Incomplete luteal function

　　In women with insufficient luteal function, the corpus luteum begins to atrophy 4 to 5 days after ovulation, and the second half of the menstrual period is also correspondingly shortened. After ovulation, the corpus luteum continues to secrete progesterone. Generally, if the ovum is not fertilized, the corpus luteum starts to atrophy 8 to 10 days after ovulation. Usually, the estrogen level in the menstrual cycle is also relatively insufficient, leading to poor development of the endometrium, and the zygote cannot implant. Incomplete luteal function refers to insufficient secretion of estrogen and progesterone by the corpus luteum, and insufficient secretory changes in the endometrium.
　　Recurrent spontaneous abortion can lead to insufficient luteal function. During the first three months of pregnancy, luteal function is particularly important. At this stage, the corpus luteum secretes high levels of hormones, which can promote the proliferation and hypertrophy of the endometrium, providing a favorable environment for embryo implantation.
　　It is generally believed that incomplete luteal function is related to the following factors: insufficient secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone during the follicular phase, low levels of follicle-stimulating hormone and estradiol in the follicular fluid; insufficient luteinizing hormone peak during ovulation; insufficient secretion of luteinizing hormone during the luteal phase or insufficient pulsatile secretion; abnormal steroid hormone receptors in endometrial cells, low responsiveness to the hormones secreted by the luteum, which can make the luteum function normally but lead to poor endometrial development.
　　

　　Insufficient luteal function can lead to poor follicle development, incomplete luteinogenesis, and an imbalance in the proportion of estrogen and progesterone secreted by the luteum itself. Infertility caused by incomplete luteal function accounts for a considerable number, about 3% to 10% of all infertility.

　　The common clinical manifestations of this disease include:
　　1. Insufficient lutein secretion shortens the menstrual cycle.
　　2. There may be a small amount of vaginal red secretion several days before menstruation, and then the menstrual period will begin officially.
　　3. Although the basal body temperature is biphasic and shows a stepped rise or decline, the luteal phase is shortened to 10-12 days.
　　4. If pregnant, most patients will have an early miscarriage, and a few patients will have infertility.

　　To prevent the occurrence of diseases such as insufficient luteal function in women, the main approaches are as follows:

　　1. Maintain a cheerful spirit, avoid mental stimulation and emotional fluctuations. Some individuals may experience symptoms such as lower abdominal distension, backache, breast tenderness, mild diarrhea, fatigue, drowsiness, emotional instability, irritability, or depression during menstruation, which are all normal and do not require excessive tension.
　　2. Pay attention to hygiene and prevent infection. Pay attention to the hygiene and cleanliness of the external genitalia. Absolutely do not have sexual intercourse during menstruation. Pay attention to keeping warm and avoiding cold stimulation. Avoid overwork. Those with heavy menstrual bleeding should avoid eating brown sugar.
　　3. Underwear should be soft, cotton, well-ventilated, and breathable. Change them frequently, and dry the washed underwear in the sun.
　　4. Avoid eating cold, sour, spicy and other irritating foods. Drink more water and keep the bowels smooth. Those with blood heat should eat more fresh fruits and vegetables before menstruation and avoid eating刺激性食物 such as scallions, garlic, chives, and ginger.

　　The simplest and most effective method to check for insufficient luteal function is to measure the basal body temperature. The length of the luteal phase, the extent of temperature rise, and the time of decline can be used to infer luteal function. The calculation of the luteal phase starts from the first day of rise after the temperature decline following ovulation, with a normal luteal phase lasting 12-16 days. If the luteal phase is less than 12 days, it is one of the manifestations of insufficient luteal function. In addition, if the luteal phase temperature rises, but the rise is less than 0.3 degrees Celsius or the temperature rise is slow, the decline is early, or the temperature fluctuation of the luteal phase is large, these are all manifestations of insufficient luteal function. Another method to diagnose insufficient luteal function is to take a uterine mucosal examination within 12 hours of the onset of menstruation. If the pathological examination shows poor secretion, it can also be used as a reference for diagnosis.

　　Women with insufficient corpus luteum function can refer to the following dietary recipes while actively treating the disease:

　　1. Black Bean and Glutinous Rice Porridge:It is a dietary method for insufficient corpus luteum function, ingredients: 30 grams of black beans and 60 grams of glutinous rice; preparation: wash the black beans and glutinous rice clean, put them in a pot, then add some appropriate amount of water, and cook them into porridge over a gentle flame. It is best to take some every day.

　　2. Good Fertility Soup:Take it on the first day of menstruation. Once a menstrual cycle, only eat once. Ingredients: 15 grams of chrysanthemum, ten red dates, 50 grams of Angelica sinensis, a handful of black beans, 200 grams of brown sugar, 3 to 5 eggs. Preparation: First, wrap Angelica sinensis and chrysanthemum in gauze and put them in a pot with the other ingredients to boil, until the soup is reduced to one bowl. Patients must start taking it on the first day of menstruation. Wash the eggs clean, boil them for a while, crack the shells, and then boil them like tea eggs until the soup is reduced to one bowl.

　　3. Black Beans:Start taking it 6 days after the end of menstruation. It can supplement estrogen. Soak several black beans in water for about 12 hours, then cook them until they are thoroughly cooked. You can add a little salt or none at all. Starting from the first day after menstruation ends, mix and eat with rice according to your appetite every day for 6 days.

　　When the corpus luteum function is insufficient, exogenous hormones are often used in clinical treatment to supplement and relieve symptoms.
　　1. Progesterone supplementation:There are multiple options for medication methods: intramuscular injection of progesterone, oral medroxyprogesterone acetate, etc.; generally, medication starts two days after the basal body temperature rises and continues until menstrual bleeding occurs.

　　2. Chorionic Gonadotropin:When the follicle develops close to maturity, human chorionic gonadotropin is used to induce ovulation, and medication after ovulation can stimulate corpus luteum development, support corpus luteum function, increase progesterone synthesis, and prolong corpus luteum lifespan. The usage is to start injecting the drug from the third day after the basal body temperature rises, injecting once a day or every other day, for a total of 5 to 6 times.