Follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. Follicular phase - which day of the cycle
In the reproductive age in the body of a woman monthly cyclical changes occur. Most often they are divided into two groups: the follicular phase and luteal. However, some gynecologists prefer to allocate four stages of the cycle: menstruation, the period before the onset of ovulation, the period of ovulation and.
Each of these stages is very important for the proper functioning of the female reproductive system. In this article, we will look at what the follicular phase is, the characteristics of its manifestation and the effect on the female body.
The follicular phase of the cycle, or, as it is also called, the phase of proliferation, begins on the first day of the menstrual cycle and lasts until the onset of ovulation. The whole process takes place under the control of the endocrine system.
In order that in a cycle and, respectively, in a female organism there were no failures, internal and external factors are important.
Internal factors are the state of the female reproductive system. External - the presence or absence of stressful situations, long-term use of certain types of medicines, strong emotional or physical exertion.
Knowing how important processes in the body take place during this period, a woman will be able to recognize the onset of symptoms that will signal the appearance of various disorders. And, as you know, they are easier to prevent than to try to cure them in advanced stages.
Menstruation
Menstruation is part of the cyclical changes that each woman faces, from 11-14 years old. This is a regular process that occurs every month after about 28 days. However, depending on the individual characteristics of the organism, deviations from the generally accepted standard in one direction or another can be observed. These deviations, if they are of little value, do not require treatment and are also the norm.
In the absence of irregularities in the proper functioning of the female reproductive system, a follicle begins to form in the first phase of the menstrual cycle. From it, after a certain period of time, an egg cell will appear.
The first phase of the menstrual cycle is characterized by two stages of follicular growth: small and large. Small growth begins in the ovaries, and large growth occurs under the influence of estrogen and follicle-stimulating hormones.
At that moment, when the follicle has matured, the basal temperature of a woman is 37 degrees or more. This means that there is a period of ovulation. Basal temperature is measured to find out the most favorable time for conception, as well as those days when its occurrence is probably the least. You can determine it with the help of special tests for ovulation (they are sold in a pharmacy).
In order to determine in time whether there is a malfunction of the reproductive system, it is necessary to record monthly when menstruation begins and ends.
Dominant follicle
To understand what constitutes the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, you need to know how egg maturation proceeds.
As we mentioned earlier, at the first stage of the proliferation phase, follicles begin to mature, which grow for about 7 days. All this time there are eggs in them. After this period of time, a “leader” appears among them - the dominant follicle, which differs from others in an enlarged size. The egg is released from it and enters the fallopian tube. There she attaches and waits for the fertilization of the sperm to occur.
Accordingly, ovulation is the time when fertilization occurs (or does not occur).
Since this stage begins on the first day of menstruation, the duration of bleeding will depend on how long the dominant follicle needs to mature. That is, during prolonged periods it ripens more slowly.
Endometrial phases
The inner mucous membrane of the uterus - the endometrium - also varies depending on the phase of the cycle. This happens cyclically every month. The proliferation phase is accompanied by an important process: a dead endometrium comes out with blood. After the uterus clears, a new endometrium begins to grow, which, under the influence of estrogen, is already ready to receive a fertilized egg. In the event that fertilization does not occur, the endometrium is destroyed again, and a new cycle begins.
Sometimes doctors prescribe endometrial hysteroscopy to patients. The result will depend on the day of the monthly cycle.
In the phase of proliferation, there are three stages of endometrial development:
- early stage endometrium
- middle endometrium
- endometrial late stage
The endometrium of the early stage of the proliferation phase (5-7 days of the monthly cycle) is thin, even, pale pink. Sometimes the physician who does the analysis may see small hemorrhages and fragments of the sheath.
In the middle stage of the phase (8-10 day of the cycle), the mucous membrane is lined with a thicker epithelium. He is swollen, loose.
In the late stage of the proliferation phase (days 11-14 of the cycle) the glands become tortuous. Endometrium becomes thicker, bright pink, vessels are not noticeable. Thick creases may appear in the shell.
If you were written “an endometrium of the early (middle or late) stage of proliferation,” this is not a sign of pathology. And just a statement of what period of the monthly cycle the research is being conducted.
Hormone rates
The proliferation phase lasts about half of the entire cycle. All this time, the female body produces important hormones estrogen. They promote conception and increase sexual desire.
If there is an increased content of this hormone in the female body, this means that the formed eggs are ready for conception. If there is a shortage of estrogen, the follicular phase can be changed, since the follicles will slowly mature.
