The Luteal phase is the time between ovulation and day one of your period. The luteal phase is normally 14 days. But with some women luteal phase is shorter. This is nor normal. Shorter luteal phase can mean a luteal phase defect. Women suffering from this condition will have a difficulty conceiving. Seeing a doctor or specialist is then recommended.
Basal temperature charting is a low-tech way of tracking your cycle. This method requires you to be very disciplined – you need to take and record your temperature every morning. Ovulation tests are a much easier, and they work reliably from the very first menstrual cycle.
OPK or Ovulation tests will help you to measure both follicular and luteal phases and will help to understand your cycle, forecast the most fertile days. If used smartly, OPKs could even help to warn you about more serious fertility issues and need to seek medical help early on.