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Luteal phase defect

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment

Definition:

Luteal phase defect is a disruption in the normal female menstrual cycle. The defect occurs when the body does not produce enough of the hormone progesterone. This results in a delay in the development of the lining of uterus (endometrium).

The luteal phase is the time between ovulation and the start of the next menstrual cycle.

Alternative Names:

Inadequate luteal phase

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The concept of luteal phase defect is controversial, and its role in infertility is uncertain. Luteal phase defects affect about 3 to 4% of women with infertility, and up to 5% in women with a history of repeated miscarriages.

However, luteal phase defects can be found in up to 30% of menstrual cycles of otherwise healthy women.

Risks factors include:

• A history of unexplained infertility
• A history of repeated miscarriages

• Review Date: 9/19/2006
• Reviewed By: Audra Robertson, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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