During this period, FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) is also produced. Thanks to FSH, the ovaries work properly. It is this hormone that is responsible for ensuring that the follicle does not linger in the ovaries, but leaves them in time.
The follicular phase is the ideal time to study the amount of certain hormones in a woman.
The table shows the rate of hormones depending on the phase of the cycle.
Basal temperature
All stages of the menstrual cycle are quite pronounced symptoms. Women who are planning to conceive a child or use contraception, calculating the basal temperature, care about how the body behaves.
We have already said that the first day of menstruation is the beginning of the follicular phase. So, if the cycle is 28 days, then the ovulation period will begin approximately on day 14. But such mathematical calculations are purely theoretical. In order to make sure how long this stage is, you need to regularly monitor changes in the body.
In the follicular phase, the basal temperature is below 37 degrees. After ovulation, it rises to a level of 37-37.5. An increase in temperature signals the onset of a new stage — the luteal.
In order not to be mistaken with the testimony of basal temperature, when measuring it, one should follow the following rules:
- The measurement is carried out in the rectum in the morning, lying in bed. It is important to use the same thermometer.
- Before measuring the temperature (preferably not less than 6 hours), exclude sex. If this rule is violated, the indication of basal temperature can be considered inaccurate.
Before the onset of the ovulation phase, the temperature will be below 37 degrees. This is due to low levels of progesterone. After ovulation, the corpus luteum will begin to actively produce this hormone, which will lead to an increase in basal temperature. When pregnancy occurs, when progesterone is produced in an enhanced mode, it will not allow it to decline for a long time.
At this time, the endometrium increases, the blood supply is more intense, as it exhibits a strong sensitivity to hormonal changes,
Signs of the follicular stage
Another sign of the onset of the follicular phase is the softness of the mammary glands. This is enough to make sure palpation. This time is ideal for home breast screening.
Diagnosing cervical mucus also helps determine the onset of the follicular phase. As soon as menstruation ends, clear mucus appears in the vagina, resembling glue in density. These secretions suggest that the period of ovulation has not yet arrived.
The yellowish discharge that appears after the maturation of the egg, is an excellent environment for the life of sperm. At the same time during the middle of the menstrual cycle, the number of such secretions increases dramatically.
So, based on the above, we can conclude that at the time of maturation of the egg in a woman there is a small amount of clear secretions, and the environment in the vagina is rather dry.
Long phase
The normal duration of the follicular (sometimes referred to as follicular) stage is about 14 days. A short follicular phase is not a bad thing, it is just an individual feature. The shortened phase does not affect ovulation and conception. But if it is long, it indicates hormonal dysfunction.
Perhaps the follicle matures too long, or does not mature at all, that is, ovulation does not occur, and conception is impossible. In this case, the need to study the hormonal status. According to test results, the doctor will prescribe treatment. Most often, obstetrician-gynecologists prescribe drugs to stimulate ovulation.
So, phase 1 of the menstrual cycle must be used to identify the problem that causes infertility. And as quickly as possible to eliminate all obstacles to the desired pregnancy.
Women each month live a new menstrual cycle, which is divided into three parts. Each part of it controls certain actions in the body. The follicular phase of the cycle is at the beginning of the cycle and lasts fourteen days. She prepares the female body to ovulate and conceive a child.
What is the follicular phase?
What is the follicular phase? It was so named because of the elements that are in the ovaries - these are “follicles.” They are in its cortical layer. Under the influence of hormones, when the critical days end, the follicles become larger. The body makes its choice between a good and not a good follicle. In the best, the egg cell begins to mature, which can then become fertilized.
The follicular phase of the menstrual cycle deals with the process of preparing the genitals for the onset of ovulation. All other phases depend on this and how the organism will continue to live. FSH is responsible for the ripening process. It is he who allows follicles to grow, and also gives an opportunity for conception. When the follicle begins to grow, the endometrium increases. Endometrium is the upper sheath that is in the uterus. Endometrium plays a large role during conception, since the embryo should cling to it.
Important points of the follicular stage
The menstrual cycle has three parts, and the follicular phase is the most important. It gives the opportunity to grow follicles, which further give the girl a chance for pregnancy. At about the fifth to the seventh day from the very beginning of this stage, the follicles develop. The egg is ready to fertilize on the fourteenth day of the cycle. Before the start of ovulation, the degree of estrogen begins to increase significantly.
