Most women don't know they're ovulating until they're trying to get pregnant. However, the state of their menstrual cycle and the presence of ovulation are key signals that everything is working properly in a woman's body. Let's talk about the main signs of ovulation and why ovulation, not menstruation, is the main moment of the cycle.
Ovulation, an essential element of femininity?
So why is ovulation so important to us women? Let's give 3 brief examples.
Estrogen and progesterone, the two main hormones regulating the cycle, should be in balance with each other. A large part of progesterone comes from the corpus luteum, a structure that is formed from the remnants of the dominant follicle that has released a mature egg. Ovulation is therefore necessary for sufficient progesterone production in the second part of the cycle. If ovulation does not occur, progesterone levels can be very low, which will affect not only the course of the cycle and the balance of progesterone with estrogen .
An imbalance of estrogen and progesterone can cause unpleasant experiences, especially in the second part of the cycle, in the form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). In addition, if ovulation does not occur or occurs later, the follicular phase is prolonged, which also lengthens the overall length of the cycle . In the long term, you may experience irregular menstruation or cycles longer than the typical 35 days .
Balance and sufficient hormone production go far beyond fertility. Reproductive hormones have an impact on, for example:
- bone health
- muscle growth and athletic performance
- immune system function
- brain health and function
- mental health and body resistance
Anovulatory cycles and hormone imbalances can then affect your overall health and daily functioning.
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The cycle in a nutshell The entire cycle is counted from the first day of menstruation. This day also begins the follicular phase, during which the body releases follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which promotes the maturation of the egg in the follicle and prepares it for imminent release. As ovulation approaches, the body produces luteinizing hormone (LH), which signals the release of the mature egg. On the day of ovulation, this egg leaves the ovary so that it can be fertilized by sperm. After ovulation comes the luteal phase; the hormone progesterone promotes the thickening of the uterine lining in anticipation of a possible pregnancy. If fertilization does not occur during this time, menstruation occurs and the entire cycle repeats itself. |
5 signs of ovulation
Increased basal temperature
Shortly after ovulation, the body releases the hormone progesterone , which dominates the luteal phase. This causes a rise in body temperature . Tracking your basal body temperature regularly each cycle can give you an idea of when ovulation typically occurs during your cycle.
Change in cervical fluid
The cervix produces a fluid called cervical mucus, which serves to cleanse the female body and, in particular, makes it easier for sperm to reach a mature egg. The rise in hormones, specifically estrogen, just before ovulation increases the secretion of this fluid . During fertile days, the fluid becomes thinner and more stretchy, often likened to the consistency of egg whites . ( 1 )
Mild pain in the lower abdomen
This symptom is not typical for all women and may not occur in every cycle. When you ovulate, you may feel a temporary sharp pain or cramp on one side of your lower abdomen . Mittelschmerz, as ovulation pain is often called, coincides with the peak of LH levels, when the follicle is enlarging but has not yet ruptured and released the egg. This can occur just before ovulation. It does not necessarily occur at the moment the egg is released from the ovary, but several hours to days before or after ovulation. ( 2 ) However, the pain should only be short-lived; if you experience it regularly, lasts for several hours, or completely eliminates you from normal activities, you should consult a doctor to be on the safe side.
Increased sexual desire
You may also experience increased sexual desire due to the surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) that occurs 24-36 hours before ovulation. This is your body’s way of telling you that it’s ready to support pregnancy. ( 3 )
Ovulation spotting or bleeding
Although it’s not very common, some women experience light bleeding or spotting around the time of ovulation. This is likely related to higher levels of progesterone and luteinizing hormone. ( 4 ) It’s usually a few drops of light red or pink blood , and there’s no need to use any menstrual protection during this time.
However, spotting in the middle of your cycle can also be caused by other factors , such as hormonal birth control, pregnancy, or fibroids. ( 5 ) If you regularly experience heavy bleeding around ovulation, consider contacting your gynecologist.
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How long is the fertile window? An egg released from the ovary survives in the female body for 12-24 hours . However, sperm can survive in the female body for up to several days and wait for the moment when the egg is ready. The so-called fertile period, during which you can get pregnant, is calculated as 3-7 days before ovulation and 1 day after ovulation . However, each woman may have a different length of menstruation, which is why you need to know yourself and your cycle in order to be able to determine your fertile days. |
How to track your cycle?
By measuring basal body temperature and monitoring cervical mucus, you can easily determine your fertile period, understand your cycle, and see if everything is working as it should in your body. You can use the so-called symptothermal method both for pregnancy planning and as a natural form of contraception.
Learn how to use the Symptothermal Method (STM) and find out how you can effectively determine your fertile period and track your menstrual cycle in Femvie's practical webinar.
