What is ovulation?

Ovulation is at the heart of the process that is the menstrual cycle. Unlike menstruation, it is the invisible part of the menstrual cycle and yet it is around it that it is entirely organized. It is ovulation that the cycle prepares, the egg that the cycle expels, the egg that turns into an embryo in the event of fertilization. This is why it is essential to understand everything about ovulation . In this article, we see together what ovulation is , its three stages, the hormones involved in ovulation, the days and symptoms linked to ovulation. Beautiful discovery.

Quick reminder: what is ovulation?

Ovulation is the natural process by which a mature egg is released from one of the ovaries of a woman of reproductive age. It is the prerequisite for natural fertilization and pregnancy.

Ovulation is a crucial stage in the female menstrual cycle and the reproductive process : in fact, the entire menstrual cycle is organized around ovulation. The luteal phase is the phase during which the egg matures, while the ovulatory phase is when the egg is released and travels through the fallopian tubes toward the uterus. Fertilization of the egg results in pregnancy and the birth of a new human being.

As we begin this article on ovulation, we feel it's important to make a disclaimer: ovulation is not always regular for all menstruating people. It can be influenced by various factors, including stress, illness, hormonal fluctuations , and other external factors. Therefore, tracking your menstrual cycle and signs of ovulation may be necessary for women who want to ensure that everything is going well and conceive a child.

Ovulation occurs in 3 stages

Ovulation is a process that occurs in three distinct stages. The menstrual cycle revolves around it.

1. Follicular maturation

The first stage of ovulation in menstruating individuals is follicular maturation – this stage corresponds to the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle . This is the time when eggs grow within ovarian follicles. One of these is selected as the dominant ovarian follicle and continues to grow until maturation. This stage has a very variable duration: it can last between 7 and 20 days, depending on the total duration of the menstrual cycle .

For the menstruating person, the outward symptoms of this stage of follicular maturation are generally a certain peace of mind brought about by the gradual rise of sex hormones (which we will review a little later). This stage can also be accompanied by thick, sticky, and dry white discharge .

2. Release of the oocyte

The second stage of ovulation is the release of the egg. Once mature, the egg is released from the ovarian follicle that has seen it grow. This stage corresponds to the ovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle and lasts approximately 1 day.

For the menstruating person, the outward symptoms of ovulation release are of different natures . Some women report menstrual pain in the lower abdomen, quite mild and similar to a pinch. Others have chest pain, with breasts that seem to swell and hurt (in some cases, the pain can persist until the period). Still others may observe translucent, liquid white discharge , like egg white – this is intended to facilitate the movement of sperm to the released egg.

3. The lifespan of the oocyte

The third and final stage of ovulation is the period during which the egg is alive and fertilizable. This lasts between 24 and 48 hours. After its release, the egg travels through the fallopian tubes toward the uterus. The fallopian tubes provide a favorable environment for fertilization.

For the menstruating person, there are no specific external symptoms related to the movement of the egg in the fallopian tubes, except for the white discharge which continues to be translucent and slippery to promote fertilization.

Two situations are then possible: either the egg is fertilized by a sperm and in this case it attaches to the walls of the uterus covered with endometrium to begin its partition, or the egg is not fertilized and the body gets rid of it at the same time as the endometrium (this is menstruation and a new cycle begins).

Hormones involved in ovulation

As with the menstrual cycle, female sex hormones orchestrate ovulation in menstruating individuals. The sex hormones involved in ovulation are thus the same as the sex hormones involved in the menstrual cycle .

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

Luteinizing hormone (LH) is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland in the brain. It is responsible for triggering ovulation , the process where a mature egg is released from the ovary: LH levels gradually increase in a woman's body during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle and, when they reach their peak, cause ovulation.

This is also why ovulation tests measure luteinizing hormone levels to track the ovulation process. In this sense, luteinizing hormone also has a medical role.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

Like LH, follicle-stimulating hormone (also called FSH) is produced by the pituitary gland in the brain. This hormone is involved in the development and maturation of ovarian follicles, which contain eggs. During the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, FSH stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles. It then helps select the dominant follicle, which will reach full maturation and release an egg during ovulation. The other follicles regress.

Like LH, FSH also has a medical role. It is measured in tests to check the proper functioning of ovulation, particularly in the context of short or long menstrual cycles .

Estrogens

Estrogens are a group of steroid hormones. They are primarily produced by the ovaries, although small amounts are also secreted by the adrenal glands and fat cells. While they have many functions, in the context of ovulation, they are responsible for the maturation of ovarian follicles and play a key role in the release of the mature egg . Like LH, they gradually increase in the body during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, reaching a peak at the time of ovulation.

What about progesterone?

Progesterone is a steroid hormone essential in the menstrual cycle and in preparing the uterus for a possible pregnancy. However, it has no role in ovulation since it occurs after the latter: in fact, it is produced by the corpus luteum which appears in the ovarian follicle after the release of the mature egg.

