The menstrual cycle is a complex mechanism that has several phases that follow each other. All of them are responsible for preparing for important events in the he alth and life of a woman - conception, as well as bearing a baby. For example, the ovulatory phase, which is in the middle of the cycle, is responsible for the release of a mature egg, ready for fertilization.
To calculate and identify the time of greatest fertility, you need to know how to determine the ovulatory phase yourself.
Let's take a closer look at what is the ovulatory phase, what are its norms and features.
General information
The ovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle is a certain period of time in which the reproductive system of the representatives of the weak half of humanity is already fully prepared for fertilization. As mentioned earlier, in most he althy women, the cycle lasts an average of about 28 days, and the following hormones are involved in it: estrogen, progesterone, luteinizing hormone. Menstru althe cycle is divided into 3 phases:
- follicular;
- ovulatory;
- yellow body.
Ovulatory phase - what is it?
Approximately on the 7th day of the menstrual cycle, the so-called dominant follicle is determined, rapidly growing and producing a large amount of estradiol. The remaining follicles regress. The follicle that is ready to ovulate is called the Graaffian vesicle.
The duration of the ovulatory phase of the cycle is about 3 days. At this time, a lot of luteinizing hormone (LH) penetrates into the blood, while the release of this substance is observed within 1.5-2 days. The process leads to the maturation of the follicle, as well as the release of an already mature egg.
Continue to consider that this is the ovulatory phase. A decrease in estradiol contributes to the development of ovulatory syndrome. The release of a mature egg occurs within 24 hours of the release of LH. During ovulation, usually 5-10 ml of follicular fluid is released, where the egg is located.
Due to hormonal changes, cervical mucus is similar to protein. The egg travels to the fallopian tubes, where it remains for about 48 hours. Since sperm live for about 5 days, the most favorable time for conception is the 14-15th day from the start of menstruation (subject to the average duration of the menstrual cycle).
FSH and the ovulatory phase
So we looked at which daysovulatory phase is normal. And now it's time to analyze the role of hormones.
The hormone that stimulates the growth of follicles is present in the body of both men and girls and women, with different ages. Its function is to stimulate growth and control the maturation of spermatozoa and follicles. With the beginning of the cycle in the body of patients who have not yet reached the menopause, the follicular phase begins. At this time, the formation of FSH is carried out, acting as a stimulant, which has a positive effect on the growth of the follicle.
If the fertilization of the egg does not occur during the ovulatory phase, then steroids in the blood decrease. The pituitary gland resumes the formation of the FSH hormone, due to which the woman enters the follicular phase of the cycle again. The end of the process is menstruation.
During a laboratory study of a biomaterial, the FSH hormone indicator is detected in compliance with the international standard. Usually it is done on the 3-5th day of the cycle. During the cycle, the rate of this hormone may change:
- follicular phase - normally from 2.80 to 11.30 mU/l;
- normal from 5.80 to 21.00 mU/l - ovulatory phase;
- luteal phase - normal from 1.20 to 9.00 mU/l.
With a lack of this hormone, patients develop infertility, possibly the absence of ovulation, as well as atrophy of the genital organs. With an increased hormone level, so-called endometrioid cysts can develop, uterine bleeding begins, or, conversely,absence of characteristic menstrual flow for this period.
Progesterone in the ovulatory phase
The ovulatory phase, which occurs on the 14-15th day, will be accompanied by an increase in the concentration of the hormone. After the egg leaves the follicle, the so-called corpus luteum grows rapidly, which contributes to the production of progesterone, popularly called the pregnancy hormone. With a high progesterone level, the woman's body begins to rebuild, because he received a signal about fertilization.
In the event that progesterone does not decrease for several days, but, on the contrary, begins to grow, then we can confidently say that the woman's pregnancy has come. Some patients may have low levels of this hormone, which indicates spontaneous abortion. When pregnancy does not occur during ovulation, then progesterone will decrease, due to which the corpus luteum dies after 2 weeks, and a new menstrual cycle will begin in the woman's body.
What days does it start?
The ovulatory phase of the cycle can be determined 2 weeks after the follicular phase. In the body of patients at this time, various changes can occur. The duration of the ovulatory phase with a 28-day cycle will be from 36 to 48 hours. This period is most favorable for conception, because the mature egg already leaves the follicle and penetrates into the abdominal region. Its viability is short, it is only 24 hours. If there is no fertilization at this time, then pregnancy will not occur.
Bthe ovulatory phase in patients increases attraction, improves well-being. Involuntarily, they follow the appearance, they awaken passion and femininity.
Estradiol
During the ovulatory peak (from 10 to 13 days of the cycle) in the body, the amount of the hormone estradiol should be in a certain range of 131-1655 pmol / l. When the hormone level is lower or higher than normal, this will cause the development of various abnormalities. An increase in estradiol is observed most often in pathologies:
- severe liver and thyroid disease;
- metabolic disorders accompanied by obesity;
- estrogen-producing tumors of the uterus and ovaries, as well as endometriosis;
- ovarian cyst (including follicular);
- taking certain medical, contraceptives can lead to an increase in estradiol in the ovulatory phase.
Lack of the hormone indicates psycho-emotional exhaustion, strong physical exertion, rapid weight loss, smoking and drinking alcohol, malnutrition. In chronic diseases of the reproductive system, as well as in violation of the reproductive system, the indicator of this hormone can also be significantly lower compared to the norm.
Menstrual or follicular phase
This phase corresponds to the first day of menstruation, which is the beginning of the menstrual cycle. Under the influence of the hormone, the endometrium is rejected, as a result of which menstruation begins. So the body prepares for maturationeggs.
In the follicular phase, algomenorrhea is often diagnosed in patients - painful sensations during menstruation. This condition will not be the norm, it needs treatment. The cause of the pathology is considered to be malfunctions in the functioning of the nervous and reproductive systems, as well as various ailments of the organs in the small pelvis.
During menstruation, it is desirable to eat foods that are rich in iron, as its amount decreases due to bleeding. It is recommended to be more often at rest, reduce sports, and avoid stress. Some women, due to poor he alth, are even forced to take sick leave at this time.
Often the menstrual phase is accompanied by nervousness, as well as emotional lability. The duration of the follicular phase will be 7-22 days. At this time, the so-called dominant follicle matures, which is intended for fertilization.
Luteal phase
The time interval between ovulation and menstruation is called the luteal phase (or corpus luteum phase). Duration is stable, 12-14 days (± 2 days). At this time, the Graaffian bubble bursts and is reborn into a yellow body.
At this time, the corpus luteum synthesizes hormones. Due to the increase in progesterone, as well as estradiol, the state of the outer layer of the endometrium changes. The work of the glands from the mucosal layer begins, due to which the organ is prepared for the introduction of the zygote there.
Conclusion
We figured out that this is ovulatoryphase, which day of the cycle corresponds to it. Based on everything, we can conclude that the menstrual cycle includes several interrelated phases. The reproductive function of every woman will depend on how well the entire hormonal system works.
