Ovulatory Phase: The Basics

Education

Jun 14

This is the big show of your cycle. The crowning point if you will. This is where you are most fertile in your cycle. This is also what your body prepares for and what your cycle is meant for, ovulating!

How long does it last?

Usually occurs during days 12-14 of your cycle, but this can vary depending on how long your cycle length is. So it is important to track your cycle so you know exactly when you are ovulating (most fertile for baby making).

What is happening to my body?

Now from the outside it might not seem like much is going on in your body during ovulation (we’ll discuss later if you get symptoms) but let me tell you, there is a whole heck of a lot happening in there. First your hormones have reached a peak. Estrogen is peaking as the dominant follicle prepares to burst through your ovary (yes you read the correctly). Luteinizing hormone as well as testosterone also peak during this time, it's crazy in there I know.

Then around day 14 the egg finally detached from the follicle and the follicle ruptures. You may feel a slight pain as this is happening, its a pretty intense process so don't be alarmed. The egg then gets swiftly passed through the fallopian tubes and hold up shop in the uterus for about 12-24 hours. This is important to keep track of as this is your fertile window. So if you are using natural forms of contraception this is something you'll want to know.

Focus

This time in your cycle, with estrogen peaking, you will feel the most social and determined to get things done. Also, focus on some HIIT workouts and things that are really going to get your heart rate up, as you might have trouble doing slow workouts during this time

Foods

It is important to focus on fibre rich foods during this time because you want to be able to detoxify any excess estrogen that you may have (this will be helpful after on in your cycle)