Why does my Luteal Phase change?

cvandy1515

Would love some feedback regarding why my luteal phase varies. I stopped taking birth control July 17th of this year so this will be our fourth cycle TTC. 

July ovulated CD 14; Luteal Phase = 18 days. August ovulated CD 15; Luteal Phase = 18 days. September ovulated CD 20; Luteal Phase = 13 days. Any thoughts?

Sporty1216

I don't have any real expertise on this, but I know folks say it can take a while for your cycles to normalize after getting off BC. If it keeps up, I'd be sure to ask your OB.

Infantino22

Are you temping to determine ovulation or are you using OPKs? FYI - If you're using OPK's, they indicate a surge in the hormone that causes ovulation, but they don't mark your exact ovulation time period. Most of the ladies on these boards recommend temping to get a complete picture of your cycle.

If you are temping and seeing the changes in luteal phase length, I'd ask your doc. My understanding is that it typically doesn't change without some hormone manipulation.

Good luck!!

lickastick

@the9monthproject If you truly know it is the luteal phase that is varied and not the follicular phase or the first part of the cycle, it can be different for a number of reasons. Do you know if you have an ovarian cycts? do you have pain at ovulation or a sensation of heaviness on one side around ovulation time only some of the months? A cyst on one side can effect the production of progesteron and it will show up only on the cycles that you ovulate the side with the cyst. 

Also if it is just the one cycle that is off and all of the others are the same, I have read that a early menses like that can be a MMC that you don't even know about (not trying to freak you out at all, it is very normal and many have it without knowing a thing is wrong.) The pregnancy not being viable can spontaneously end and cause early menstruation. 

One cycle being off doesn't give you a lot of information, you'll have to wait and see how the next couple of cycles are. Good luck!

rspalding001

I agree with @createillumination that 1 cycle can be excused as a fluke. In general the luteal phase will only vary by a day or two at the most. Like @Infantino22 said you cant be 100 % sure when you ovulated unless you are temping however, so if you are just using OPKs you may have ovulated sooner than you thought. 

emsmama15

It took my body about 4 months to regulate to my normal LP and ovulation day after birth control, so it could just be that.  See what the next one is and if it's 13, I'd say that may be your normal (much more common than 18 days anyway).  If it's 18, maybe the 13 was a fluke...