When is ovulation? When am I most fertile?

For most menstruating people, ovulation occurs during the ovulatory phase at the end of the luteal period . In a 28-day cycle, it occurs after 14 days, but this duration varies greatly from woman to woman, and even from cycle to cycle. Generally speaking, regardless of the length of your cycle, your ovulation period occurs 14 days before the first day of your period . You can use a period tracking app to get a clearer idea of your ovulation period.

The period during which you are most fertile is also called the fertility window. If you are not trying to get pregnant, these are the most dangerous days of your cycle in terms of fertility . To calculate this fertility window, we take into account the lifespan of sperm, which exceeds 72 hours in the favorable environment of women's reproductive organs. The fertility window is therefore estimated to last 5 days : 3 days before ovulation and then the two days of the egg's lifespan.

How do I know if I'm ovulating, what are the signs?

As a menstruating person, it's helpful to know your ovulation period to better understand your body and the symptoms you experience, and perhaps even to consider trying for a baby. There are a few physical signs to observe, but you can also use various tools.

Watch for the 4 signs you're ovulating

To know if you are ovulating, the first method is to observe four physical signs that can help you identify that you are ovulating.

• Fluctuating basal temperature: The body temperature of menstruating people changes throughout the menstrual cycle; this is called basal temperature. Just before ovulation, the temperature drops and then rises above 37°C during the luteal phase. If you are particularly sensitive, you may feel this fluctuation in body temperature or experience night sweats;
• Mild menstrual pain (pinching): Some women report a slight pinching in the lower abdomen at the ovary, where the egg is released, at the time of ovulation;
• Breast pain (swelling sensation): Menstruating people with breast tenderness may experience pain around the time of ovulation. This pain may continue until the next period is due, 14 days later;
• Translucent, egg-white-like cervical mucus: White discharge changes texture and color when ovulation occurs. It becomes more viscous and translucent. This slippery feeling helps sperm move through the genitals.

4 tools to help you know you're ovulating

Every menstruating person experiences the above symptoms differently, so don't feel guilty if you don't! It's entirely possible that you don't have any of these signs, and that doesn't mean you're not listening to your body. If you're unsure whether you're ovulating, here are four different tools to help you spot your ovulation:

• Calculate your ovulation: The first tool to better understand your ovulation is to take the time to calculate your ovulation based on the length of your menstrual cycle. This is a first step that can help you better track your ovulation.
• Taking your basal temperature: Sensing your body's temperature fluctuations is no easy task. 🌈 In our store, you'll find a basal thermometer to measure your temperature and track your basal temperature. It's recommended to take your temperature 5 times a week to get a good overview of your temperature fluctuations. You'll find everything you need to know about basal temperature in our dedicated article.
• Take an ovulation test: Ovulation is triggered by a surge in the LH hormone in the body. Tracking changes in this hormone with an ovulation test is a good way to know your ovulation day if you're planning to have a baby. These tests detect the LH hormone in urine and are used like a pregnancy test.
• Use a menstrual cycle tracking app: It's difficult to have a clear idea of the length of your cycle and the occurrence of ovulation, even if it's regular. Menstrual cycle tracking apps learn your cycle based on the information you give them monthly and inform you of your most likely ovulation day based on the length of your cycle. Check out our article comparing the different menstrual cycle tracking apps available. Note: if your cycle is very irregular, it may be difficult to anticipate your ovulation using apps and it will be more interesting to use the physical signs and tools mentioned above.

🌈 On our store, find on our site all the products to track cycles and support ovulation symptoms .

Factors that can influence ovulation

Just as the menstrual cycle is particularly sensitive to many factors, the proper course of ovulation can be influenced by different factors (natural, illnesses and lifestyle).

Natural causes

The ovulation process can naturally vary. This is due to genetics and therefore heredity, but also to different periods in a woman's life.

Heredity

Heredity and genetics play a large role in menstrual cycles and ovulation regularity. If the women in your family have irregular ovulation, it's possible that you do too. If you're comfortable with these issues in your family, you can talk to them about it. This will help you better understand your body.

Age

Age plays a major role in the regularity of ovulation. Teenagers who have just started menstruating and premenopausal women may have irregular cycles and sometimes not ovulate at all.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnancy is most often the cause of the cessation of the menstrual cycle and ovulation. The body focuses on the growth of the embryo and then the fetus. In very rare cases (denial of pregnancy), ovulation continues during pregnancy. Breastfeeding is a more unusual time: many women experience ovulation stopping during the time of ovulation (particularly due to the presence of high doses of the hormone prolactin, which stimulates the mammary glands). However, some women can regain ovulation and menstruation even while breastfeeding.

The way of life

In addition to heredity, lifestyle factors can influence ovulation, such as stress, high-intensity exercise, weight, and exposure to endocrine disruptors.

Stress

Physical or emotional stress can disrupt the normal functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, which regulates the production of hormones involved in ovulation. This results in an impact on hormones that are essential in the precise organization of ovulation. Bereavement, moving, breakup, new encounters: if your ovulation undergoes changes during these periods of life, it may be completely normal!

