Luteal Phase Defect (LPD)

Luteal Phase Defect is the shortening of the second half of the menstrual cycle from a typical 14 days, to less then 12. Luteal Phase Defect (or LPD) affects the body’s “incubator”, affecting the production and response of the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) and ultimately causing problems with implantation of the embryo.

Signs that may lead to a diagnosis of Luteal Phase Defect (LPD) include:

  • a luteal phase (the number of days between ovulation and the next period) of less than 12 days

  • menopausal symptoms

  • low serum progesterone level on day 21 of cycle

  • spotting before period

LPD is generally considered by Western fertility experts to be an insufficiency of progesterone production. However, administering progesterone often does not cure it, because low progesterone is often not the only factor involved in LPD. It is often the case that factors such as impaired follicular development, LH & FSH or an endometrium which is out of sync with the blastocyst also play a role.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) understands that there are often multiple interrelated factors which contribute to Luteal Phase Defect, and that each phase of the menstrual cycle affects the others. Typical patterns of disharmony which may be diagnosed include:

  • Kidney Yin Deficiency

  • Blood Stasis

  • Liver Qi Stagnation

  • Ki Yang and/or Spleen Qi Deficiency

  • Cold Uterus

Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine will seek to resolve these imbalances, which will result in improved egg quality, increased progesterone and a luteal phase which lasts long enough to allow conception to occur.

How can I find out more about how Acupuncture Hassocks can help with Luteal Phase Defect (LPD)?

If you think you may have Luteal Phase Defect (LPD), or have been diagnosed with the condition and are trying to conceive, and would like to know more about how Katie at Acupuncture Hassocks can help, call or text Katie on 07854 987806 or email acupuncturehassocks@gmail.com.

All treatments are carried out at Acupuncture Hassocks Clinic based in Hassocks, West Sussex. The clinic is near to Hassocks train station, so is easily reachable from Brighton, Burgess Hill or Haywards Heath. If you are travelling by car from Hurstpierpoint, Ditchling or surrounding areas, there is free on road parking.

call or text Katie on 07854 987806, or fill in the contact form.