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 you are pregnant or not.
2. Another possibility is that you may be about to experience an early miscarriage, with pregnancy hormone levels having dropped beyond a detectable level. If you see your temperatures begin to drop rapidly, miscarriage may be imminent and you should consult your doctor.
3. On rare occasions, an extended luteal phase can be caused by an ovarian cyst – either a corpus luteum cyst or a cyst from a condition known as luteinized unruptured follicle syndrome (LUFS). Normally, these cysts are nothing to worry about and usually resolve on their own, but if you are worried or experience pain or other symptoms, you should consult your doctor as soon as possible.
4. Finally, you may simply have ovulated later than your chart suggests or not at all. If you are a Premium Member, we can help you assess your chart.
