Why Ovulation is So Important
Whether you are looking to improve PMS symptoms, regulate your cycles, manage PCOS or get pregnant, making ovulation priority is key.
What is ovulation:
Ovulation is the release of a mature egg from the ovary, approximately 13-15 days from the first day of your period. For some women, especially teenagers may have longer cycles and ovulate closer to day 20.
Ovulation is stimulated during the follicular phase, when the hormone estradiol rises and drops. This rise in oestrogen stimulates the thickening of the uterine lining, also known as the endometrium. A thick and well nourished endometrium is crucial for the fertilisation of an embryo (egg + Sperm = Embryo).
Once the egg has been released from the ovary and travels into our uterus, it has a lifespan of 24 hours. Yes that right! In total you can only get pregnant for 6 days out the entire month. I'll explain this in more detail in a following blog.
When we ovulate we release incredible hormones that have long term health benefits. For example:
- The hormone oestrogen that peaks right before ovulation promotes muscle gain and improves your bodies ability to utilise glucose more effectively. It has also a powerful impact to our brain, heart and bone health.
- The high levels are oestrogen that are produced before we ovulate stimulate serotonin to be made which can give a boost to energy levels and increase confidence.
- Progesterone which prepares the endometrium for a potential pregnancy, also helps to calm the nervous system and is very protective for our brain health. When we produce enough progesterone, we are less likely to suffer from PMSand irregular menstrual cycles.
- Progesterone is also known as the calming hormone. It helps to reduce anxiety related to PMS in the lead up to your period.
- Oestrogen reaches its peak just before ovulation and is linked to many beneficial health outcomes, such as improved sleep and increased creativity, sexual desire and desire.
- Testosterone is another one of the hormones released at the end of the follicular phase and is responsible for increasing libido and vaginal lubrication.
- Regular ovulation over a 40 year period has been shown to reduce a woman's risk for many of the chronic health concerns we see in the western world, such as osteoporosis, dementia and heart disease.
Amazing stuff right?!
Stay tuned for my next blog on how to know if you are ovulating and what to do if you're not.
Love, Lisa x