How is the luteal phase counted? What if I have spotting before my period starts? The luteal phase of the menstrual cycle is counted from the day after ovulation (ie the day of your first raised temperature) through to and including the day before your next period starts. Remember that your period starts with the first day of actual bleeding, so any days of spotting beforehand are counted as part…Read More

I think I might have a short luteal phase – how can I be sure? A luteal phase length of at least 10 days is usually required for successful implantation of an embryo. Anything less than 10 days is considered a ‘short luteal phase’ and will usually prevent a pregnancy from establishing. Spotting that occurs within 10 days of ovulation can also suggest a luteal phase defect. Before you start to…Read More

My luteal phase is longer than normal, my temperatures are still up and I don’t have my period yet. What does this mean? Within an individual woman, the length of the luteal phase is usually consistent, being the same number of days each cycle (give or take a day or so). If you are at least 2 days beyond your normal luteal phase length, there’s a good chance that you…Read More

My luteal phase is longer than 18 days, but a pregnancy test showed a negative result. What’s going on? A luteal phase of 18 days or more is usually a sign of pregnancy. However, a negative pregnancy test could indicate one of the following: 1. Firstly, the home pregnancy test may be showing a false negative. You may like to ask your doctor for a blood test to confirm whether…Read More

I thought that the luteal phase was supposed to be the same length each cycle. Mine keeps changing. Is that a problem? Within an individual woman, the luteal phase is normally very consistent from cycle to cycle, usually varying by only 1 or 2 days at the most. However, if your luteal phase varies significantly from cycle to cycle (and you are able to clearly identify your ovulation day), this…Read More