Luteal Phase Defect 

The luteal phase of a woman’s cycle occurs after ovulation and lasts until just before menstruation begins. In a 28 day cycle, the luteal phase is generally around to be 12-15 days in length. This is the phase of the cycle when progesterone is high, and the uterine lining becomes thick to prepare for implantation/pregnancy or menstruation. When progesterone levels are low, it will cause the luteal phase to be short (10 days or shorter). This can cause potential implantation issues and or potentially increase pregnancy loss rates. 
 

Symptoms of LPD

• Recurrent losses

• Bleeding in between cycles

• Low basal body temperature

• Short menstrual cycles
   

Acupuncture & LPD​​

Acupuncture can help the luteal phase by addressing the root through a Traditional Chinese Medicine lens.  We work to support blood flow to help support the follicular phase and mid cycle ovulation, which can support a health luteal phase.  We also work to support the yang in the luteal phase, this can help to support the function of the second half of the cycle.  The yang energy in TCM helps to support life, growth and devolvement, and increasing the warmth in the body.  Nourishing the warm life-giving energy helps to support pregnancy in various ways.   

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Research on Acupuncture & LPD​​

53 patients with Luteal phase defect (LPD) were treated with different Chinese medicinal herbs at different phases of menstrual cycle. The patients were treated for three menstrual cycles. There were significant improvement in the luteal phase of endometrium, and prolonged basal body temperature elevation in progestational stage with a tendency for normalization of the wave forms and its amplitude after the treatment. In the mid-progestational stage, the level of serum LH and PRL were reduced (P < 0.05) and that of serum progestin (P) rose significantly (P < 0.01), as compared with those before the treatment. The findings suggested that Chinese herbal medicines capable of replenishing the Kidney could regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis and thus improve the luteal function. Among the 53 cases, 22 (41.5%) conceived but 68.18% of them required other measures to preserve the pregnancy.

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Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Shaanxi
PMID: 1477503 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]