The Luteal Phase And Pregnancy

The luteal phase plays an important role in determining a woman’s chance of conceiving a child. Read on and find out how it works.

The luteal phase is the phase that begins after ovulation and it ends at the beginning of the next menstrual cycle. Few women pay attention to this detail until they start trying to conceive.

Since the luteal phase has such a short duration, it can be challenging to conceive a child. It can also lead to early pregnancy loss. 

It is important to be aware that the  luteal phase is not only important when it comes to getting pregnant. The normal duration (within standard parameters) of the luteal phase is an indication of a healthy menstrual cycle.

This indicates that a woman’s body is functioning properly. In other words, it allows many of the functions of a woman’s body to take place normally.

What takes place during the luteal phase?

Once ovulation has already occurred, the female body enters a waiting period for a possible pregnancy. During this time, the corpus luteum – the structure found within the ovaries that is responsible for maintaining ovulation – will begin to produce progesterone.

This hormone causes the uterus fundus (the top of the uterus) to become more compact so that the implantation of the fertilized egg can occur satisfactorily.

If there is no fertilized egg to implant in the uterus, then a woman’s corpus luteum will stop producing progesterone for the next 11 to 17 days. Finally, the female body will excrete the unfertilized egg through menstruation.

Why is it important to consider this stage when trying to conceive?

Pregnancy does not begin when a sperm fertilizes an egg. Instead, a pregnancy begins when an embryo adheres to the uterus, a process called implantation.

For this to occur,  a woman’s body needs to administer the right amount of progesterone. This ensures that the surface is healthy and strong enough for growth to begin.

When a woman’s luteal phases last less than 10 days, it means that her body is producing less progesterone.

In other words, there is a smaller chance that an implantation may occur and that an embryo may adhere properly. Therefore, women, show luteal phase lasts up to 15 and 16 days, will have much easier time getting pregnant.

A short luteal phase can be due to several internal factors. For example, problems with the thyroid gland, aging and obesity can all cause the luteal phase to be shorter. Other aspects, such as stress, anxiety, excessive exercise and eating disorders, can also alter this, natural process.

Symptoms of problems with the luteal phase

• Short and frequent menstrual cycles.
• Abortion.
• Problems getting pregnant.
• Bleeding or spotting between the menstrual cycles. 

It is worth noting that the duration of the luteal phase should not change as women get older. What is changing is the amount of progesterone being produced as women approach menopause.

The luteal phase in women who will not conceive a child

The duration of this part of a woman’s menstrual cycle is a major indicator of the amount of her product of progesterone. Do not forget that this is a fundamental hormone in maintaining a healthy body. Some of the functions that progesterone has are the following:

• Development of healthy and strong bone cells.
• Improving metabolic functions (increases energy levels and regulates appetite).
• Helps women fall asleep and sleep better.
• Makes the skin and hair healthier, and gives them a shiny and healthier look.
• Counteracts the actions of cancer cells in the breasts and endometrium.
• Allows the muscles of the intestine to be more relaxed. This prevents complex and unpleasant conditions, such as constipation.
• Improves a woman’s mood during menstruation. 
• Strengthens the cells that make up the edge of the uterus where the fertilized egg will implant and develop.

The luteal phase is a very important indicator of fertility  The knowledge a woman has about her own body and reproductive system is essential if she wants to become a mother. 

If any of the above symptoms occur, women should consult a specialist who will perform the necessary examinations and recommend appropriate treatment.