Your luteal phase is the second half of your menstrual cycle, occurring after ovulation and ending when you get your period. You may feel tired during this time, as your body works to support a possible pregnancy.
Design by Health
The menstrual cycle is divided into four phases:
- The follicular phase is when your body prepares to release an egg for possible fertilization. During this phase, estrogen levels are high.
- Ovulation typically happens halfway between periods. During ovulation, follicle-stimulating hormones (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) cause your ovary to release an egg.
- The luteal phase occurs in the second half of your cycle, right after ovulation, and typically lasts for two weeks.
- The menstrual phase is when you get your period, assuming an egg was not fertilized. During the menstrual cycle, estrogen and progesterone are low.
The luteal phase is dominated by the hormone progesterone, which plays several important roles in supporting a possible pregnancy:
- Thickening the lining of your uterus
- Helping support the growth and implantation of a possible fertilized egg
- Thickening your cervical fluids to protect against bacterial growth or other infections
- Slightly increasing your overall body temperature
During this phase, progesterone causes the lining of your uterus to thicken. You may also notice:
- Thickened, pasty, or sticky cervical mucus
- Mood changes, including increased stress and anxiety
- Increased food cravings and binge eating symptoms
Toward the end of your luteal phase, as your period gets closer, you may experience premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms. These include:
- Bloating and weight gain
- Cramps and stomach aches
- Lower back pain
- Appetite changes and food cravings
- Tender, swollen breasts
- Bowel changes
- Exhaustion
- Nausea
- Mood swings, including anger and irritability
- Depressed mood and crying
- Restlessness
The luteal phase begins as soon as ovulation ends and lasts until your uterine lining sheds (your period).
The average length of a luteal phase is about 14 days, but it can vary.
Short Luteal Phase
Most luteal phases last about 14 days, but they can be as short as 11 days. When a luteal phase is nine days or less, it’s considered a short luteal phase.
Short luteal phases may cause:
- Spotting several days before an expected period
- Irregular menstrual bleeding
- Fertility issues
- Recurrent pregnancy losses
Long Luteal Phase
A long luteal phase lasts 17 days or more, or when your period comes more than 17 days after you ovulate. Long luteal phases are less common than short luteal phases.
Hormonal imbalances may be linked with longer luteal phases. For example, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is sometimes associated with a long luteal phase.
A luteal phase defect occurs when you aren’t secreting enough progesterone during your luteal phase. This is also referred to as luteal phase deficiency.
Early pregnancy loss and recurring miscarriage are common with luteal phase defect because your body isn’t producing enough progesterone to build the uterine lining to support the embryo.
A healthcare provider can examine you and do blood work to check your hormone levels. They will also check for underlying conditions that may contribute, including hypothyroidism (lower than normal levels of thyroid hormones) and hyperprolactinemia (higher than normal levels of prolactin).
Treatments for luteal phase deficiency include:
- Addressing any underlying condition
- Clomid, a medication that makes your ovaries produce and release more eggs
- Letrozole, a medication that decreases estrogen
- Progesterone supplementation, to supplement low levels of progesterone
If you have luteal phase defects, you will need treatment, such as medications or supplements that can balance your hormones. You may also need treatment for any underlying conditions that may be causing the luteal phase defect.
For PMS, speak to your doctor if your symptoms interfere with your daily life. Medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), birth control pills, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief, may help.
Lifestyle modifications can also help improve PMS symptoms. These include:
- Exercise
- Massage
- Light therapy
- A balanced, varied, nutrient-dense diet
- Stress management
- Quality sleep
