What Happens During the Female Ovulation Cycle?

It takes two to tango, and so knowing a little bit about the female ovulation cycle is always helpful. 

The female ovulation cycle is also known as the menstrual cycle, and typically lasts 28 days, though there is a good amount of variability from person to person. There are 4 phases of the ovulation cycle. Here's what happens in each phase.

1. Menstrual Phase (Days 1-5): This is when menstruation (also known as a "period") occurs. Prior to menstruation, the uterine lining thickens in preparation for a pregnancy. During the menstrual phase, this thickened uterine lining is shed through the vagina. The menstrual phase marks the start of the cycle. 
2. Follicular Phase (Days 1-15): The follicular phase overlaps with the menstrual phase. In the follicular phase, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is released from the pituitary gland and stimulates the ovaries to produce follicles. A follicle is a fluid-filled sac that contains an immature egg, or oocyte. Usually one follicle becomes dominant during tis phase. The follicles secrete estrogen, and the rising estrogen levels during this phase help to thicken the lining of the uterus. 
3. Ovulation (Around day 14): Ovulation is the term for the release of the egg from the dominant follicle in the ovary. This event is triggered by a surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) released from the pituitary gland. The egg travels down the fallopian tube, where it may meet with sperm and become fertilized. 
4. Luteal Phase (Day 15-28): The ruptured follicle transforms into a structure called the corpus luteum after ovulation. The corpus luteum secretes the hormone progesterone, which helps to prepare the lining of the uterus for the implantation of a fertilized egg.

*This post is for educational purposes only, and should not be taken as medical advice. If you have personal medical questions, consult with your personal physician* 

Keywords: Ovulation cycle, menstrual cycle, phases of ovulation, oocyte