Big caveat- I am not a doctor and don't pretend to be one on a blog. I have, however, read an awful lot about how to get pregnant. One common problem (which I might still have, we will see after charting this cycle) is a Luteal Phase Defect.
Essentially, the time between Ovulation and Menstruation should be 14 days, but really needs to be a minimum of 11 days in order to sustain a pregnancy. If your Luteal Phase is short than 11 days, you might not be able to get pregnant or if you do, there is an increased chance you will miscarry. Basically, your uterine lining sheds to quickly, starting your next cycle.
Doctors tend to want to treat Luteal Phase Defect with Clomid. Clomid is highly effective, however, for those not willing to risk the chance of multiples or feel uncomfortable jumping to fertility drugs without trying less invasive approaches, you answer might be in the form of a super vitamin- B6.
B6 has been shown to lengthen the luteal phase. Reports vary about how much you need, 50mg - 200mg. Most pre-natals have some B6 in them, but not enough to lengthen your Luteal Phase. Stand alone B6 vitamins are available and are relatively inexpensive (less than $10 for 100 capsules). B6 is also found in foods like yeast, whole grains, eggs and meat.
If you suspect you have a Luteal Phase Defect, you should chart your cycles. Once ovulation is detected, make sure you have at least 11 days before your next cycle starts. If so you are probably in the clear. If you notice it is at least 11 days but have spotting prior to that, you might want to consider taking a B6 vitamin supplement.
I personally was taking 50mg a day in conjunction with my pre-natal. When I ran out of vitamins, I bought a new bottle with 100mg of B6 a pill. Since I haven't charted since my miscarriage in April, I don't know if it has been affected, but will be sure to report back to you. I did not take B6 prior to my second miscarriage.
Essentially, the time between Ovulation and Menstruation should be 14 days, but really needs to be a minimum of 11 days in order to sustain a pregnancy. If your Luteal Phase is short than 11 days, you might not be able to get pregnant or if you do, there is an increased chance you will miscarry. Basically, your uterine lining sheds to quickly, starting your next cycle.
Doctors tend to want to treat Luteal Phase Defect with Clomid. Clomid is highly effective, however, for those not willing to risk the chance of multiples or feel uncomfortable jumping to fertility drugs without trying less invasive approaches, you answer might be in the form of a super vitamin- B6.
B6 has been shown to lengthen the luteal phase. Reports vary about how much you need, 50mg - 200mg. Most pre-natals have some B6 in them, but not enough to lengthen your Luteal Phase. Stand alone B6 vitamins are available and are relatively inexpensive (less than $10 for 100 capsules). B6 is also found in foods like yeast, whole grains, eggs and meat.
If you suspect you have a Luteal Phase Defect, you should chart your cycles. Once ovulation is detected, make sure you have at least 11 days before your next cycle starts. If so you are probably in the clear. If you notice it is at least 11 days but have spotting prior to that, you might want to consider taking a B6 vitamin supplement.
I personally was taking 50mg a day in conjunction with my pre-natal. When I ran out of vitamins, I bought a new bottle with 100mg of B6 a pill. Since I haven't charted since my miscarriage in April, I don't know if it has been affected, but will be sure to report back to you. I did not take B6 prior to my second miscarriage.
Did or has the B6 worked for you? I have a 10day LP occasionally 12 but typically 10 and I have B6. I took it religiously for a while then kinda gave up with the IVF. I need to start again but wanted to know if you noticed any difference at all?
ReplyDeleteI think so, I made it to 14dpo, just had spotting, but some cycles I had spotting for days before gettin AF on days 9, 10, or 11. It is hard for me to tell because I have changed so many things, but I do think it has helped. Take the 100mg. when I was taking 50mg I didn't see a difference. Now that I a doing 100, I do. Also, could be the fibroid's eradication. I am a walking confounding variable.
ReplyDeleteI've been taking 50mg B6 plus B50-complex for 2 months (off birth control for a year, charting for 10 mo, all with LPD). I read online that you need to take the complex in addition to the normal B6. Is that true? I had to stop taking the complex because it was too much B6 and my hands were getting tingly. I bought progesterone cream to try this cycle but wish I knew more about it.
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard that about needing the complex and don't think it is true. I would try 100mg of B6. I have heard the progesterone cream isn't that effective but maybe the combo will be successful. The product was originally intended to help ease menopausal symptoms. So you would be using it off script. Do not use before you ovulate. If you do, it can stop you from ovulate. Wait two to three days after ovulation to use. I have heard people put it under their arms and between thighs. I personally haven't used it.
ReplyDeleteHave you had your progesterone drawn at the Dr? I ask because if it shows you don't ovulate, this stuff isn't going to help and likely need clomid. If you do ovulate but your LP isn't lasting long enough, then these can be good tools.