Weight and nutrition

Body weight plays an important role in regulating ovulation. Women with a very low or very high body mass index (BMI) may experience irregular menstrual cycles or a lack of ovulation. Anorexia, bulimia, and obesity can all, in their own way, affect the regularity of ovulation. Similarly, an inadequate or unbalanced diet can influence ovulation. A deficiency in essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals can disrupt the menstrual cycle.

High intensity sport

Intense and excessive physical exercise can lead to hormonal disruptions, which can, in turn, disrupt ovulation. Professional athletes or women who train intensively may sometimes experience irregular cycles or even amenorrhea (absence of ovulation and periods).

Exposure to Endocrine Disruptors

Certain chemicals present in the environment, such as phthalates and bisphenols, can act as endocrine disruptors and affect the hormones responsible for ovulation. Therefore, it is recommended to limit as much as possible the compounds known to be endocrine disruptors.

Hormonal imbalances

As we explained earlier in this article, ovulation is closely linked to female sex hormones. When these hormones are disrupted (for various reasons), ovulation can suffer.

PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder. It is quite common among menstruating women of reproductive age, with 1 in 10 women affected. However, its symptoms vary considerably from person to person.

It is characterized by the presence of multiple cysts in the ovaries and can have other consequences of hormonal imbalances leading to irregular ovulation , acne, increased hair growth (hirsutism) and hair loss.

Hyperprolactinemia

Prolactin is a hormone whose main role is to stimulate the mammary glands to induce lactation and enable breastfeeding following pregnancy. It slows down the menstrual cycle so as to naturally prevent the new mother from becoming pregnant again. However, if produced in excessive quantities by the body outside of breastfeeding, it can cause irregular ovulation .

Thyroid disorder

The thyroid is a gland located in the neck that produces hormones essential for regulating metabolism, growth, and development. It also affects sex hormones that can trigger ovulation. Hyperthyroidism can therefore result in ovulation not occurring properly, or not occurring at all (this is called anovulation).

Hormonal treatments

Hormonal treatments, particularly contraceptive treatments, can have the effect of stopping ovulation. This is how they fulfill their contraceptive role. Note that taking various medications can be the source of irregular ovulation (particularly due to their action on hormones): do not hesitate to ask your healthcare professional for advice if in doubt.

Other health issues

Aside from hormonal imbalances, other health issues can impact the proper course of ovulation. If you have any concerns about your ovulation and health, don't hesitate to consult a doctor and discuss your concerns.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a disease that affects 10% of women. It corresponds to a dysfunction of the endometrium (uterine lining): the latter does not develop only in the uterus, but colonizes the exterior of the uterus to come and agglomerate in the organs all around, generating adhesions and lesions. If the disease still suffers from ignorance, the hypothesis is that the inflammation of the peritoneum, the fallopian tube and the endometrium, disrupt the maturation of the ovum, ovulation and fertilization of the ovum .

Fibroids

Fibroids are benign tumors that grow on the uterus and female genitals. Uterine fibroids are common (one in five women suffer from them) and can cause infertility by affecting ovulation (as well as egg fertilization and embryo implantation). Several symptoms can lead you to these fibroids (bleeding, pelvic pain, etc.), which can be detected through medical imaging. Surgery is necessary to remove them.

Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI)

Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) is also known as “early menopause” or “premature ovarian failure.” It is a medical condition in which a woman’s ovaries stop functioning normally before the age of 40. Ovulation stops functioning properly, and more broadly, this leads to a decrease in the production of estrogen, the hormone responsible for the menstrual cycle, fertility, and maintaining bone health.

The importance of tracking your ovulation

Understanding and tracking your ovulation is especially important for better understanding your body, tracking your ovulation symptoms and getting pregnant.

To know your body

The first reason to learn about and track your ovulation is to better understand what's happening in your body. As menstruators, we can't ignore our menstrual cycle and its impact on our bodies, hormones, and well-being. Understanding our cycle and ovulation means knowing our bodies better and taking better control of them.

To be aware of your symptoms

The second reason is that ovulation is accompanied, like menstruation, by various symptoms such as abdominal and breast pain, vaginal discharge and so on. Being aware of these symptoms means knowing your body, on the one hand, but it also means being able to spot abnormal situations or to play down variable symptoms. It also means, with a view to a future baby project, developing the ability to spot your ovulation.

To get pregnant

The third and final reason to track your ovulation is to increase your chances of getting pregnant if that's your plan. The fertile window for menstruating women lasts 5 days, including 2 days following ovulation. Identifying your ovulation or being able to track it using various tools can help you maximize your chances of conceiving.

🌈 On our site, we offer a range of selected fertility products .

⚡ Please note: tracking your ovulation is a method of contraception that can only be sufficient in itself if it is extremely rigorous . We recommend that you combine this method with another, more precise method.