Treatment Overview
The Luteal Phase Function Test is a specialized hormonal evaluation that examines the function of the luteal phase—the second half of a woman’s menstrual cycle following ovulation. The luteal phase is when the corpus luteum produces progesterone, the hormone essential for preparing the uterine lining for embryo implantation and maintaining early pregnancy.
In Korea, this test is widely performed in fertility and reproductive centers as part of a Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL) evaluation. Korean clinics use advanced hormone assays, endometrial assessment, and ultrasound monitoring to determine whether the luteal phase is functioning adequately. Modern labs in Korea use high-sensitivity serum testing for progesterone and other related markers, often combined with endometrial or ultrasound studies for a complete diagnostic picture.
Purpose & Benefits
The primary purpose of the Luteal Phase Function Test is to determine whether luteal phase deficiency (LPD)—inadequate progesterone production—is contributing to miscarriage or implantation failure.
Key benefits include:
- Identifies low progesterone levels that can lead to poor endometrial development and early pregnancy loss.
- Helps in evaluating ovulation quality and corpus luteum function.
- Allows for personalized hormonal supplementation (progesterone therapy, HCG support).
- Improves chances of maintaining early pregnancy by correcting hormonal deficiencies.
- Provides essential insights into cycle synchronization for patients undergoing IVF or embryo transfer.
Korean fertility specialists emphasize luteal phase evaluation as an integral component of hormonal balance and reproductive success.
Ideal Candidates
Luteal Phase Function Testing is recommended for:
- Women with two or more recurrent miscarriages with no anatomical or genetic cause.
- Patients with short menstrual cycles (<26 days) or irregular ovulation patterns.
- Individuals with spotting before menstruation, a common sign of luteal insufficiency.
- Women undergoing IVF or IUI, to assess hormonal adequacy before embryo transfer.
- Patients with hormonal imbalances, thyroid disorders, or elevated prolactin.
- Women over age 35 with declining ovarian reserve.
This test is particularly useful for detecting subtle hormonal issues that may go unnoticed in routine fertility evaluations.
Possible Risks & Complications
The test is safe and minimally invasive, involving blood draws and imaging. Possible minor risks include:
- Mild discomfort or bruising at the blood draw site.
- Emotional stress if results indicate hormonal deficiency.
- Need for multiple blood tests across different cycle days to confirm results.
Korean fertility clinics ensure patient comfort and accuracy through precise hormone tracking and expert medical supervision.
Techniques & Tests Used
Korean reproductive endocrinology centers employ multiple diagnostic tools to evaluate luteal function comprehensively:
- Serum Progesterone Test:
Measures progesterone levels about 7 days after ovulation (mid-luteal phase). Levels below normal indicate luteal insufficiency. - Endometrial Biopsy (if needed):
Evaluates histological development of the uterine lining relative to ovulation timing. - Ultrasound Monitoring:
Assesses corpus luteum formation, ovulation timing, and endometrial thickness. - Hormonal Profile Testing:
Includes estradiol (E2), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and prolactin to assess endocrine balance. - Luteal Phase Support Trials:
In some Korean clinics, hormone supplementation is given during a monitored cycle to evaluate clinical improvement.
Korea’s state-of-the-art fertility labs use automated chemiluminescent analyzers and digital cycle tracking systems to precisely monitor luteal function and hormone fluctuations.
Recovery & Aftercare
There is no recovery period since the test involves routine blood work and imaging. Aftercare includes:
- Review of hormone results and cycle charting by a fertility specialist.
- If progesterone is low, initiation of luteal support therapy, which may include:
- Oral or vaginal progesterone supplements.
- HCG injections to stimulate corpus luteum function.
- Lifestyle modifications such as stress management and improved nutrition.
- Continuous monitoring of hormone levels in subsequent cycles or early pregnancy.
Korean fertility programs emphasize personalized hormonal management and follow-up to optimize endometrial receptivity and pregnancy stability.
Results & Longevity
- The serum progesterone result provides direct insight into the body’s ability to sustain early pregnancy.
- A level of <10 ng/mL (depending on the lab) often suggests luteal phase defect (LPD).
- Correcting low progesterone significantly reduces miscarriage risk and improves pregnancy rates.
- Results can remain consistent over several cycles but may change with age or treatment response.
- With proper therapy, luteal function can be normalized for future pregnancies.
Korean fertility clinics report excellent long-term outcomes in women whose hormonal deficiencies were corrected following detailed luteal phase assessment.
Treatment Process in Korea
The diagnostic and treatment process in Korean fertility centers typically follows these steps:
- Consultation: Review of menstrual patterns, RPL history, and prior fertility evaluations.
- Cycle Monitoring: Basal body temperature tracking and ultrasound to confirm ovulation.
- Mid-Luteal Blood Draw: Progesterone measured approximately 7 days post-ovulation.
- Comprehensive Hormone Panel: May include LH, FSH, E2, prolactin, thyroid hormones.
- Result Interpretation: Comparison to cycle phase and ovulation timing.
- Therapeutic Planning: Introduction of progesterone support or lifestyle modifications.
- Follow-Up: Continuous monitoring during fertility treatment or early pregnancy.
Why Korea is a Top Destination:
- Advanced hormone assay technology with precise, same-day results.
- Integration of endocrine, fertility, and imaging diagnostics under one roof.
- Expert reproductive endocrinologists with extensive experience in RPL and IVF management.
- Customized luteal phase support protocols tailored to each patient’s hormonal profile.
- High success rates in preventing recurrent miscarriages through early detection and intervention.
Korea’s holistic, technology-driven fertility care model attracts patients worldwide for reproductive hormonal evaluation and treatment.
Cost Range
The cost of Luteal Phase Function Testing in Korea varies based on test complexity and cycle monitoring requirements:
- Single Serum Progesterone Test: USD 50 – 120
- Full Luteal Hormonal Panel (Progesterone, LH, E2, Prolactin): USD 150 – 300
- Cycle Monitoring with Ultrasound: USD 300 – 500
- Comprehensive RPL Diagnostic Package (including Luteal Function Test): USD 1,000 – 2,000
Korean fertility centers offer affordable, transparent pricing compared to international standards, with world-class laboratory accuracy.
Popular Clinics
Renowned Korean fertility and women’s hospitals offering Luteal Phase Function Testing as part of RPL evaluation include:
- CHA Fertility Center (Seoul): Experts in hormonal balance and recurrent miscarriage treatment.
- Maria Fertility Hospital: Offers comprehensive hormonal and reproductive testing programs.
- MizMedi Women’s Hospital: Integrates endocrine and fertility care with high diagnostic accuracy.
- GynART Reproductive Center: Specializes in luteal support optimization for IVF patients.
- Seoul National University Hospital: Provides academic-level hormone evaluation and fertility research integration.
