What causes luteal phase defect?
Disease description:
I've been pregnant for over three months. When I went to the hospital for a prenatal checkup the other day, they said I have inadequate corpus luteum function. I've never had this issue in previous examinations. Could you please tell me what might be causing this?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Lu
Luteal phase deficiency can be caused by various factors, primarily including poor follicular development, endocrine disorders, and ovarian dysfunction. Poor follicular development may result from conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or pituitary prolactinoma, which prevent the formation of mature follicles and consequently impair their transformation into the corpus luteum. Endocrine imbalances may be triggered by chronic irregular sleep patterns, excessive mental stress, thyroid diseases, or adrenal cortical disorders, leading to insufficient estrogen secretion and affecting luteal function.
In addition, organic ovarian disorders such as diminished ovarian reserve or premature ovarian failure can compromise the ovary's secretory capacity, resulting in luteal insufficiency. Other contributing factors include medication-induced stimulation, hyperprolactinemia, and endometriosis, all of which may negatively impact luteal function. Individuals who suspect they have luteal phase deficiency should seek timely medical evaluation and treatment.
