Corpus-luteum-insuffizienz. Definition und bedeutung

Although the diagnosis of luteal phase deficiency (LPD) has been described convincingly in the research setting, it remains a controversial clinical entity. In clinical practice, the diagnosis of LPD has been attempted using several methods - basal body temperature (BBT) charts, progesterone levels as a non-invasive method, and endometrial biopsy as a direct and invasive method. All of these methods are retrospective; interpretation of endometrial biopsies has not been satisfactory, even with the recently proposed molecular markers. Thus no reliable methods exist to diagnose LPD. When LPD is found, most physicians are inclined to regard it as the cause of infertility or recurrent abortion, although there is no convincing and scientific evidence to support these associations. Does LPD appear consecutively or sporadically? This question further complicates discussions on the diagnosis and treatment of LPD. No specific treatment is prescribed to manage LPD.