Does a short luteal phase correlate with an increased risk of miscarriage? A cohort study

• Published in: BMC pregnancy and childbirth 2022-12, Vol.22 (1), p.922-9, Article 922
• Main Authors: Duane, Marguerite, Schliep, Karen, Porucznik, Christina A, Najmabadi, Shahpar, Stanford, Joseph B
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Abortion, Spontaneous - epidemiology; Cohort analysis; Cohort Studies; Confounding (Statistics); Couples; Data analysis; Demographics; Early pregnancy loss; Female; Fertility; Gestational age; Humans; Luteal Phase; Maternal age; Menstruation; Miscarriage; Ovulation; Population; Pregnancy; Progesterone; Sensitivity analysis; Short luteal phase; Variables; Women
• ISSN: 1471-2393; 1471-2393
• DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-05195-9

Miscarriage is defined as spontaneous loss of pregnancy prior to 20 weeks gestation. With an estimated risk of 15% of clinically confirmed pregnancies ending in miscarriage, it is the most common adverse event in pregnancy. Woman's age is the primary risk factor for miscarriage, while medical conditions, including hormonal abnormalities, are also associated. Progesterone is essential for maintaining pregnancy. A short luteal phase may reflect inadequate levels of progesterone production, but it is unclear whether a short luteal phase correlates with an increase in the risk of miscarriage. Using a cohort study design, we conducted a secondary data analysis from four cohorts of couples who used a standardized protocol to track biomarkers of the female cycles. A short luteal phase was defined as less than 10 days, with