Luteal Phase Defect

Luteal phase defect is defined as insufficient progesterone produced by the ovaries during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. The luteal phase can be thought of as the second half of the menstrual cycle. In some cases, women with luteal phase defect experience a shorter than 11-day luteal phase, and/or spotting during this time. A diagnosis is made when the blood progesterone level is less than 10 at one week post ovulation.

The causes of luteal phase defect include the following:

• Hypothyroidism
• Inflammation
• Chronic stress

Western treatment of luteal phase defect includes progesterone supplementation during the luteal phase of the cycle. 

Chinese medicine views luteal phase defect as a deficiency of the heat and/or lifting energy of the body during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. To treat this, we recommend acupuncture and herbs that focus on increasing heat and the raising of energy in the body during the second half of the cycle. 

Functional medicine is recommended for supporting optimal thyroid hormone output and regulating adrenal function. Thyroid hormone synthesis requires specific vitamins and minerals to be present, and these nutrients can be supplemented if deficient. Cortisol, secreted by the adrenal glands, can suppress TSH and inhibit thyroid hormone production. Additionally, cortisol can suppress progesterone production directly. The adrenal glands secrete cortisol in response to stress, inflammation, and low blood sugar. The higher the cortisol the lower the thyroid hormone and progesterone production. Functional medicine uses dietary and lifestyle changes to regulate cortisol levels. In some cases, specialty lab testing is used to identify hidden sources of inflammation that may cause chronically elevated cortisol levels. Once thyroid hormones are optimized and cortisol levels regulated then progesterone output normalizes.