Short LP treatments and BFing

[katiecornflakes]

Hi ladies....

New to the forum and have a couple of questions. We started TTCing last month. I had a + OPK on Monday but AF is already here (4-5 DPO). This is my first PPAF.

I'm wondering people's experiences with treatments for short LP and nursing. I'm already taking Vitex. Thoughts about B6 and progesterone cream? Due to my work schedule I can't be due until February now, so I have a couple of months to (hopefully!) sort things out.

I'd appreciate any thoughts! Thanks!

[finnegansmom]

Are you temping as well? Just because you got a + OPK does not mean you actually ovulated. I would chart /temp the next month to confirm you are actually ovulating. Generally short LPs occuring while nursing are caused by Prolactin which "cancels out" the progesterone in the LP. You may not have low progesterone, so I wouldn't take NPC unless it's been confirmed you have low progesterone.

My luteal phases grew longer which each passing cycle. I was 11 months pp both times when I got AF back. I take B6 and Maca. Good luck!

[katiecornflakes]

Thanks for the reply.

I'd like to temp but my DS still wakes me fairly often in the night so I didn't think it would be accurate? I did have some ovulation-type pain and sore breasts so I feel I probably ovulated, but you're right - can't be sure.

Good point about the progesterone levels.

What dose of B6 do you take? I've seen anywhere from 25-600! I'd rather err on the lower side since I'm nursing.

And yes, hopefully time will help as well!

[finnegansmom]

I take 200mg, which I think is high, I don't think I would take higher than that. Too much b6 can cause neurological issues, and 600mg sounds way too high.

You should come over to the nursing mama thread on here. We are all nursing and most are charting so you'd get pointers on temping while night waking. I do it and it seems to be fine, probably not 100% accurate but I can see a big thermal shift when I O.

Fertility friend's VIP option offers temp adjusting I think. If you haven't joined when you sign up, I think they let you try the VIP for free so you can see if that works for you.

Good luck mama!

[katiecornflakes]

Thanks, mama.

I'll come over and say hello. I could use some camaraderie today!

Good to know about temping, sounds like it's worth a shot.

[JessieBird]

Hey there -

I got preg on my 4th pp cycle. In the three previous, my LP was never longer than 7 days. I took 110 mg of B6 and I used NPC. I had some left over from TTC DS and I'd read that it could help increase supply so I didn't worry about using it while BFing. I've since read that you shouldn't use it while BF'ing (though I can't remember why) so I suggest you do your own research or talk to a naturopath or your doctor before using it.

I was also reluctant to temp because of night waking/nursing but I finally did anyway. Despite temping at different times and rarely getting the recommended 3 hours sleep, I had a very pretty chart and clearly confirmed ovulation. My post-O temps weren't very high compared to when I was TTC DS (my first) so I worried about the viability of the pregnancy. I forced myself to stop temping about three days after getting my BFP and I'm glad I did.

I'm now almost 10 weeks and still nursing.

Good luck!

[katiecornflakes]

Thanks Jessie. I suppose it would be worth it to give temping a shot. Hopefully I'll be like you and my LPs will sort themselves out soon!

[MNHall]

So similar to me!!! This is my second PP AF. My first I didn't O until CD26! Then 8 days later AF arrived! Blah!

Now I'm on CD22, still no O, although I've had 10 (yes, 10) days of EWCM...I think my body is just trying, trying, trying and not getting that egg out! And we'll see if my LP lengthens.

I've been trying to read up on this, but I'm sure any expert would just say to give it a few months since I just got AF back.

I just stopped nursing about 2 weeks ago...so, I'm wondering if that will help me have a more regular cycle...I guess we shall see!

I too have thought about B6. I've read to start with 50mg...but I think I'll hold off a few cycles because I'd like to see if my body can get back to normal on it's own before trying any types of supplements. As badly as I want to be pregnant YESTERDAY...I know that I need to give my body some time to adjust to it's new levels of hormones and so on.

Since you're not talking about actively trying for a few months (since you don't want a due date til Feb), hopefully that means your body will adjust by then too!

Good luck!

[stellamia]

Hi there!

I was in the same boat, mama! My first PPAF, my LP was 6 days...I used natural progesterone cream that cycle and the next month my LP was 9 days. The following month, I got my BFP!!!

I never temped....I tried but it just did NOT work for me and I think if it's a hassle or stress...don't start!

OPK's are a VERY, VERY good indicator that you ovulated. They're quite trustworthy unless you have PCOS. And you can get really good cheapie's online or from Dollar Tree!

As for B6, I think 100-150 range is good! And maca is an excellent herb to add in with the Vitex. Maca is a natural hormone balancer. I know a lot of women here have had success with it (and there's a "TTC with Maca" thread).

Good luck and I hope you have your BFP soon!!

[katiecornflakes]

Thanks for the reply, Stellmia.

Did you use progesterone cream after you got your BFP or you just stopped it?

I started 150 of B6. Did you also take a B complex? I've seen people say it's better absorbed that way?

I'm going to keep up with the OPKs, I think. I have a bunch of the cheapies.

I'm taking Maca, too!! Covering all my bases - lol!