What Happens During Ovulation?
Ovulation involves a coordinated hormonal process:
- FSH Stimulates Follicle Growth
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from the brain signals follicles in the ovary to grow. - Estrogen Signals Readiness
The developing follicle produces estrogen, which helps it mature and triggers a LH surge. - The Egg is Released
The LH surge causes the follicle to rupture, releasing the egg for potential fertilization. - Corpus Luteum Supports the Luteal Phase
After the egg is released, the ruptured follicle becomes the corpus luteum, producing progesterone and estrogen to maintain the luteal phase (~14 days).
How Do You Know if You’re Ovulating?
While regular periods often indicate ovulation, bleeding can occur without an egg being released (called anovulatory bleeding).
Ways to Confirm Ovulation:
- Blood tests: Look for an LH surge and post-ovulation progesterone >4 ng/mL.
- Urine monitors: Track LH and PDG (a progesterone metabolite) rises.
- Ultrasound: Observe follicle growth, rupture, and corpus luteum formation.
Common Types of Ovulation Dysfunction
Understanding the type of ovulation issue is key to treatment:
- Anovulation: No ovulation; may result from low hormones, PCOS, excessive exercise, or under-nutrition.
- Oligo-ovulation: Irregular ovulation; can occur during perimenopause or ovarian insufficiency.
- LUF Syndrome (Luteinized Unruptured Follicle): Follicle develops but does not release an egg; often linked to endometriosis or ovarian cysts.
- Luteal Phase Defect: Corpus luteum produces insufficient hormones; luteal phase <12 days, sometimes due to nutritional deficiencies.
How to Support Healthy Ovulation
- Address Root Causes
Focus on optimizing:
- Nutrition
- Stress management
- Sleep
- Inflammation
- Endocrine health (thyroid, prolactin, adrenal function)
- Support Hormone Balance
- Eat foods rich in nutrients that support estrogen and progesterone production.
- Consider supplements as advised by a healthcare professional.
- Medications (If Needed)
- Ovulation induction: Clomid, Letrozole
- Gonadotropins: FSH or LH injections to stimulate follicle growth
- Track Your Cycle
Monitoring your cycle helps ensure high-quality ovulation and better fertility outcomes over time.
Key Takeaways
- Ovulation is essential for fertility and cycle regularity.
- Irregular cycles or poor-quality ovulation may result from hormonal imbalances, stress, nutrition, or structural issues.
- Proper diagnosis may involve blood tests, urine monitoring, or ultrasounds.
- Treatment focuses on addressing root causes, supporting hormones, and sometimes using medications.
- Maintaining cycle-to-cycle hormone balance is crucial for healthy egg recruitment.
Quick Tips for Supporting Ovulation
- Eat a balanced diet with whole foods and adequate protein.
- Minimize refined sugars and processed carbohydrates.
- Get consistent sleep and manage stress daily.
- Track your cycle and ovulation signs (temperature, cervical mucus, or hormone monitors).
Next Steps
If you struggle with irregular cycles, Dr. Sarah and the Vera Health and Fertility team can provide a personalized, holistic plan to evaluate causes, balance hormones, and restore cycle consistency.