Why is
it called the luteal phase?
The luteal
phase is named after the corpus
luteum which means yellow body in Latin. The
corpus luteum is what remains of the follicle after the egg
is released. The corpus leteum produces progesterone. Progesterone
helps to thicken the lining of the uterus for your egg to
implant. The corpus luteum only lasts for about 12-14 days
unless it begins receiving hCG
(human chorionic gonadotropin) from a developing embryo. Once
the corpus luteum dies progesterone and estrogen levels drop.
Low progesterone levels signal your body to start shedding
the lining of your uterus for a new cycle.
Short
Luteal Phases
Ordinarily
the luteal phase of a woman’s cycle is around 12-14
days, even if you have a very long cycle. The follicular phase
may vary from woman to woman but the luteal phase is normally
around 12-14 days for most women. A luteal phase that is shorter
than 12 days may be a concern for some women. In order to
sustain a pregnancy, you need to have enough progesterone.
If the corpus
luteum dies earlier than 12 days, your body may
not produce enough progesterone
for a healthy pregnancy.
How long
is my luteal phase?
BBT
charting is the best way to find out how long
your luteal phase is. You can also use
an ovualation prediction kit to confirm ovulation.
You will want to keep a chart even if you use an ovulation
kit. By charting you can tell when you ovulated and have an
accurate record to show your doctor.
