The follicular phase is the start of a woman’s menstrual cycle and ends with ovulation, which can vary in duration. FSH signals the ovarian follicles to mature new eggs, with one dominant follicle releasing the egg. Ovulation occurs between days 12 and 14, with the luteal phase lasting 14-16 days. The menstrual cycle starts again with the follicular phase.
The follicular phase is part of a woman’s monthly cycle. It begins on the first day of the menstrual cycle and ends as soon as ovulation occurs. There is no set time frame for the duration of the follicular phase. Each woman’s cycle is different and the duration of this phase can vary by a large number of days. Some women may have a follicular phase that only lasts a week, while for others it may last several weeks. After this phase ends, ovulation and the luteal phase normally follow before the cycle starts all over again the next month.
During the follicular phase and just when the menstrual period begins, the levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone are at their lowest points. A woman’s body will release FSH, or follicle stimulating hormone, at this time to signal the ovarian follicles that it is time to start maturing new eggs. One follicle is typically dominant over the others and the egg within it is the one that is released. When this happens, the follicular phase has officially ended and ovulation has begun. Ovulation is considered the best time of the month for pregnancy for the average woman, but pregnancy can also occur during the follicular and luteal phases.
The onset of ovulation varies among women, but most occur between days 12 and 14 of the monthly cycle. Many women can determine exactly when they ovulate by using a calendar and noting when their periods start and end. After the period is over, a woman may start experiencing ovulation symptoms, such as an increase in body temperature and changes in the consistency of her cervical mucus. The day ovulation begins is also considered the first day of the luteal phase.
In most cases, the average woman’s luteal phase will last for the same number of days each month. Tracking this on a calendar over a few months can give a woman a good idea of how long it is and exactly when she should expect her period to arrive. For most women, the luteal phase lasts 14-16 days. The last day of the luteal phase is considered the last day before the start of the menstrual cycle. On the first day a woman’s period begins, the entire cycle begins again with the follicular phase.
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