Luteal phase: everything you need to know about this period of the menstrual cycle

The luteal phase is the period of the menstrual cycle after ovulation and just before periods. What do you need to know about this phase? We tell you everything in this article!

What is the luteal phase?

The menstrual cycle is divided into 4 phases: the periodsthe follicular phase, ovulation and the luteal phase (discussed in this article).

This is the last phase of the cycle. It lasts around 14 days. This is when the ovulatory window occurs, i.e. when the woman is at her most fertile. 

It is during this second phase that the embryo can implant in the uterus. It's also known as the secretory phase. In the absence of fertilization, this phase occurs between ovulation and the first day of periods, whereas if fertilization has taken place, it occurs between the 14th day (ovulatory period) and implantation of the embryo (i.e. the start of pregnancy). 

During this phase, the mucous membrane becomes thicker and fills with blood. This is a reaction triggered by progesterone (which acts on the uterine mucosa) to enable it to receive an embryo and prepare for pregnancy, with the nesting and growth of the egg. 

It's during this phase that premenstrual syndrome (PMS) disorders occur. PMS corresponds to a set of physical and psychological symptoms such as sore breasts, stomach aches, hunger pangs, fatigue, sadness, mood and sleep disorders, etc. l... 

Focus on the corpus luteum: a key element of pregnancy

The corpus luteum is created by theempty shell of the ovum, i.e. a mature ovarian follicle. It is a temporary endocrine gland that produces progesterone to make the uterus welcoming and ready for a future embryo.

If fertilization does not take place, the corpus luteum will deteriorate in around 14 days, before periods occurs. 

On the other hand, s'there is fertilization, the corpus luteum will always produce progesterone hormones, at a high rate to allow vascularization and subsequent implantation. At the same time, progesterone will make the cervical mucus denser, making it more difficult for sperm to pass through to protect lthe uterus.

How long is the luteal phase?

Unlike the lfollicular phase (the period when follicles develop), its duration does not change. On average, it lasts 14 days, regardless of how long your cycle lasts. For some women, it can last from 13 to 15 days, but this is rarer. It's important to have a normal cycle length: it indicates that your body is working well and that you're in good health.

What happens in the event of a short luteal phase?

If you have a short luteal period, i.e. less than 11 days, this is called luteal insufficiency. The same applies if progesterone levels are too low (i.e. less than 0.5 ng/ml). In the case of a short luteal period, the chances of conceiving are much lower, and in some cases nil, since embryo implantation is impossible. Since progesterone levels are too low, the uterus cannot be ready for pregnancy, as the uterine lining is evacuated before the embryo has had time to implant.

Insufficient progesterone levels also increase the risk of miscarriage. Good progesterone levels also enable the fetus to develop properly. 

When we have a short luteal period, we are prone to spotting and have a short menstrual cycle. 

How can I lengthen the luteal phase?

Of course, there are solutions to help extend the luteal phase, or ensure that your body's progesterone levels are sufficient. These may include : 

• Treatment for thyroid disorders (if the problem is a malfunction of the thyroid gland);
• Taking vitamin C;
• Progesterone creams ;
• Hormonal treatment;
• Progesterone supplementation .

What are the symptoms of the luteal phase on the female body?

Like all other phases, this period brings its own set of symptoms . There are several ways to tell if you're in this phase:

• By taking your body temperature: it will rise by 0.3 to 0.5 degrees on average;
• With the increase in hormones, it is possible to have a greater appetite;
• The white discharge changes in appearance: during the middle days of the cycle, it becomes more abundant and liquid to facilitate the passage of spermatozoa. A few days later, it becomes thicker and opaque;
• Finally, the easiest way to find out if you are in the luteal phase is to calculate your menstrual cycle. SIf it's regular, it's all the easier to know which phase you're in.

How to calculate the arrival of the luteal phase?

If you're planning a pregnancy or simply want to get to know your cycle better, it can be useful to learn how to calculate the arrival of your different phases. To make life easier, we recommend using a application periods. Otherwise, here's everything you need to know to calculate it yourself!

28-day menstrual cycle

If your cycle lasts 28 days, then your luteal period lasts 14 days. lThe luteal period begins on day 15 of periods and ends on day 28, with the arrival of the first bleeding from periods. 

Luteal phase for a short cycle

If your cycle is short, then the follicular phase is shortened and ovulation occurs earlier. For example, if your cycle lasts 21 days, this means ovulation takes place on day 7 and the last phase begins on day 8. 

Luteal phase for a long cycle

Finally, if you have a long menstrual cyclesimply follow the same procedure: remove 14 days from the date of periods to find out the length of the luteal phase. With a long cycle, the follicular period is longer and ovulation occurs later. 

What factors can affect the length of the luteal phase?

Several factors can influence the cycle and shorten the luteal period. These include s:

• External factors such as stress, excessive physical activity, sleep disorders, eating disorders, overweight and thinness play a role in the secretion of hormones and therefore in the secretion of progesterone;
• PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome);
• An insufficient corpus luteum, i.e. the corpus luteum does not develop, leads to low progesterone production and a short luteal period;
• Age : fertility declines with age, from 35 onwards;
• A thyroid disorder.

Can you get pregnant during the luteal phase?

The fertility window is rather short: you can become pregnant 4 days before ovulation, and 24 hours afterwards. This window of fertility will depend on the lifespan of the sperm, which lives on average 3 to 5 days in the vagina and cervix, and the egg, which lives around 24 hours after being released. That's why it's unlikely to get pregnant during her periods.

Luteal phase FAQs

What are the differences between the luteal phase and the follicular phase?

What are the differences between the luteal phase and ovulation?

What impact does the luteal phase have on fertility?

You may also like :

• The follicular phase: everything you need to know about this period of the menstrual cycle
• Long menstrual cycle: why does it last longer?