Abstract

Luteal Phase Defects (LPD), also known as Corpus Luteum Insufficiency or Luteal Phase Insufficiency, are characterized by insufficient function of the corpus luteum, resulting in inadequate progesterone secretion. This can lead to a shortened luteal phase and poor endometrial secretion, which are critical for embryo implantation and pregnancy maintenance. During the menstrual cycle, women with LPD still experience normal follicular development and ovulation. However, due to early degeneration of the corpus luteum or insufficient progesterone, the luteal phase becomes dysfunctional. This can hinder the thickening of the endometrium, which is necessary for a fertilized egg to implant. Luteal Phase Defects are a common cause of female endocrine dysfunctions, impacting fertility and pregnancy outcomes. With advancements in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), LPD has become more prevalent, particularly among ART patients. The condition is often addressed through progesterone supplementation or other fertility treatments to improve the luteal phase function and enhance chances of conception. Management of LPD typically includes hormone therapy to correct progesterone deficiency and optimize the uterine environment for implantation.

• 1.   Mala Arora - Recurrent Pregnancy Loss, Luteal Phase Defects, 122-126; Jaypee Brothers, 2003
• 2.   Shi L, Cui L, Yang L, He L, Jia L, Bai W, Wang L, Xu W. Hotspots and frontiers in luteal phase defect research: An in-depth global trend bibliometric and visualization analysis over a 52-year period. Heliyon. 2024 July 25;10(15)
• 3.   Tavaniotou A, Albano C, Smitz J, Devroey P. Impact of ovarian stimulation on corpus luteum function and embryonic implantation. J Reprod Immunol. 2002 May-Jun;55(1-2):123-30. doi: 10.1016/s0165-0378(01)00134-6. PMID: 12062827.
• 4.   Strott CA, Cargille CM, Ross GT, Lipsett MB. The short luteal phase. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1970:30:246.
• 5.   Daya S. Habitual Abortion in the textbook of Gynaecology, Copeland LJ (Ed): WB Saunders and company 2000;227-57.
• 6.   Batista MC, Cartledge TP, Merino M J et al. Midluteal phase endometrial biopsy does not accurately predict luteal function Fertil Steril 1993;59;294-300.
• 7.   Sharma M, Balasundaram P. Ovulation Induction Techniques. [Updated 2023 StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan.
• 8.   Duru Shah; Luteal Phase Defect and Early pregnancy wastage, Reproductive Endocrinology, Jaypee brothers, Chapter 19, 2nd edition, 2001
• 9.   Sheehan KL, KL. Casper R RF, Yen SSC: Luteal Phase Defects Induced by an Agonist of Luteinising Hormone Releasing Factor: A Model for Fertility Control. Science 215:170- 72;1982.
• 10.   KupesićS,KurjakA,VujisićS,PetrovićZ.Luteal phase defect: comparison between Doppler velocimetry, histological and hormonal markers. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 1997 Feb;9(2):105-12.
• 11.   Ginsburg KA. Luteal phase defect. Etiology, diagnosis, and management. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. 1992 Mar;21(1):85-104.

Data Sharing Statement

Funding