The corpus luteum is formed from a follicle that once held a developing egg. As soon as a developed egg emerges from the follicle, this structure begins to form. The corpus luteum is required for conception and pregnancy to last.
Whether you choose to become pregnant or not, your body will periodically prepare for pregnancy during your reproductive years. The menstrual cycle is the product of this preparatory cycle.
The menstrual cycle is divided into two phases: follicular and postovulatory (or luteal). The luteal phase lasts roughly two weeks. A corpus luteum forms in the ovary at this time.
Corpus luteum Function
The corpus luteum’s major function is to pulse out hormones, including progesterone.
A viable pregnancy requires progesterone in order to occur and persist. Progesterone promotes the thickening and sponginess of the uterine lining, also known as the endometrium. These uterine modifications enable the implantation of a fertilized egg.
The uterus also feeds a fast developing embryo until the placenta, which also produces progesterone, can take over.
Pregnancy does not occur if a fertilized egg does not implant in the endometrium. Progesterone levels diminish as the corpus luteum shrinks. Menstruation causes the uterine lining to be shed.
Defect in the corpus luteum
A corpus luteum defect, also known as a luteal phase defect, is possible. It occurs when there is insufficient progesterone in the uterus to thicken the endometrium. It can also happen if the endometrium does not thicken in response to progesterone, even if there is some progesterone present.
Many conditions can result in a corpus luteum deficiency, including:
- too-high or too-low body mass index
- extreme amounts of exercise
- short luteal phase
- polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- endometriosis
- hyperprolactinemia
- thyroid disorders, including underactive thyroid, overactive thyroid, iodine deficiency, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
- extreme stress
- perimenopause
Defects in the corpus luteum can also occur for unknown reasons. When this occurs, you may be diagnosed with unexplained infertility.
Many of the disorders that cause corpus luteum abnormalities are also associated with infertility or miscarriage.
Symptoms of corpus luteum defect
Symptoms of corpus luteum defect can include:
- early pregnancy loss or recurrent miscarriage
- frequent or short periods
- spotting
- infertility
Corpus luteum diagnosis
There is no standard test for diagnosing a corpus luteum problem. Your doctor will most likely advise you to get hormonal blood tests to determine your progesterone level. They may also recommend vaginal sonograms during the luteal phase to assess the thickness of your uterine lining.
An endometrial biopsy is another possible diagnostic test. This biopsy is performed two days before your menstruation is due. If you have irregular periods, your doctor will arrange the test after the 21st day of your cycle.
A little portion of your uterine lining is removed for analysis under a microscope for this test.
Treatment for corpus luteum defect.
If you aren’t ovulating on a regular basis or at all, your doctor may try to promote ovulation with drugs like clomiphene (Clomid, Serophene) or injectable gonadotropins like human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). These drugs can be used alone or in conjunction with techniques like intrauterine insemination or in vitro fertilization (IVF). Some of these drugs will boost your chances of having twins or triplets.
After ovulation, your doctor may prescribe a progesterone supplement for you to consume. Oral progesterone pills, vaginal gels, and injectable treatments are all available. You and your doctor can weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each to choose which is best for you.
If you are experiencing early or repeated miscarriages as a result of a corpus luteum deficiency, your doctor will most likely give progesterone without the need for extra ovulation-stimulating medicine.
View point
A corpus luteum deficiency is easily corrected. Additional treatments or lifestyle changes may be required if you have an underlying illness such as endometriosis or polycystic ovarian syndrome. You should talk to your doctor about it.
Conception Advice
There are certain things you may do to assist keep or maintain fertility, which may make it easier for you to conceive:
- Keep your BMI within the normal range. Obesity and underweight can both have a harmful impact on hormonal health.
- Learn about your ancestors. Some infertility diagnoses appear to run in families. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (on either the father’s or mother’s side), primary ovarian insufficiency (premature ovarian failure), and endometriosis are examples. Celiac disease may potentially have an impact on fertility.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle by not smoking, eating a balanced diet, limiting carbohydrate intake, and exercising regularly.
- Meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises can help you manage your stress.
- Consider getting acupuncture. A beneficial relationship between conception and acupuncture has been discovered in studies. Women who have had acupuncture to reduce stress and boost blood flow to the uterus have higher conception rates.
- Avoid environmental poisons known as endocrine disruptors. Coal byproducts, mercury, phthalates, and bisphenol A are examples (BPA).
- Use a trustworthy at-home testing gadget to monitor your ovulation. Use ovulation apps or a basal body temperature thermometer sparingly.
Consult your doctor if you’ve been trying to conceive for more than a year if you’re under the age of 35, or more than six months if you’re 35 or older. Your doctor can assist you in developing a strategy to increase your chances of conception.
