Hormones levels are improved and fertility enhanced with Vitamin C supplementation. For women struggling to get pregnant who suffering from a Luteal Phase Defect(LPD) help maybe as simple as taking Vitamin C.
 |
| Image Source : http://images.fitpregnancy.mdpcdn.com/ |
A woman’s cycle in separated into two parts. The follicular phase which occurs from the first day of menses until ovulation, generally 14 days. The latter half of the cycle is termed
the luteal phase which occurs from ovulation to the beginning of the next cycle, when menses begins again. The luteal phase generally lasts 10-17 days. If the luteal phase lasts less then 10 days that is considered a luteal phase defect which affects 5% of
infertile women and prevents pregnancy. About 35% of women who experience recurrent miscarriages have a luteal phase defect.
After ovulation the follicle, which releases the egg, transform into the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum begins to produce significant amounts of progesterone. Progesterone is necessary to build and maintain the lining of the uterus allowing for the proper implantation of a fertilized egg. Adequate amounts of progesterone are absolutely necessary for proper conception, getting pregnant, and
maintaining a pregnancy. A luteal phase defect is characterized by decreased levels of progesterone, resulting from the inadequate production from the corpus luteum.
150 women seeking infertility treatment were enrolled in a study. A group of these women received 750mg of Vitamin C daily for three consecutive menstrual cycles. After these three cycles the majority of the women who received the vitamin C showed significant increases in progesterone levels. Better news was that 25% of the women receiving
vitamin C became pregnant.
One of the factors which can contribute to luteal phase defect is oxidative damage caused by inadequate antioxidant protection, increased free radical activity, and possibly low intake and fruits and vegetables. Research has already shown that women who suffer from luteal phase defect and recurrent miscarriage have lower levels of the key antioxidants vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Glutathione.
So, what can we take from this. Free radical damage has been implicated in many conditions most notably heart disease, cancer, autoimmune disease, and diabetes. Now we know that free radical damage also plays roll in one cause of infertility. Vitamin C is an inexpensive nutrient that shows potential benefit for women suffering from luteal phase defect and should definitely be considered for these women.
The importance of diet should also be highlighted for female infertility. A study from the University of Rochester compared the diets of infertile man and fertile men and compared their findings with sperm motility. Infertile men were twice as likely to have lower intakes of fruits and vegetables (less than 5 serving per day). Furthermore, men with the lowest intake of dietary antioxidants had lower sperm motility. Now it is clear that a healthy diet high in antioxidants from fruits and vegetables is vitally important for couples
having trouble getting pregnant.
