The ovulation cycle is the hormonal and physiological process that prepares the female body for potential pregnancy each month. This cycle is closely linked...
The ovulation cycle is the hormonal and physiological process that prepares the female body for potential pregnancy each month. This cycle is closely linked to the menstrual cycle and has two main phases: an follicular phase and the luteal phase.
Follicular phase:
During this phase, the pituitary gland releases hormones that stimulate the growth of one or two dominant follicles in the ovaries.
The follicles produce estrogen, which helps to thicken the lining of the fallopian tube.
Estrogen also triggers the release of an egg from one of the follicles.
Luteal phase:
Ovulation occurs when the mature egg is released from one of the follicles.
This happens around day 14 of the menstrual cycle.
After ovulation, the fallopian tube begins to break down the egg and the lining of the fallopian tube is shed.
If the egg is not fertilized, the corpus luteum (a small gland that forms from the follicle) produces progesterone, which helps to maintain the lining of the fallopian tube and prepare it for implantation of a fertilized egg.
If the egg is fertilized, the corpus luteum produces progesterone and other hormones that prepare the body for pregnancy