If a woman has a cycle of twenty-eight days, then the follicular stage lasts fourteen days. When it begins, menstruation begins. And when she comes to the end, then these days are considered safe for conception, namely, the days of ovulation. This stage lasts half a month, and the body constantly releases sex hormones. It occurs, for increase of sexual desire, and also for conception of the child. When estrogen increased, then the egg is ready for fertilization.
It is also worth knowing that the female body produces five or seven follicles at the same time, but only one can continue development. The rest stop developing. Simultaneously with the monthly they come from the body of the girl. When the uterus is completely cleansed, new layers of the endometrium begin to grow anew, which increase and increase in thickness thanks to estrogen. After that, he is ready to accept the egg after conception. If conception did not happen, then all the processes are repeated and the menstruation begins. Such a process takes place every cycle if the egg cell fails to fertilize.
When to wait for the follicular period and how long does it last?
What day of the cycle is considered the beginning of the follicular stage? The first day of the start of the phase is the first day when the menstruation started. When the girl saw the first blood discharge, she considers this day as the beginning of the follicular stage. It lasts until the onset of ovulation. If a woman has a cycle of twenty-eight days, then the next stage will begin in fourteen days. In other cases, the stage of maturation of the egg is not two weeks, but less. Her number ranges from seven to twenty-two days.
The amount of hormones in the follicular phase
The amount of hormones affects the work of the female body. They are quite closely interconnected. If failures occur, changes will occur throughout the body and in the hormones themselves. The total number of hormones depends on the pituitary, it is he who produces them. The following are attributed to working hormones:
- Prolactin;
- Estradiol;
For the egg to ripen, the hormone FSH must act on it. The follicular phase hormone rate has a number of 1.37 to 9.90 mMED / ml. An increase in prolactin can also affect the production of these hormones. If the results are high enough, the egg begins to develop very slowly. In this case, ovulation will come later, or not at all. The hormone rate in the follicular phase is between 109 and 557 mU / ml.
The required number of estradiol appears if there is a balance between FSH, LH and prolactin. From his work begins to grow the fullness of the endometrium. From such data, the embryo will easily catch on the wall of the uterus. The results of studies in such cases should be in the normal range from 68 to 11268 pmol /. LH at the beginning of the stage exists in the body of the girl is not a large number. Hormonal growth occurs before the egg begins to move into the uterine cavity.
Fertilization itself always depends on the number of the hormone. If the amount of hormone is not enough, the woman millet can not get pregnant. Must be in the initial phase of 1.68-15 units. When the first stage is completed, a surge of the hormone LH occurs. At this point, the girl can observe a lot of white discharge.
Is there a chance of conception in the first phase?
Often girls ask doctors if there is a chance of conception in the early stages of the cycle? The chances of conceiving directly depend on the development of follicles. Not all women can say with certainty that they are exactly healthy. Also, for many of them, the menstrual cycle is impaired, and ovulation can occur both earlier than expected and later. Therefore, no one can exactly answer this question. Every woman's body reacts differently to hormones and all the changes that occur in it, as there are individual norms.
Ovulation may occur on the seventh - tenth day of the cycle. It is at this moment that a girl can easily get pregnant. If ovulation has not come, conception is impossible. After the follicular phase comes ovulatory and then luteal. Conception is possible only when the ovary comes out. If an unprotected closeness occurred in the first part, then the chances of conceiving are quite high. This is due to the fact that the sperm cell stays in the girl's body for seven days.
If you start to control your body and calculate favorable days, you can understand exactly when you need to try to have children. Because every girl everything happens differently. If, nevertheless, it is impossible to get pregnant, then it is advisable to go to an appointment with a gynecologist together with a partner, as there may be a reason in a man. In addition, a woman may have hormonal disruptions or other diseases that directly affect conception.
What could be a violation?
If hormone disruptions occur, this leads to disturbances in the body, and may mean that the woman is infertile. This is due to many reasons, they may be:
- constant monthly delays;
- strong discharge after the end of menstruation;
- impossible to conceive a child;
- ovulation does not occur;
- symptoms of multifollicular ovaries.
Treat such diseases with special preparations. Also, if a woman has polycystosis, then it is necessary to perform the operation, since the ovaries cannot release an egg cell.
The first phase lasts for two weeks, but for some women this period can last even longer. If the follicle has matured very quickly, then the duration of the phase is reduced. Other than this, no further disruptions are observed. Ovulation occurs on time and the chances of conception increase. When the phase lasts longer than the allotted time, ovulation may not occur at all. Therefore, the follicle may mature for a long time or not begin to mature at all.
