LH spikes before FSH spikes during ovulation.
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Menstrual Phases
The menstrual cycle will be divided into 4 phases to simplify timing: menses (menstruation), proliferative, secretory and premenstrual. Ovulation is between proliferative and secretory phases, and it will be considered an intermediate time.
Follicular phase has been divided up into menstruation and proliferative phases. Menstruation is when the uterus lining is shed. The proliferative phase is from the end of menstruation until ovulation: this is the time when the uterus rebuilds to prepare for potential pregnancy.
Luteal phase has been divided into secretory and premenstrual phases. The corpus luteum which produces progesterone is present during the secretory phase. Premenstrual phase begins after the corpus luteum disintegrates, and it ends at the beginning of menstruation.
Temperature is often used as an indicator, but sometimes abnormal temperatures can give false indications of phase. Mucus is a more reliable way to determine phase. If one is unsure of phase, it is better to wait a day or two after taking any herbs or other supplements before trying to determine phase. Temperature can fluctuate soon after herbs are taken, and phyto-hormones can affect mucus. See the links under resources for more. Menses (menstruation) is determined by menstrual shedding. Proliferative phase begins once menstruation stops. Sometimes, menstruation can stop for a day, then resume. This phase is when estrogen levels gradually start to rise. When estrogen levels are low, there is an absence of cervical mucus. A clear indication of being definitely a few days into proliferative phase is when mucus starts. Increasing estrogen levels influence mucus to be clear and watery. Temperature for proliferative phase normally ranges from 36.2°C (97.2°F) to 36.5°C (97.7°F). Increased cervical mucus that is clear (like raw egg white) and stretchy is an indication of ovulation. Swollen genitals and a feeling of itching near where the ovaries are located are sometimes associated with ovulation. Thick (creamy) unclear (white/yellow) mucus and higher body temperature are signs of secretory phase. Dominant progesterone levels cause mucus to be thick and unclear. Temperature for secretory phase normally ranges between 36.5℃ (97.7℉) to 37℃ (98.6℉). Progesterone produced by the corpus luteum in comparison to lower estrogen raises body temperature. If body temperature is significantly higher than 37℃ (98.6℉), or if you have hot-flashes, see estrogen response. Premenstrual syndrome symptoms are likely from a sudden decrease in progestogen synthesis. Here, body temperature lowers under 36.5℃ (97.7℉). Mucus remains thick during premenstrual. It gets gooey and cheesy-like closer to menstruation. When birth control pills (BCP) are used, there may not be ovulation and secretory phase. There's menses and a time like premenstrual phase. Menstrual phases can synchronize with the Moon's phases, but it is not always so. The beginning of menstruation is associated with New Moon, and the occurance of full moon is associated with ovulation. This is a less reliable way of determining menstrual phases. The symptom of hot-flashes are associated with abnormally high body temperature. An excessive imbalance of progesterone should be avoided. Decreased fertility may underlie symptoms indicating increased progesterone or prolactin. Hot-flashes are associated with lower than normal estrogen sensitivity.Determining Menstrual Phase
Menses
Proliferative
Ovulation
Secretory
Premenstrual
Birth control pills
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UTC 2021 Sep 192021 Menstrual Calendar New 1Qtr Full 3Qtr Sep 7 Sep 13 Sep 20 Sep 29 Oct 6 Oct 13 Oct 20 Menses / Proliferative Ovulation Secretory / Premenstrual 2021 September 19 UTC
Symptoms
Diagrams of folliculogenesis
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References:
- Menstruation. Encyclopedia Britannica. 2017. https://britannica.com.
- Physiology, Ovulation. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441996/.
- Ovulation, a sign of health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5730019/.
- Cervical Mucus Before Period. https://www.pregnanteve.com/cervical-mucus-period/.
Resources:
- Menstrual Cycle - Proliferative Phase, Secretory Phase, Menstruation. JRank. http://science.jrank.org/pages/4235/Menstrual-Cycle.html.
- How to Predict Ovulation by Charting Your Basal Body Temperature and Cervical Mucus. Baby Center. https://www.babycenter.com/chart-basal-body-temperature-and-cervical-mucus#articlesection3.
- What cervical mucus looks like through your cycle. https://www.babycenter.com/101_what-cervical-mucus-looks-like-through-your-cycle_10351429.bc.
- How does cervical mucus change during menstrual cycle?. https://www.pregnanteve.com/cervical-mucus-period/.
- 10 Signs of Ovulation. https://www.justmommies.com/articles/signs-of-ovulation.shtml.