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Defective luteal phase, TTC

by Nikki
(Georgia )


I started taking Natpro because out of nowhere I started spotting 3-4 days before my period. This lasted maybe 4 cycles before I found Natpro. Prior to that I had a very regular 28-29 day cycle with no spotting. This is my third cycle on Natpro. Month one and two I used 2 pumps am & pm had a 26 day cycle, and started the cream on day 13 and day 11 respectively. I track/test for ovulation and ovulation tests indicated these were the correct days to start the cream. I started spotting 3-4 days before my period during cycle one and two. I stopped on day 26 each cycle and got my period the following day. This cycle, number three, I started on ovulation day (day 12) and I started again with 2 pumps am & pm. On day 16 I increased my dose to 4 pumps am & pm because I was so bloated I was desperate for relief. I got up to pee maybe 10 times that night haha it is now day 18 and I have already begun spotting. I have been bloated, constipated, in an awful mood, and I’ve gained about 8-10 lbs since starting this journey. I’ve read so many times on here to up the dosage and to keep going, so that’s what I’m doing. I was just hoping someone could tell me if I’m doing the right thing? I started Natpro to help with a self diagnosed luteal phase defect because we are in our 5th month trying to conceive. I swear as soon as we decided to try for a baby, that’s when the spotting started. I’m desperate to have a normal healthy cycle again so we can conceive!

Comments for Defective luteal phase, TTC

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Apr 28, 2024
 Defective luteal phase, TTC
by: Joy

Hi Nikki

You don't state your age which is important. It would appear that you are in Peri-Menopause which starts at around 35, your symptoms indicate this.

You really haven't been using progesterone correctly. Please read the How to use Progesterone Cream page and take note of Estrogen Dominance symptoms. Usually between 100-200mg Natpro is needed, more if symptoms are severe. Your cycle is so erratic that it is best to use the cream every day with no breaks until your cycle returns to normal. Once it does then use the cream by following your cycle i.e. your luteal phase. The cream should only be used from ovulation (Luteal Phase) for the last 14 days of the cycle if you are TTC.

Progesterone affects everyone differently when first using it. It is an diuretic so I am not surprised that you have to get up and go to the toilet during the night. That should soon settle down. Constipation is almost always caused by poor nutrition and a lack of dietary fibre. One other cause is too little water in the gut - see here. Bloating could be caused by other things like what you are eating and using. Omega 3 and DIM can cause bloating. DIM usually activates estrogen receptors initially, which would cause the bloating. Are you taking these? If not, then I suggest that you give it more time, the body will soon adjust.

If you were on the Contraceptives or Mirena, this could explain why you are battling TTC. All drug based contraceptives have a potential to cause harm. The Infertility and Pregnancy pages will help you to understand.

There is a lot of Progesterone Misconceptions sadly. Do be careful where you get your information from. There is a lot of misinformation on the internet today, mostly by uninformed people including the medical professionals.

What is your Vitamin D3 level? A deficiency reduces the benefits of progesterone and is connected to every single function cell in our bodies. Cofactors are needed when taking D3.
Apr 30, 2024
 More info
by: Nikki

Sorry, I should’ve included i am 33. I haven’t tested my vitamin d levels, but I do supplement daily w 10,000 iu’s. My diet is incredibly clean, only organic veggies, grass fed meat, eggs from our own chickens, raw milk from a local farm, on the lower end of carbs. I also supplement w myo inositol due to hormonal acne along the jaw line. I have been dealing with this acne since I got off birth control, around age 28, I began taking bc around age 16. I thought the timing for the cream was from ovulation, until the day before period is supposed to start? But you think w the symptoms I have, I should use the cream continuously? I am happy to try this, I guess I didn’t think my symptoms were bad enough to be in the "continuous use" category when I first started the cream. I’ve read everything you recommended, I’ve spent untold hours on this site trying to cure myself lol that’s why I finally reached out bc things seem to be getting worse. Should I continue at the 400 mg dose am/pm? I appreciate your response!
Apr 30, 2024
 More info part 2
by: Nikki

Hi, I thought of another question. When you say I’m using incorrectly, do you mean that I wasn’t supposed to stop the cream the day before my period "should" start, but only when I actually fully started bleeding? If I used continuously, I should use everyday, 2x a day, 400 mg each application, until I start bleeding? I’m sorry for all the questions, but I have obviously confused myself reading all this info! Again I appreciate your help and the heaps of available information!

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