Ovulation is the period of the menstrual cycle when a mature egg is released, and a woman is most fertile. In addition to physiological symptoms (discharge, lower abdominal pain, temperature change), fertile days can subtly affect libido, appearance, voice, and self-perception. These changes are individual and often very subtle but have been repeatedly studied in scientific research.

What is ovulation?

Ovulation is the process by which a mature egg, ready for fertilization, is released from the ovary.
It usually occurs 12–16 days before the start of the next menstruation, not necessarily on "day 14 of the cycle" as often stated.

Ovulation is controlled by a hormonal interplay:

• gradual increase in estrogen
• sharp rise in luteinizing hormone (LH)
• egg release

How to recognize ovulation: most common physical symptoms

For some women, ovulation is accompanied by typical bodily signals:

• mild pain or tension in the lower abdomen (so-called mittelschmerz)
• clear, slippery and stretchy vaginal discharge,
• increase in basal body temperature after ovulation
• light ovulation bleeding.

If you're interested in learning more about bleeding outside of your cycle, read our article Ovulation bleeding: why it happens and how to recognize it.

Does ovulation also change appearance and behavior?

Beyond its biological function, ovulation can have subtle behavioral and visual impacts. These changes are not dramatic – often more subconscious – but they have been the subject of research.

1. Increased libido during ovulation

One of the most frequently described changes during ovulation is an increase in sexual desire. In the late follicular phase of the cycle, estrogen levels gradually rise, which triggers a sharp increase in luteinizing hormone (LH). This hormone is crucial for initiating ovulation, and its surge occurs approximately 24–36 hours before the egg is released.

It is during this period that some women report:

• higher sexual desire
• greater openness to intimacy
• stronger perception of partner's attractiveness

Research suggests that a slight increase in testosterone, which is linked to sexual motivation, may also play a role.

It's important to add: Not every woman experiences an increase in libido during ovulation. These changes are individual and may not manifest in every woman to the same extent. (1)

2. Changes in appearance during fertile days

Ovulation brightens our complexion. At least, that's what some studies claim. Estrogen promotes collagen production, so the skin may appear smoother, more elastic, and more radiant in the late follicular phase and during ovulation than at other times of the cycle. Some research also suggests that facial features may appear more symmetrical during this period. (2)

Other studies point to a possible slight reddening of the skin, which could be related to changes in blood flow and fluctuating hormone levels. However, these differences are likely so subtle that they cannot be detected with the naked eye. (3)

3. Posture and movement

A 2012 study, for example, found that women around ovulation: (4)

• walk a little slower
• appear more relaxed
• may be rated as more attractive by observers

Other studies compared the gestures, gait, and dance movements of women in different phases of the menstrual cycle and repeatedly concluded that movements recorded during fertile days were perceived as more attractive. These changes are likely unconscious and related to the body's hormonal regulation. (5)

4. Voice changes during ovulation

Even vocal expression is not immune to hormonal changes. An older study from 2009 investigated whether voice pitch, speech rate, and other acoustic parameters change during the menstrual cycle. The results showed that in the fertile period, there is a slight increase in the fundamental frequency of the voice, i.e., its pitch, compared to the infertile phases of the cycle. (6, 7) 

This means the voice may be:

• slightly higher pitched
• softer
• subjectively perceived as more attractive

This difference was primarily evident in continuous speech, not in isolated vowel pronunciation. The study also suggests that a woman's voice may be subjectively perceived as slightly more attractive during ovulation, though again, in a very subtle way.

5. Self-perception

Changes may not only occur externally but also in how a woman feels and perceives herself. A large diary study published in 2021 by Cambridge University Press compared women with natural menstrual cycles and users of hormonal contraception, who do not ovulate. (8) Women with natural cycles during the fertile period:

• rated their appearance more positively
• felt more confident
• paid more attention to their appearance

These changes were more pronounced in women with natural cycles than in hormonal contraception users.

An older study from 2017 suggests that during the most fertile days of the cycle, women may focus more on their appearance, for example, choosing more attractive clothes or applying more makeup. (9) However, these conclusions were not confirmed by the aforementioned 2021 study.

A better self-perception during ovulation may also be related to the contrast with the late luteal and menstrual phases, when many women experience unpleasant physical and psychological symptoms, such as lower abdominal pain, breast tenderness, bloating, acne, or fatigue.

What else to read on Femspace

• Cycle syncing: How to align your life with your cycle
• Spontaneous vs. responsive desire: why it's important to know the difference
• Do hormones and the cycle affect how we experience pain?
• 7 things men should know about menstruation
• Ovulation bleeding: Why it happens and how to recognize it?
• Can I get pregnant from…? Myths, facts, and what every woman should know about her cycle
• Implantation bleeding or menstruation?

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FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I'm ovulating?

The most common symptoms are clear, stretchy discharge, mild lower abdominal pain, and a subsequent increase in basal body temperature.

Does ovulation change a woman's appearance?

Some studies suggest subtle changes in skin, posture, or voice, but they are very subtle and not always noticeable.

Does libido increase during ovulation?

Some women experience increased sexual desire around ovulation due to hormonal changes.

Can ovulation be detected without a test?

Sometimes, yes, based on bodily signals, but ovulation tests or tracking basal body temperature are most accurate.

Femvie products that can help you

We have selected products related to this topic that can support your health:

• 💊 Fertility Support Complex for Women — comprehensive nutrition to support female fertility
• 💊 Folic Acid — crucial for preparing for pregnancy
• 💊 Prenatal Vitamin Complex — comprehensive support during pregnancy
• 💊 Natural Vitamin D — important for fertility and healthy pregnancy

Frequently Asked Questions

How to support fertility naturally?

A healthy diet, sufficient exercise, sleep, stress management, and targeted dietary supplements like folic acid or a fertility complex can naturally support female fertility.

When should I start taking folic acid?

We recommend starting folic acid ideally 3 months before planning to conceive. It is crucial for the proper development of the fetal neural tube.

What affects female fertility?

Age, hormonal balance, diet, body weight, stress, and conditions like PCOS or endometriosis can affect fertility. Tracking ovulation will help you identify your fertile days.