Menstrual periods happen in two phases: follicular and luteal.

Theluteal phasestarts after ovulation and typically lasts from day 15 to 28 of the cycle.

Why Is It Called the Luteal Phase?

Luteal phase

Photo Illustration by Joules Garcia for Verywell Health; Getty Images

What Does Your Body Feel Like During the Luteal Phase?

Most people experience some premenstrual symptoms, such as bloating, mood swings, cramps, and sore breasts.

What This Means For You

The luteal phase is part of the natural menstrual cycle.

University of California San Francisco Center for Reproductive Health.Normal menstrual cycle.

Yale Medicine.Luteal phase deficiency.

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.Premenstrual syndrome.

Office on Women’s Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.Premenstrual syndrome (PMS).