This can happen for the following reasons:
- fertilization has occurred, about which the woman does not yet know;
- the woman is breastfeeding;
- stop taking hormonal pills;
- adolescents in transitional age;
- a woman has menopause;
- hormonal disorders.
Disorders of the follicular stage may be due to the following reasons:
- various diseases;
- sudden change of weather;
- there are extra pounds of a woman;
- severe stress;
- quite low weight;
- strong loads and regular workouts.
When conception does not occur, the ovulatory stage ends and the luteal stage begins. It has a duration of twelve days, and the number of progesterone and estrogen begins to decrease. The uterus contracts a little, and the woman may feel cramps and pain. Also the endometrial layer begins to fall off, after which the beginning of the cycle and the follicular stage begins again. Then everything happens in a circle.
Now the girl can independently control the changes that occur in her body. If she decided to become pregnant, she would have to watch her body for several months and calculate the correctness of the menstrual cycle. She should know exactly what days the first stage begins and how long it lasts.
Menstruation is a mandatory component of every woman of childbearing age. About what is happening with the female body, every schoolboy knows today. But in most cases we have only a general idea of the cycle: bleeding begins every month, lasting 3 to 5 days. At this time, the body gets rid of what is not useful. And, you can think about a possible pregnancy.
In fact, not everything is so simple. divided into three main phases, each of which plays a very important role in the preparation of the female body to conceive a child. And the first of them is the follicular phase, when egg maturation occurs. Without this period, all others already lose their meaning. Knowing what a follicular phase is in women, and what exactly is happening now, one can understand a lot about her health and how the reproductive system works.
The essence and duration of the follicular phase
The follicular phase of the cycle begins on the very day when the first discharge appeared. From this day, the egg cell begins to mature in the follicles in order to begin its movement along the fallopian tube on the appointed day to meet with the sperm cell. The first phase lasts for everyone in different ways, from a week to twenty days. This is quite normal and is not a disease. Thereafter . Accordingly, if the follicle is not ripe for any reason, then ovulation will not occur. The reasons for this may be several:
- reception or cancellation of hormonal drugs;
- lactation;
- menopause;
- climate change;
- weight loss or, conversely, obesity;
- some diseases.
The female body is quite fragile, and many factors can affect the functioning of the reproductive system. In order to understand whether the follicular phase normally proceeds, experts prescribe a blood test for the study of hormone levels and ultrasound. The follicular phase of the cycle is important not only for reproduction, but also for showing women. That is why a blood test is assigned exactly on the 3rd-5th day after the onset of menstruation.
In addition to what day the study will be conducted, it is important that certain conditions are met. Failure to comply with them can affect the rate of hormones in the follicular phase. Before you donate blood you should always sleep well, on the eve of not doing heavy physical work, avoid stressful situations and nervous tension. Also, it is recommended to exclude sex the day before the analysis. Donating blood for hormones is necessary in the morning, on an empty stomach. But you should drink about half a liter of water. It is necessary to ensure that the laboratory staff is not difficult to take blood for analysis. Alternatively, you can drink a glass of water at home and take a small bottle with you that you drink while you wait your turn. So the blood will not be too thick, and you will not suffer from an overflowing bladder.
Hormonal background in the follicular phase
Probably, there is not a single woman who would not be sent to donate blood for hormones. These data can tell a lot about women's health and allow you to prescribe adequate treatment. Most often, the failure of these indicators is an obstacle to.
The most important indicator is follicle-stimulating hormone. It is he who is responsible for the normal development and growth of follicles. During the study, the follicular phase of FSH should show from 3 to 11 mU / ml. Elevated FSH in the follicular phase or reduced means either a disease or pregnancy.
Also, together with the previous hormone prescribed study luteinizing hormone. He is responsible for the release of the egg from the mature follicle. Its norm is - from 2 to 14 mU / ml. Elevated PH in the follicular phase also means the presence of adrenal or pituitary disease. Lower scores mean lower egg levels.
Equally important is the ratio of these two indicators. The ratio of FSH and LH in the follicular phase should be 1.5-2 in favor of follicle-stimulating hormone. That is, in the first half of the cycle it should be more than LH. In the second half of the cycle, the ratio changes in favor of the second hormone. Again, if the ratio deviates from the norm, this can also indicate the presence of certain diseases. For example, adrenal or pituitary tumors.
Another hormone that is being researched during this period is estradiol. It is responsible for the growth of the endometrium and for the development of the follicle. The norm of estradiol in the follicular phase is 110 - 330 pmol / l. Elevated estradiol in the follicular phase speaks of the disease. But its level can change both during pregnancy and when taking certain drugs, which must also be taken into account.
