Short luteal phase

[Scarlettgray]

I've got an email out to my OB, but wondered what some of you have experienced when dealing with a short luteal phase. Mine has never been more than 10 days and usually closer to 7 or 8. Should I expect any sort of testing? If I require Clomid would it be prescribed by my OB or would I need to see a RE?

I started Vitex a couple weeks back and hoping it might help!

[maidentomother]

Probably you get a CD21 test, where they check your progesterone levels 7 days after ovulation. Many if not most OBs will prescribe clomid, so you shouldn't have to go to an RE, but if your test results are extreme, your OB may refer you to an RE.

I assume you are charting with vaginal temping amd that's how you know your LP is short?

I have a short LP too, about 10 days on average lately but often under, even as short as 4 days on occasion. Vitex has been great for my LP, lengthening it to 13-14 days even after just a week of taking it (1200mg, non extract form). However, you can't take clomid on vitex, so if you get rx'ed clomid, stop taking the vitex when you start the new cycle during which you'll take clomid.

I should add, I need to take Vitex after O to get the LP benefits, so I take it all cycle long.

[atomic sagebrush]

If you're having LP of 7-8 days I'd expect Clomid. Do let them know you've been trying vitex, esp. if htey do any bloodwork.

It largely depends on your doctor's preference whether or not youll need to see an RE. Some doctors are fine with prescribing it (even GP do it quite a lot really) while others prefer to hand it over to the specialists.

[Scarlettgray]

I've always temped orally but maybe I should try vaginally? Is it more accurate? I also only take Vitex AF-O, so I will try taking it the entire cycle and see if that helps! Thank you both for the help/advice!

[atomic sagebrush]

it's somewhat more accurate but if orally works ok for you that's fine.

I really, really, really do not think vitex all month long is a good idea for people. Maiden disagrees and that is fine. It is not and never will be my recommendation because I've seen people having real problems getting pregnant taking it all month long.

[maidentomother]

Some people temp just fine orally, so if your charts are clear and your temps stable, you don't necessarily need to switch. Vaginal temping is generally more accurate, but if you're happy temping orally it's not a big deal.

For some women, taking Vitex all month long can prevent O - especially the first month or two taking it while your body adjusts. But if you're temping, you'll figure out pretty quickly if you're in that minority who don't O, or at least not initially, on Vitex. If it's a problem for you, you can try taking Vitex from just after O until AF. For me, that lengthens my LP almost as much as taking it all month long. But just taking Vitex from AF to O doesn't seem to do much for my LP, and I have observed other women react similarly.

Good luck whatever you do, and if you can get clomid, that's definitely superior to Vitex, both in terms of LP benefits and swaying pink. Plus, it's much less likely to throw off your cycle.

[Scarlettgray]

Spoke with my OB today and she'd like me to give Clomid a try. Should I continue to take Vitex until I start the Clomid?

[atomic sagebrush]

no drop it now. Clomid is 10 zillion times better than Vitex and the vitex may make the Clomid not work right.