Episode 87

full
Published on:

17th Jul 2025

Luteal Phase Defect: The Hidden Fertility Block No One Talks About (Why Progesterone Alone Won’t Help)

Are you on your TTC (trying to conceive) journey and suspect that something’s off—but no one’s giving you answers? You’ve heard of progesterone and maybe even been told to take it, but what if I told you that low progesterone isn't the root problem? That’s right—if you’re dealing with short cycles, spotting before your period, or early miscarriages, this video is for YOU.

Today we’re diving deep into luteal phase defect (LPD)—a little-known but incredibly common fertility challenge that can make implantation difficult and raise your risk of early pregnancy loss. The truth? Fixing it takes way more than a hormone prescription.

Hi, I’m Dr. Aumatma—a licensed Naturopathic Doctor for over 15 years, with board certification in Naturopathic Endocrinology. I’m the creator of The Restorative Fertility Method and host of the Egg Meets Sperm Podcast, which ranks in the top 5% globally.

I’ve had the honor of becoming a 2-time best-selling author with my books Fertility Secrets and (in)Fertility: Struggles, Secrets, & Successes. Over the years, I’ve been recognized with awards such as Best Naturopathic Medicine Doctor (2015, 2020), Top Women in Medicine Doctor (2020, 2021), and was inducted into the Berkeley Hall of Fame in 2022.

I’ve shared my expertise on over 100 podcasts, speaking on fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum, and have been featured as a holistic fertility expert on ABC, FOX, CBS, KTLA, MindBodyGreen, and The Bump.

Through the years, I’ve trained hundreds of practitioners globally in holistic fertility care, and many of them have gone on to become certified in my Fertile Foundations™ system. I also founded Madre Fertility, where we offer a free Smart Fertility Analysis to help people uncover their fertility blocks and map out a personalized path to conception.

In addition to my clinical work, I serve as a Medical Advisor for Mira Fertility, Element, and Feminade—three incredible innovators in fertility and women’s health.


As a naturopathic doctor specializing in women’s reproductive health, I’m breaking down:

  • What luteal phase defect really is
  • How it affects implantation & early pregnancy
  • The real reason your body might not be producing enough progesterone
  • And what you can actually DO to correct it naturally and holistically


🧬 Luteal Phase Support Tips Covered in this Video:

✅ How to recognize signs of a short luteal phase

✅ Why egg quality plays a central role in progesterone production

✅ What your basal body temperature chart can reveal

✅ The dangers of blindly supplementing progesterone

✅ How to use Vitex, maca, and targeted nutrients the right way

✅ Which lab tests are actually useful (hint: NOT just day 21 progesterone)

✅ Lifestyle changes that restore hormonal balance—from sleep to stress to nutrition

✅ How estrogen dominance can masquerade as low progesterone


Timestamps for Easy Navigation:

00:00 - Intro: Why this topic matters

02:10 - What is a luteal phase & what’s “defective” about it?

04:00 - Common misconceptions about low progesterone

06:30 - Top signs you may have a luteal phase defect

08:45 - What causes low progesterone in the first place?

11:00 - Why fixing your egg quality is the real solution

13:20 - Herbal & nutritional strategies for natural support

16:00 - Hormone testing: what works, what doesn’t

18:45 - How stress & lifestyle affect your cycle

20:30 - Recap & my final thoughts


💡 Whether you’re just starting your TTC journey or have been trying for a while, this video will help you feel informed, empowered, and in control. Your body deserves a deeper look, and your journey deserves holistic care. 💕


🔗 Want more support?

💻 Visit: https://holisticfertilityinstitute.com/

📱 Instagram: @holisticfertilitydoctor


Don't miss out on this in-depth episode filled with practical advice and inspiration to help you on your fertility journey.

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About the Podcast

Egg Meets Sperm
Because Fertility takes TWO.
Egg Meets Sperm: Because Fertility Takes Two.

Attention: Women and couples in their 30s & 40s, CEOs, high-achieving badasses. If you're struggling to conceive, there is likely a reason. On Egg Meets Sperm, Dr. Aumatma interviews leading experts in fertility & wellness to help you on your journey to parenthood.
Starting Season 3: Dr. Aumatma will also offer a short, informative masterclass. If you want to get answers to your burning questions, send them here: https://www.speakpipe.com/EggMeetsSpermPodcast

This podcast is for you if:
* You are a BADASS - which also means you're a high-achiever, sometimes with a tendency towards wanting control, being a "boss" and carrying the world on your shoulders
* "infertility" makes you feel powerless and hopeless
* You're not sure there's anything you can do to help get your pregnant
* You are seeking alternatives to IVF, IUI, and Ovulation induction
* Your hormones are all over the place
* You have been diagnosed with PCOS, Endometriosis, Unexplained infertility
* You've suffered from Pregnancy loss and were told it's normal
* You and your partner are a power couple that wants to bring an incredible child into this world
* You are into natural & holistic approaches
* You want to do everything in your power to get pregnant
* You have experienced a loss and are ready to take your power back

Let's GO! Let's get you FertileAF so that you can have the family you dream of!

About your host

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Aumatma Simmons