Atomic, fenugreek for short LP

[katewantsagirl]

I read that fenugreek can lengthen LP? I'm CD16 and will ovulate in next few days, but my LP is only 7-10 days. I took fennugreek for extra milk for awhile so have the capsules. Should I take it after I've ovulated then stop if bfp? Is there a recommended dose? I'll up the soy milk too. Should I try B6 or it can mess with the cycle too much?

[katewantsagirl]

(I'm breastfeeding a 14mo)

[maidentomother]

I've never heard of fenugreek extending a short LP and I've researched OTC/herbal supps to help short LPs extensively as mine has always been short.

9 years ago I tried an herbal method that supposedly could increase breast size, consisting of high doses of fenugreek and saw palmetto in combination. I was on them for several months, 6-9 or so, and I was actively charting the entire time. The herbs had no apparent effect on my cycle in any way; my LP was its usual 8-11 days (rarely 6-7, even more rarely 12) and just as erratic as it has always been. Maybe fenugreek alone would be different but I'm extremely doubtful.

I would not recommend B6; it doesn't always or even usually help (it does nothing for me), it sways blue, and it can delay O and cause spotting. The only OTC supp that has ever lengthened my LP is Vitex, which really does the trick for me - it's the only time I've ever had 13-14 day LPs. And after just 10 days of taking it I saw days of improvement.

Is your LP short just due to BFing? Have you conceived before while BFing?

[katewantsagirl]

No I haven't concieved while bfing. I took vitex but only for 10 days. I'm going to start nightweaning so maybe will just see how things go in the months to come. Thanks for your response!!

[maidentomother]

I think it's the BFing then. Good luck with nightweaning!

[LacePrincess]

I'm not an expert but I've used fenugreek to help lactation before, and from what I recall fenugreek acts to increase prolactin and thus increase milk production.

So I would think that if anything, fenugreek would interfere with ovulation since prolactin impedes ovulation, which would more likely make your LP worse, not better.

It's REALLY likely your LP issues are from bf'ing itself.

My personal experience with B6 and Vitex to help my LP (it's always been absolute crap, average 10-11 days at max 12) was, neither really helped. B6 did nothing and Vitex made things worse. So everyone is different. You need to be careful with the herbs too, as if they make things wonkier it can take months for your body to rebalance, so when bf'ing is likely your issue I wouldn't be throwing herbs on top to make things even more confusing for your body.

[atomic sagebrush]

If you wait to take it till after you ovulate, it's too late. In order for any of these things to help, you need to be on them consecutively for awhile.

I suspect your short LP is prob. from breastfeeding and is going to get better on its own anyway. In my experience, everything that supposedly lengthens LP works in 3 months, and then if you'd done nothing, your LP would be longer (or you'd have gotten pregnant) within a quarter of a year. I would not have you take either of them.

I think B6 sways blue and 8 out of 10 times causes more trouble than it was worth.

Agree with Maiden that vitex works better anyway. I have never heard of fenugreek used in this way.

[True Blue]

I have also used fenugreek while nursing and no change in cycle while doing so.

[katewantsagirl]

I read about the fennugreek in your essay. Number 3image.jpg

[atomic sagebrush]

I think I wrote that 4 years ago. It happens sometimes when you have written nearly 50,000 posts. Sorry for confusion.