The indicator of such a hormone as prolactin is also important. It usually rises during breastfeeding and blocks conception function. If a woman is not pregnant and does not breastfeed, the rate of prolactin should be 130 - 540 mU / ml.
These were all exclusively female hormones, indicators of which indicate the readiness of the body to conceive and the presence or absence of diseases. But male hormones can also affect this process. Therefore, doctors often prescribe. Its rate should be - 0.32 - 1.2 ng / ml. Elevated 17-OH progesterone in the follicular phase, if we are not talking about pregnancy, may indicate a violation of the adrenal glands and ovaries or congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Elevated progesterone in the follicular phase usually leads to acne, increased body hair growth, and changes in blood sugar levels.
Naturally, hormone indicators alone are not enough for a conclusion about women's health. Often after this, an ultrasound examination is prescribed. Only on the basis of blood tests and ultrasound can be judged on the presence or absence of diseases. The treatment is also selected accordingly. If the ultrasound showed nothing, then most often it is just a hormonal failure, which is now successfully treated with industrial drugs.
Usually, the treatment is not immediately prescribed; a month later a second blood test is performed. Now, knowing what a follicular phase is in women, you have an idea that any circumstances can affect the hormonal background. If in a month the indices remained unchanged, hormone therapy is prescribed. Exact adherence to the recommendations of the doctor and timely monitoring can quickly bring women's health back to normal.
The follicular phase is the beginning of the menstrual cycle. It ends after ovulation and is very important for the health of the girl.
Menstruation is a natural process that every girl faces since the age of 12. The menstrual cycle is characterized by regularity about every 28 days, which allows you to get used to this monthly event. Every adult woman should know that the menstrual cycle consists of several phases. Of particular importance is the follicular. It is at this initial phase of the cycle that the follicle is formed, from which an egg cell will later be released.
The follicular phase begins on the first day of the menstrual cycle, that is, immediately after the onset of menstruation, and ends the day after ovulation. The follicular stage takes about half of the cycle, at this time the girl's body produces special hormones estrogen, which increase sexual desire and contribute to the conception of the child. When the level of estrogen rises, this indicates that there are formed eggs in the body that are ready for fertilization.
It is important to note that several follicles can ripen at the same time in a woman’s body, but the first of them, which reaches 14 mm in size, becomes dominant and continues to grow. The remaining follicles begin to regress. At this time, another important process occurs: the uterus is cleared of dead endometrium, which comes out with blood. After cleansing the uterus during the follicular phase, the growth of a new endometrium begins, which, under the influence of estrogen, prepares to receive an already fertilized egg. If fertilization does not occur, then everything goes in a new circle: the endometrium is destroyed and a new cycle begins.
Follicle-stimulating hormone in the menstrual cycle
The follicular phase of the cycle is also characterized by the production of FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone). FSH regulates the proper functioning of the ovaries and controls that the ripe follicle leaves the ovary in time. Each of the full follicles contains an egg cell and, under the influence of FSH, leaves the ovaries and then moves through the fallopian tubes to the uterus.
Follicle-stimulating hormone is produced not only in women, it is also in men, but they are responsible for spermatogenesis.
Today, modern medicine is far advanced in matters of reproduction and determines the norms of the amount of FSH in a woman's body. The amount of this hormone varies throughout all phases of the menstrual cycle. The rate of FSH in women varies throughout the entire menstrual cycle. So, on the follicular phase of the cycle, the amount of FSH should be 2.8-11.3 mU / l, on the ovulatory one - 5.8-21 mU / l, and on the lutein phase - 1.2-9 mU / l.
If, according to the results of the analysis, the woman has a lack of follicle-stimulating hubbub, then the probability of infertility is high or that the body does not undergo ovulation.
If there is an excess of hormone, then there are dysfunctions of the ovaries, tumor diseases or uterine bleeding.
Analysis of follicle-stimulating hormone must pass on an empty stomach. Before taking this important analysis, you must stop smoking, drinking alcohol and excessively fatty foods. Doctors should be warned about taking medications, if any.
The flow of the follicular stage of menstruation
At the follicular stage, follicles grow, which can be divided into large and small. Small growth occurs even in the ovaries, and large occurs under the influence of follicle-stimulating hormones and estrogen. Follicle growth ends in ovulation and the formation of the yellow body.
