6 Reasons Why You Need To Ovulate.
Some call ovulation the main event of a women’s reproductive cycle… we agree! First, we need to understand a bit more about your menstrual cycle.
The Three Phases.
The follicular phase is the time of your cycle when an egg is maturing within your ovary follicles.
Ovulation is the name that is given to the time in your cycle when an egg is released from one of your ovaries. It sits between the follicular phase and luteal phase of your cycle, and timing is slightly different for everyone.
After this is the luteal phase, which is when your uterus prepares itself for the possibility of welcoming a fertilised egg. Of course, this is all good and well, but what if conception is not your goal right now?
We hear you! And that’s why we want you to know that conception is not the only reason or benefit to ovulation.
Benefits of Ovulation.
Build muscle
Reduce inflammation
Promote better sleep
Protect against heart disease
Calm our body and mind
Cope with stress
How you ask....Progesterone!
Progesterone.
Progesterone is a hormone that is produced after ovulation. Once your newly matured egg has left the follicle, that follicle changes into something called a ‘corpus luteum’. This then begins to produce progesterone. However, it is not always that simple. There can be a lot of reasons why you may not ovulate and there is a common misconception that if you have your period then that means you have ovulated. False!
You can actually have your period month after month and still not be ovulating. These are called anovulatory cycles, similar to that experienced while taking the oral contraceptive pill (OCP). In the cases where anovulatory cycles are occurring, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is also often experienced. This includes symptoms such as breast tenderness, mood change and food cravings.
How do I know if I’m ovulating?
Here are some of the signs your body may use to tell you it’s ovulating:
Fertile Mucus
If you notice a clear, stretchy and slippery cervical mucus similar to an egg white in your underwear or when you go to the bathroom. This can be a sign that ovulation is near or occurring.
Increased Libido
During ovulation, your hormone levels of testosterone and oestrogen increase which can lead to a noticeable rise in sexual desire.
Elevated Basal Body Temperature
The basal body temperature will remain consistent until right before ovulation when it will go down very slightly, then jump back up and stay elevated – a sign that ovulation has occurred. This can be tracked using a basal body thermometer.
Cervical Position
Throughout a cycle, the cervix, located at the end of the “tunnel” in the vagina, changes position. Outside of the fertile window, the cervix is lower, harder, and more closed. Prior to ovulation, the cervix moves higher and becomes softer and more open. These changes can be monitored through touch but if the cervix has moved up, it may be out of reach.
Tender Breasts
Increasing levels of oestrogen in the body that culminates in ovulation can also cause tender, swollen breasts. Iodine deficiency is also associated with an increased risk of fibrocystic breast disease and breast pain.
Ovulation Pain
Also known as mittelschmerz, (German for “middle pain”) sharp pains in the abdomen during the middle of a cycle are normal and a sign that ovulation will happen soon. This can come in the form of cramping or pain on the inside of one hip, which may be an egg breaking free from the ovary during ovulation.
Do you experience any of these ovulation signs?
Need help with hormones?
We work alongside your GP, Pelvic Physiotherapist, Gynecologist or specialist to achieve the best result for you. With our help, you’ll build a team of professionals around you so you can get the results you’re looking for.
As a leading private health clinic, we can see you for online telehealth appointments across Aotearoa New Zealand from the comfort of your home.
With a team of Registered Nurses, Clinical Nutritionists and Medical Herbalists, we support people (just like you) with period problems, hormones, acne, polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis and fertility journeys.
Learn more about how Hekate Clinic can help you.
