Luteal Phase Spotting

[bonno]

Hi Gabriela,

I'm wondering if you can give me some advice on luteal phase spot bleeding. We started TTC #1 earlier this year and I have been charting my cycles since April. I have a 13 day luteal phase and I usually start spotting from about 10 DPO, the spotting varies from bright red to brownish in colour. It used to only last 1 day, but for the past couple of months it has been lasting from 10 DPO until AF arrives. Thinking back, I do remember having similar spotting when I was on the pill, just much lighter.

So my question is, could this have an effect on our chances of conceiving or increase the possibility of a miscarriage? Do you have any suggestions as what the cause could be and if I should see a GP.

Thanks in advance.
Bonno

[GabrielaRosa]

Hi Gabriela,

I'm wondering if you can give me some advice on luteal phase spot bleeding. We started TTC #1 earlier this year and I have been charting my cycles since April. I have a 13 day luteal phase and I usually start spotting from about 10 DPO, the spotting varies from bright red to brownish in colour. It used to only last 1 day, but for the past couple of months it has been lasting from 10 DPO until AF arrives. Thinking back, I do remember having similar spotting when I was on the pill, just much lighter.

So my question is, could this have an effect on our chances of conceiving or increase the possibility of a miscarriage? Do you have any suggestions as what the cause could be and if I should see a GP.

Thanks in advance.
Bonno


Hi Bonno,
Thanks for your question. The short answer is that you can still conceive if you are having spotting, however it generally signifies that something is out of balance. The fact you are spotting in your luteal phase and it’s lasting for quite some time leads me to believe that your progesterone levels or ‘uptake’ (by the cells of the endometrium) is not what it should be—causing you to spot bleed. The other problem this progesterone imbalances can cause include implantation issues.

This means as I said before you may even be conceiving however the embryo is unable to implant because there hasn’t been enough progesterone update/production in that second half of the cycle to prepare the lining of the endometrium for implantation—so it is important to address this.

The best thing to do about this is to see a herbalist or naturopath that specialises in women’s health and/or fertility to help balance your hormones. This can be done very quickly. At the same time, I’d also suggest you see your GP for a check up and also make sure that your pap smear is up to date and all is ok—all being well just stick with your herbs. Using the right herbal treatment you will generally see a complete resolution of the problem within 4-6 cycles.

You may also benefit from a free subscription to my Natural Fertility Booster, a weekly publication where you will have a access to a whole lot more information on how to fine tune you and your partner’s body in order to create the healthiest possible baby.

I hope this helps.

Gabriela Rosa | Author, Natural Fertility Specialist, Researcher, Speaker
BHSc, ND, Post Grad NFM, DBM, Dip Nut, MATMS, MNHAA
EFT | Natural Fertility | Women’s & Men's Health

Author of Eat Your Way To Parenthood, The Awful Trugh About Cleaning Products and Fertility Revealed and Protecting your Fertility: The Danges of Conventional Pest Control and Natural Safe, Alternatives Revealed.

‘Committed to helping couples create healthy babies and empowering individuals through better health.’