Luteal Phase Defect (Newbie question - long)

daisyross

I haven't been temping, but I have been using OPKs since May so I know when I O.  I have also been keeping track of my other symptoms (CM, etc).  Two months ago, and now this month I have spotting at 5-6 dpo; the other month it went from 6 dpo to 9 dpo, then stopped completely until AF on 12 dpo.

I called my Dr. and he said it could be a slight Luteal Phase Defect and prescribed me progesterone over the phone.  I am going to start temping next month to try and figure out what is going on. 

I don't really feel comfortable taking the progesterone without having any tests done to check my levels, but the Dr. didn't seem worried.  I also thought it was weird that I have never noticed the spotting before TTC (and it was enough that I would have noticed).

I guess my question is does this seem normal to have something prescribed without even being seen at the office or having tests?  Has anyone else had anything like this happen?

MrsPBNJ0220

I don't know much about this sort of stuff. But on the norm I don't think it's good that a prescription for that is given before knowing for sure.  I would have did temping before I called the Dr. though, because you can get a +OPK and still not ovulate.  So, until you temp you can't even be sure you are ovulating.  GL though!

punkymama

If you think you have a short LP you should have 7DPO b/w done to confirm it before taking any meds (in my opinion).

I understand that you use OPKs but they don't tell that you O'd only that you are about to O.  The only ways to tell if you O is by temping every morning or bloodwork. 

What day are you counting from to get your LP #?  Is it the day of your +OPK?  Or do you count the 1st or 2nd day after the +OPK? 

ETA: clarification

daisyross

MrsPBNJ0220:

I don't know much about this sort of stuff. But on the norm I don't think it's good that a prescription for that is given before knowing for sure.  I would have did temping before I called the Dr. though, because you can get a +OPK and still not ovulate.  So, until you temp you can't even be sure you are ovulating.  GL though!

Thanks! I guess the reason I assumed I was O-ing is because I get AF regularly, and have never really had any other problems. 

Definitely going to start temping next cycle, or maybe now just to get in the habit! 

heathlyn9

daisyross:

I haven't been temping, but I have been using OPKs since May so I know when I O.  I have also been keeping track of my other symptoms (CM, etc).  Two months ago, and now this month I have spotting at 5-6 dpo; the other month it went from 6 dpo to 9 dpo, then stopped completely until AF on 12 dpo.

I called my Dr. and he said it could be a slight Luteal Phase Defect and prescribed me progesterone over the phone.  I am going to start temping next month to try and figure out what is going on. 

I don't really feel comfortable taking the progesterone without having any tests done to check my levels, but the Dr. didn't seem worried.  I also thought it was weird that I have never noticed the spotting before TTC (and it was enough that I would have noticed).

I guess my question is does this seem normal to have something prescribed without even being seen at the office or having tests?  Has anyone else had anything like this happen?

Uh..

No this is NOT normal. To me, it doesn't even sound like you have an LPD. If I'm getting what you are saying, your LP is 12 days, but you have some spotting during it? That does not make it a defect. My LP is only 7 days. AF starts for me at 8 dpo hence turning it into CD1. 

I went to my OB/Gyn after two charted cycles showing a 7 day LP & she said we could try B6, but that it was way too early in her opinion to start with the Progesterone. If I have two more cycles of the same & no change with the B6 she will do testing for me on cycle 6. 

Wow....you need to get a new doctor or push for testing. Why would you want to take a medication that you may not even need?

daisyross

punkymama:

If you think you have a short LP you should have 7DPO b/w done to confirm it before taking any meds (in my opinion).

I understand that you use OPKs but they don't tell that you O'd only that you are about to O.  The only ways to tell if you O is by temping every morning or bloodwork. 

What day are you counting from to get your LP #?  Is it the day of your +OPK?  Or do you count the 1st or 2nd day after the +OPK? 

ETA: clarification

I have been counting 1 day AFTER the +OPKs.  I am using IC OPKs twice a day around the time I know I will get a + and I seem to get 3 consecutive +s (morning, evening, and next morning).  

I haven't been temping because DH and I aren't really on a set waking up schedule, but I am just going to have to suck it up and set an early alarm! 

daisyross

heathlyn9:

daisyross:

I haven't been temping, but I have been using OPKs since May so I know when I O.  I have also been keeping track of my other symptoms (CM, etc).  Two months ago, and now this month I have spotting at 5-6 dpo; the other month it went from 6 dpo to 9 dpo, then stopped completely until AF on 12 dpo.