During the period when the follicle is matured, the temperature of a woman’s body is usually below 37 ° C. Basal temperature is required to measure in order to determine the readiness for fertilization and to know which day of the cycle you can safely have sex. Every month it is very important to record the date of the beginning and end of menstruation - this will allow you to independently determine if there are any problems with your reproductive function.
Depending on the age of the woman and her state of health, the follicular phase can last from 8 to 23 days.
The duration of the phase is individual for each woman.
It is the follicular phase that is of paramount importance in the diagnosis of infertility and determining the ability to bear a child. At this stage, you can identify a problem that prevents a girl from becoming a mother, and quickly fix it.
Thanks to modern equipment, there are a huge number of methods for diagnosing the maturation of follicles and measuring the resulting yellow body.
The normal course of the menstrual cycle is very important for a woman’s life. Knowledge of all phases, the prevalence of hormones allows you to plan your sex life, the probability of pregnancy, the safest days of protection against unwanted fertilization. Also, quality control over the course of the menstrual cycle will help a woman determine the onset of a possible disease on the part of the female sexual or hormonal systems.
Menstrual cycle
The phases of the menstrual cycle are divided into 3 periods:
- Follicular;
- Ovulatory;
- Luteal.
Normal menstrual cycle lasts from 21 days to 35 days. Many do not know on which day of the cycle monthly periods fall. The first day of the new cycle is considered to be the beginning of menstruation.
The ovulatory phase divides the follicular and luteal periods in half. She says that the body is ready for fertilization. This can be recognized by a sharp jump in the basal temperature: a sharp drop occurs immediately, then an increase. All this happens within the boundaries of one day.
Follicular phase
Follicular phase, what is it? This the period of the monthly cycle begins on the first day of menstruation. That is, at the moment when the old egg comes out, which died because it did not have time to be fertilized, a new repeated stage begins to emerge. At this time, the corpus luteum degrades, it stops producing progesterone, which contributes to the rejection of the inner layer of the uterus - the endometrium, and then the bleeding begins.
On this day, a new follicle is formed - the primary. It is so small that it can not be seen on ultrasound. It is located in the ovary. And in order for it to start growing, control and regulation of certain hormones is necessary. In the ovary, follicles do not grow one by one, but already at this stage natural selection reigns.
Survives the strongest - the one who produces the greatest amount of estrogen. Then the chain reaction begins. Estrogens stimulate the hypothalamus. And he begins to throw Gonadoliberin into the blood. This hormone has a positive effect on the pituitary gland, which takes primacy for the growth of the follicle, then the egg and the sufficiency of the hormonal system of all organs of the reproductive system.
Hormonal contraceptives for their productive work use the same principle in reverse order. So that a woman does not become pregnant, the pills inhibit the pituitary gland, because of this, the follicle does not develop.
The pituitary gland produces follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones. The follicle-stimulating hormone has a direct connection with estrogen: the more hormones the follicle releases, the more the pituitary gland works on the formation of follicle-stimulating hormone. The latter enters the bloodstream and is transferred to the ovaries. It contributes to the correct and comfortable development of the follicle from the primary to the secondary, and by the end of the phase to the tertiary. This the process usually should be 14 days, but can vary from 7 to 22 days. It will end at the moment when the follicle reaches its maximum size and stops producing estrogens. Then he will be ready to burst, so that an egg cell leaves it.
On the 14th day of the cycle, the pituitary gland releases a powerful stream of luteinizing hormone into the blood, and the follicle is broken. At this moment we observe a sharp drop in the basal temperature, which was described earlier. This ends the follicular phase and luteinizing begins. Measure the basal temperature can be in the rectum. In order for the results to be correct, the procedure should be done in the morning at the same time, without getting out of bed.
Instead of a ruptured follicle, a yellow body will be organizedwhich in the luteinizing phase will produce progesterone. He will protect and develop the future of the bed for the ovum, attract males and develop a possible coming pregnancy.
Causes of phase failure
The follicular phase should go to its logical conclusion in the middle of the cycle.but sometimes it doesn't happen. If ovulation has not occurred and the first phase continues, it means that the body experiences a violation of the regulated hormone supply.
The lack of pituitary luteinizing hormone prevents the natural rupture and release of the egg.
The causes of the disturbance of the normal course can be:
- Stress;
- Taking oral contraceptives;
- Hormonal adjustment;
- Premenopausal period;
- Formation of the menstrual cycle in the early years;
- Recent abortion or childbirth;
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome;
- Malignant neoplasms.