Luteal Phase Spotting

I recently had a few patients coming in who are experiencing luteal phase spotting and are trying to conceive.  In Chinese Medicine we diagnose spotting as any type of bleed which is less than a flow.  Not the most scientific explanation but for most people it works as a good definition.  Spotting can occur around ovulation, pre-menstrualy (luteal phase) and often is found during the last days of ones period.  

After ovulation the follicle is left behind on the ovary after it releases the egg and is called the corpus luteum.  The corpus luteum releases progesterone for up to 14 days before being reabsorbed by the ovary.  The corpus luteam produces progesterone during the time between ovulation and your period (or until a pregnancy has been achieved).  

During the luteal phase there can be several reasons for spotting.  An implanting embryo can irritate the uterine lining allowing a short period of slight bleeding showing up as spotting.  This would be known as implantation bleeding.  A bleed shortly after ovulation may be caused by a lull period of progesterone where the corpus luteum may take a prolonged amount of time before releasing adequate amounts of progesterone.  If the corpus luteum produces inadequate quantities of progesterone this can cause spotting leading up the a full flow period.  

Some structural abnormalities may also cause bleeding such as fibroids or cancer cells.  

In Chinese Medicine we analyze the body and the type of spotting in order to pin point a specific type of treatment.  Using acupuncture Chinese herbal formulas and diet/lifestyle suggestions we are able to treat bleeding disorders such as spotting.  By focusing on regulating the blood flow we are able to decrease and hopefully eliminate the spotting. 

In my practice I work primarily with women trying to conceive.  I have stumbled upon a program which calculates the chance of a pregnancy when a women has luteal phase spotting.  The calculator takes into consideration how many days past ovulation you are and how many days of spotting you have experienced.   I"m not sure how accurate this program is but I wanted to share it with those who wanted to give it a try.

Pregnancy Calculator when experiencing Luteal Phase Spotting

Best of Health
Ryan

Dr. Ryan Funk, Dr.TCM
FABORM
www.Acubalance.ca
www.IVFacupuncture.ca
Email: Ryan [at] acubalance [dot] ca