Luteal Phase

How do you know when to test if your luteal phase has varied? I'm all confused this month - normally I O b/t 14-17, but this month it was CD12 - so I have no clue when to expect AF

Any thoughts?

Re: Luteal Phase

During your usual cycle, how many days is it from when you O to when you get AF? Add that number to "12" and you should be able to get an idea how long this cycle should be.

(I have been Oing on CD 13 my past few cycles, I get after CD26, my luteal phase has been 13 days.)

HTH

Re: Luteal Phase

That's the problem - I wouldn't know exactly when to expect AF, b/c it varies. Not a lot - but enough that I couldn't say for sure, "next Tuesday is when I'm due for AF".

Most months I O between CD14-17 but this month it was early - CD 12. And then I usually have a luteal phase of 12-17 days - that's a big enough gap.

So, if this month I O'd CD12, I don't know if AF is coming CD24 or CD29 (or anytime in between).

Oh well, I guess I'll soon find out! Thanks!

Message edited 8/4/2006 7:55:57 AM.

Re: Luteal Phase

I believe that the LP is supposed to be a constant number and the O date changes. For instance, my O date varied from CD18-25, but I always know it's 10 days of LP after I O before I get AF. I believe LP is related to your progesterone levels, so maybe there's something to look into there. Or perhaps you're not accurately calculating your O date so your LP seems to vary? Good Luck.

Message edited 8/4/2006 8:50:47 AM.

Re: Luteal Phase

Oh, that's a bit alarming. According to FF's analysis of my cycles (I've been charting for 7 cycles) my luteal phase has ranged from 12 - 17, averages at 14 days. Hmm, I will look into that!
Thanks

Re: Luteal Phase

I thought this might help:

What is the luteal phase?

The luteal phase, also referred to as 'days past ovulation' or 'DPO', is the part of the cycle that starts at ovulation and ends the day before your next period. It usually lasts about 14 days and does not vary by more than a day in each person. The luteal phase is named after the corpus luteum (Latin: "yellow body"), a structure that grows on the surface of the ovary where a mature egg was released at ovulation. The corpus luteum produces progesterone in preparing the body for pregnancy. Your luteal phase must be at least 10 days long to support pregnancy.

The importance of the luteal phase

The length of the luteal phase determines the time of ovulation within your menstrual cycle. Ovulation can be delayed by a number of factors, such as stress, increased activity or medication, but the length of the luteal phase is usually constant. Taking this into account, you can calculate the time of ovulation within your cycle by subtracting the length of your luteal phase from the length of your cycle. For example, if your cycle is 28 days long and your luteal phase is 12 days long, the ovulation will occur on day 16 of your cycle (28-12=16). Ovulation Calendar uses this formula to calculate your time of ovulation.

Re: Luteal Phase

Re: Luteal Phase

Yikes, thanks ladies. I have an annual check-up in a couple of wks - so maybe I can print my charts and see if my MD can help. I'm a little freaked out right now.

Message edited 8/4/2006 12:23:11 PM.