I called my Dr. and he said it could be a slight Luteal Phase Defect and prescribed me progesterone over the phone.  I am going to start temping next month to try and figure out what is going on. 

I don't really feel comfortable taking the progesterone without having any tests done to check my levels, but the Dr. didn't seem worried.  I also thought it was weird that I have never noticed the spotting before TTC (and it was enough that I would have noticed).

I guess my question is does this seem normal to have something prescribed without even being seen at the office or having tests?  Has anyone else had anything like this happen?

Uh..

No this is NOT normal. To me, it doesn't even sound like you have an LPD. If I'm getting what you are saying, your LP is 12 days, but you have some spotting during it? That does not make it a defect. My LP is only 7 days. AF starts for me at 8 dpo hence turning it into CD1. 

I went to my OB/Gyn after two charted cycles showing a 7 day LP & she said we could try B6, but that it was way too early in her opinion to start with the Progesterone. If I have two more cycles of the same & no change with the B6 she will do testing for me on cycle 6. 

Wow....you need to get a new doctor or push for testing. Why would you want to take a medication that you may not even need?

 

Thank you! Those were my thoughts exactly, but since I am so new to this I wasn't sure.  The research I have done on my own made me question the diagnosis as well!  I haven't taken the progesterone, and will insist on b/w once I find a new Dr.  Thanks again. 

punkymama

daisyross:

punkymama:

If you think you have a short LP you should have 7DPO b/w done to confirm it before taking any meds (in my opinion).

I understand that you use OPKs but they don't tell that you O'd only that you are about to O.  The only ways to tell if you O is by temping every morning or bloodwork. 

What day are you counting from to get your LP #?  Is it the day of your +OPK?  Or do you count the 1st or 2nd day after the +OPK? 

ETA: clarification

I have been counting 1 day AFTER the +OPKs.  I am using IC OPKs twice a day around the time I know I will get a + and I seem to get 3 consecutive +s (morning, evening, and next morning).  

I haven't been temping because DH and I aren't really on a set waking up schedule, but I am just going to have to suck it up and set an early alarm! 

Yeah I would temp for 2 cycles and see exactly how long your LP is before taking any meds.  For most Drs to consider that LP short, it has to be less than 10 days and some Drs feel that 10-12 days is short LP; depends on your Dr's viewpoint.

GL temping!

heathlyn9

daisyross:

heathlyn9:

daisyross:

I haven't been temping, but I have been using OPKs since May so I know when I O.  I have also been keeping track of my other symptoms (CM, etc).  Two months ago, and now this month I have spotting at 5-6 dpo; the other month it went from 6 dpo to 9 dpo, then stopped completely until AF on 12 dpo.

I called my Dr. and he said it could be a slight Luteal Phase Defect and prescribed me progesterone over the phone.  I am going to start temping next month to try and figure out what is going on. 

I don't really feel comfortable taking the progesterone without having any tests done to check my levels, but the Dr. didn't seem worried.  I also thought it was weird that I have never noticed the spotting before TTC (and it was enough that I would have noticed).

I guess my question is does this seem normal to have something prescribed without even being seen at the office or having tests?  Has anyone else had anything like this happen?

Uh..

No this is NOT normal. To me, it doesn't even sound like you have an LPD. If I'm getting what you are saying, your LP is 12 days, but you have some spotting during it? That does not make it a defect. My LP is only 7 days. AF starts for me at 8 dpo hence turning it into CD1. 

I went to my OB/Gyn after two charted cycles showing a 7 day LP & she said we could try B6, but that it was way too early in her opinion to start with the Progesterone. If I have two more cycles of the same & no change with the B6 she will do testing for me on cycle 6. 

Wow....you need to get a new doctor or push for testing. Why would you want to take a medication that you may not even need?

 

Thank you! Those were my thoughts exactly, but since I am so new to this I wasn't sure.  The research I have done on my own made me question the diagnosis as well!  I haven't taken the progesterone, and will insist on b/w once I find a new Dr.  Thanks again. 

Glad to help & I think you will really like charting with temp. I just set my alarm for before either DH or I have to be up & take it. Then I ALWAYS go back to sleep. It's not so bad once you get used to it. Good luck! 

daisyross

Thanks for your opinions and being so welcoming!

