I was spotting and also on 10DPO I spotted, then 11DPO was a light flow, then 12DPO more spotting than nothing.

My first question is, would you think this would be considered a short luetal phase, considering spotting started at 9DPO.

Second question - I know that they say that normally the first phase leadinging up to ovulation is the one that varies, and that the luetal phase stays pretty constant, with that being said...I am 9DPO today and no spotting today. When would you think I should test, or consider that my period is late?

It could also be that this is my first "Normal" cycle and that month was just screwed up because of the BCP.

I know this is a LOT to throw at you so early in the morning, I am just wondering if anyone has any insight.
Thanks!

Message edited 4/21/2011 9:52:10 AM.

Re: Questions regarding Luetal Phase

I'm not an expert, but I think that since it was your first month off BCP it is most likely NOT a good representation of your "typical" cycle. In fact, my first two or three months off BC were crazy. After that I regulated. So I would not go by last month. Keep track and wait until you see some sort of a regular pattern.

GL

Re: Questions regarding Luetal Phase

Thanks for your response. I guess that's pretty much what I figured. I guess if I don't see anything by Saturday morning, I will test (or maybe tomorrow if I can't hold out )

Re: Questions regarding Luetal Phase

Also,I believe that anything that is 8 days or less is considered a short LP. So 9 days is not too short to be causing a problem concieving. It's also not terribly long, either. (If it turns out that your LP is actually 9 days long)

Keep us updated if you decide to test!!

Re: Questions regarding Luetal Phase

Will do...thanks so much for your support. I had heard that anything under 10 days would be considered short, but who knows...I guess as every pregnancy is different, so is every woman

Re: Questions regarding Luetal Phase

anything under 10 days is a short LP. anything 10 or over is OK.
if it was your first cycle off BCP i wouldnt bother judging anything about your cycle. you need a few cycles in a row to really know what your LP is. as a standard you should wait until at least 12DPO to test.

Re: Questions regarding Luetal Phase