The luteal phase of the menstrual cycle starts right after ovulation.
The luteal or secretory phase lasts around 14 days for most people who ovulate.
During this time frame, your uterus prepares for a possible pregnancy.
Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health
If pregnancy does not occur, menstruation will take place when the luteal phase ends.
Mood swings and behaviors likebinge eatingare common occurrences during this time frame.
Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health
Luteal Phase Before Bleeding: What Happens?
Themenstrual cycleoccurs in phases.
The first half of your cycle is the follicular or proliferative phase.
The second half is the luteal or secretory phase.
Hormone Fluctuations
Hormonal changes regulate your monthly menstrual cycle.
The hypothalamus in the brain, pituitary gland, and ovaries secrete these hormones.
Estrogen and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels also start to climb.
These hormones support egg maturation so that ovulation can take place.
FSH levels drop off as the egg matures and gets ready to be released.
Ovulation occurs around 10 to 12 hours after LH levels peak.
This is known as the LH surge.
Ovulation lasts for about a day (24 hours).
The luteal phase is triggered by ovulation.
During this time, a temporary cluster of cells called the corpus luteum will form on your ovary.
The job of the corpus luteum is to produceprogesterone, the hormone responsible for readying your uterus for pregnancy.
If pregnancy takes place, progesterone will continue to be secreted for around 10 weeks.
If pregnancy does not take place, progesterone levels will decline.
Hormonal Fluctuations and Your Menstrual Cycle
Some people have very regular periods, but others don’t.
Both of these schedules are common and normal.you’re able to also get your period without ovulating.
Even highly predictable cycles can change.
It’s also possible to have conditions that cause hormonal disorders or fluctuations.
These include luteal phase deficiency,polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), autoimmune conditions, and other causes.
Physical Effects
During the luteal phase, you may experiencebodily changesthat are subtle or extreme.
These symptoms can occur with or without conception taking place.
If you’re not pregnant, they’re typically referred to aspremenstrual syndrome (PMS).
If implantation is successful, an embryo may continue to grow.
Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of early pregnancy may start during the luteal phase or afterward.
As always, give a shot to get enough sleep.
Emotions such as anxiety may create or worsen insomnia.
Practicing good nighttime hygiene can help.
Length of Luteal Phase
The luteal phase lasts anywhere from 10 to 17 days.
This is referred to as a luteal phase defect or deficiency.
Luteal phase defect results from too-low progesterone levels.
The exact cause of this condition is unknown.
It is thought that underlying health issues may play a role.
Tracking With Irregular Cycles
Irregular periods are common.
Ovulation predictor kitscan be helpful if you get a monthly period, even if it’s irregular.
Some people rely ontaking their basal body temperature readings.
Temperature dips a day before ovulation and then rises in the luteal phase.
However, this can be challenging and often lacks accuracy.
Many conditions can cause this.
Medical support may be needed to help you manage your cycles or get pregnant.
Summary
The luteal phase is the second half of the menstrual cycle.
It begins with ovulation and ends with your period.
You may experience many physical and emotional symptoms during this phase.
These can range in severity and often include mood swings, breast changes, and appetite changes.
Underlying health conditions and hormonal disorders can affect ovulation, menstruation, and the luteal phase.
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