Luteal phase defect

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Anatomy of a normal placenta

Cesarean section

Placenta

Placenta

Luteal phase defect is a disruption in the normal female menstrual cycle. The defect occurs when the body does not produce enough of the hormone progesterone. This results in a delay in the development of the lining of uterus (endometrium).

The luteal phase is the time between ovulation and the start of the next menstrual cycle.

Inadequate luteal phase

The concept of luteal phase defect is controversial, and its role in infertility is uncertain. Luteal phase defects affect about 3 to 4% of women with infertility, and up to 5% in women with a history of repeated miscarriages.

However, luteal phase defects can be found in up to 30% of menstrual cycles of otherwise healthy women.

Risks factors include:

• A history of unexplained infertility
• A history of repeated miscarriages

Review Date: 09/19/2006
Reviewed By: Audra Robertson, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.