Ceridwen21

I would not be seeking medical advice or intervention without charting for at least 3-4 months first.  You don't know your cycle yet.

txhillcountrybaby

This last month was my first month temping and using OPK without the charting I would not have known nor my doctor, that I O on day 23 of a 31 day cycle. My cycle is very regular of being 31 days. I had always tracked the start and stop and assumed I Oed right in the middle.

I still have to temp for one more month to take into my doctor before she will start me on anything to increase my LP from 8 days. Believe me I called my Gyno. as soon as AF showed this month. We had tried for off and on year with charting or having a true idea of my fertility. My doc is proactive but is not going to but me on anything without knowing that this month was not a fluke. That is why she requested I temp again this month then call to make my appt. if it stays the same this month.

Without any testing I would not start on any hormones. There is to much risk that you could be over or under doses. Which could in effect mess you up for future cycles much as BC does. 

That M2C anyways! 

 

katiesue55419

txhillcountrywife:

This last month was my first month temping and using OPK without the charting I would not have known nor my doctor, that I O on day 23 of a 31 day cycle. My cycle is very regular of being 31 days. I had always tracked the start and stop and assumed I Oed right in the middle.

I still have to temp for one more month to take into my doctor before she will start me on anything to increase my LP from 8 days. Believe me I called my Gyno. as soon as AF showed this month. We had tried for off and on year with charting or having a true idea of my fertility. My doc is proactive but is not going to but me on anything without knowing that this month was not a fluke. That is why she requested I temp again this month then call to make my appt. if it stays the same this month.

Without any testing I would not start on any hormones. There is to much risk that you could be over or under doses. Which could in effect mess you up for future cycles much as BC does. 

That M2C anyways! 

 

Just a side note- txhillcountrywife, do you even know how great it is that you have a doctor that encourages and makes use of charting?!! YAY!

 

cozylittlecave

Yeah- I'd definitely get a 2nd opinion. I'm not sure that the spotting is any cause for concern, but if you're worried at all, ask another doc. A LP defect though? from what I know, it doesn't sound like it. My LP is 10 days (verge of being too short), but I was able to get KU. It was an interstitial ectopic though, and when I asked if the short LP could be a problem, the doctor said that unless it happens again, there was no reason to suspect that. Plenty of women with 10 day LPs have perfectly normal pregnancies. So I wouldn't worry about a short LP, and if you're anxious about the spotting, get a 2nd opinion. GL!

 And I'd definitely recommend temping now too (if only to get you in the swing of things). A lot of us all chart using fertility friend- that way you can easily show us your chart when you have a question. You can sign up for free through any of our tickers in our siggys.  

txhillcountrybaby

katiesue55419:

txhillcountrywife:

This last month was my first month temping and using OPK without the charting I would not have known nor my doctor, that I O on day 23 of a 31 day cycle. My cycle is very regular of being 31 days. I had always tracked the start and stop and assumed I Oed right in the middle.

I still have to temp for one more month to take into my doctor before she will start me on anything to increase my LP from 8 days. Believe me I called my Gyno. as soon as AF showed this month. We had tried for off and on year with charting or having a true idea of my fertility. My doc is proactive but is not going to but me on anything without knowing that this month was not a fluke. That is why she requested I temp again this month then call to make my appt. if it stays the same this month.

Without any testing I would not start on any hormones. There is to much risk that you could be over or under doses. Which could in effect mess you up for future cycles much as BC does. 

That M2C anyways! 

 

Just a side note- txhillcountrywife, do you even know how great it is that you have a doctor that encourages and makes use of charting?!! YAY!

 

 

Trust me it was a battle before. I had a Dr that was totally against what my wishes would be in the form of pregnancy and birth so I axe him. I was tired of being told this is the way it is done and I have no choice that everything was routine and I would have to follow his office plan of actions. (I was having a problem with knowing all he does is scheduled inductions or c-sections. Every woman I talked to in the waiting room when ask what the due date was told me one day but that their scheduled induce was 2 weeks before) I had a Pre-TTC appointment with a couple dr and this one is closer to my age has a 2 year old and was very well spoken of new technology as well as supportive to my wishes for the future. She charted herself and recommended it before going on any drugs. She told me to try for 6 months, try not to stress, but to get the clear picture of my "inners" to chart and record daily activity. I really like my doctor and she is accessable.