![]() ![]() A new corpus luteum is made every cycle in which ovulation occurs. This new progesterone producer (which also produces estrogen) is called the corpus luteum, or “yellow body” in Latin (because it’s yellowish in color). Luteinizing hormone transforms the large estrogen-making follicle into a progesterone -making machine (10). The egg may be on its way, but the follicle’s job is far from over. You’ll see estrogen, in blue, starts low and begins to spike midway through the follicular phase. The dominant follicle is the source of more than 90% of the estrogen production in the pre-ovulatory period (19). The pre-ovulatory follicle is the primary source of estrogen in the body. Meanwhile, the egg has been undergoing its own changes to prepare for possible fertilization. The follicle uses enzymes to degrade its own wall and form an opening, allowing the release of the tiny egg from its center (18).Īt the end of the fallopian tube, a finger-like structure swells with blood to grab and usher the egg in. The release of the egg from the follicle and ovary happens about 24 hours later (10–12 hours after LH peaks) (13, 17). The brain then produces a surge of luteinizing hormone (LH), triggering ovulation. When the amount of estrogen reaches its upper threshold, the egg is ready for release. That’s about the size of a grape, or a hazelnut with its shell on. As follicles grow, they produce estrogen.Īs a dominant follicle is selected and grows (days 6–9 of the cycle), estrogen begins to spike (10).Ī follicle becomes dominant at about 10mm in diameter, and typically grows to be about two centimeters in diameter (and up to about 3.3cm) (14–17). FSH does exactly what it’s named for-it stimulates follicles to develop (2). The brain produces continuous bursts of follicle-stimulating hormone, or FSH, throughout your cycle. The brain-ovarian connection that controls follicle development and ovulation is called the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, or HPO Axis. How do your brain and hormones interact with ovulation? Short-term factors like jet lag, seasonal changes, stress, and smoking can have an effect, as well as longer-term factors like PCOS and thyroid disorders (4–8). Ovulation (and the menstrual cycle as a whole) is impacted by energetic, nutritional, emotional, and socioeconomic factors. The development and release of an egg each cycle occurs in response to the intricate ups and downs of your reproductive hormones. If conditions aren’t right, ovulation won’t happen Prehistorically, women would have ovulated less than half as often (3). This number is influenced by the use of contraceptives (many of which block ovulation), time spent pregnant and breastfeeding, and any behaviors or health conditions that affect the reproductive hormones (e.g. Research has found that in the global north, we ovulate roughly 400 times throughout our lifespan (2). You’ll better understand any hormonally-influenced changes to your body around that time, and learn what factors might affect the timing of your ovulation (like stress), and why. But having a grasp on the process can give you insight into more than fertility. It’s common that people are introduced to the topic only after they have trouble becoming pregnant. ![]() Understanding how ovulation works can be a powerful tool for your health
0 Comments
Leave a Reply.AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |