Women with a hormonal imbalance may be infertile. In fact, the majority of couples who have problems trying to conceive are due to a hormonal imbalance that affects the woman’s luteal phase. When the luteal phase is not long enough the body cannot support a pregnancy. A woman’s luteal phase occurs from ovulation to menstruation.

In order for a pregnancy to be maintained the luteal phase must be a minimum of 10 days if not longer. This is when the body produces the most progesterone. When the progesterone is not being produced correctly by the body then the entire hormonal balance will be off. This makes it difficult to conceive.

Normal luteal phases last 12 to 14 days. Women may have a luteal phase that lasts from as little as 10 days to as many as 17 days. However, the average is 14 days. A luteal phase defect occurs when the body has a luteal phase that is fewer than 10 days or when the body’s basal temperature is too low. The main reason for a luteal phase defect is a hormone imbalance and that’s why this is such a common cause of infertility.

This is so important because a pregnancy cannot be sustained if the luteal phase is not long enough because there is not enough progesterone. Usually, when a woman conceives and there is not enough progesterone then it is common for it to be a chemical pregnancy or end in miscarriage. Progesterone may be prescribed, however, as a suppository or in cream form. This allows women to replace their progesterone and in this case women should take the progesterone for at least 12 weeks.

Women with a luteal phase defect can be treated with medications or supplements and the need for drugs is not needed. Before beginning any treatment of a luteal phase defect make sure you talk with your doctor and that the course of treatment is recommended for you.