Knowledge Centre
Cycle & ovulationDraft: awaiting clinical review
The luteal phase
The second half of the cycle, from ovulation to your next period.
Overview
The luteal phase usually lasts around 11 to 17 days and is more consistent in length than the first half of the cycle.
Progesterone from the corpus luteum dominates this phase.
What is well established
- Differences in overall cycle length are mostly due to variation in the first (follicular) half of the cycle.
Uncertain or emerging evidence
- A 'short luteal phase' has not been proven to be an independent cause of infertility, and how best to define or treat it is uncertain.
This guide is general information and does not replace advice about your own circumstances. Clinical review pending.