Luteal phase: it is, what day of the cycle, how to identify

Each menstrual cycle begins with follicular period. He completed ovulation. The onset of the luteal (secretory) of the cycle occurs immediately after the release from the ovary of mature oocyte. Say exactly luteal phase begins, can not be on any day of the cycle. It depends on when the egg is released from the follicle.

What is luteal phase

After complete oocyte maturation in the ovary under the influence of estrogen and luteinizing hormone ovulate. To the egg might be released, the follicle wall burst. The remaining follicular membranes do not dissolve and begin to grow, invade small vessels and accumulate lutein - yellow pigment. The cells are transformed into the corpus luteum - the body which produces progesterone.

By the end of the luteal phase if the oocyte is not fertilized and do not attach, the concentration of luteinizing hormone starts to decrease and the level of follicle stimulating hormone gradually increases. As a result, changes in hormonal environment corpus luteum regresses, endometrium begins to delaminate - occur monthly.

Important! Under the influence of progesterone after ovulation starts the process of preparation of the endometrium for implantation of a fertilized egg.

Even if conception did not occur, the corpus luteum is formed and produces progesterone, endometrium and grows.

The duration of the luteal phase

The duration of the secretory period is directly related to the functioning of the corpus luteum. By day 9-10 after ovulation the number of receptacles formed therein reaches its maximum at this time produces the maximum amount of progesterone. If fertilization and implantation has occurred, the hormonal changes.

Completion of the luteal phase accounts for 12-14 days from the date of release of the egg. But in some cases, its duration is increased to 14-18 days.

How to determine the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle

Normally, at 28-day cycle ovum from the follicle must be released at 14 hours. Immediately after its closure occurs secretory period and begins to form the corpus luteum. But guided by such standards and use the calendar method for planning a pregnancy can not all women.

To determine the start of the luteal phase, use these methods:

• morning measurement of basal body temperature;
• ultrasound diagnostics.

When the concentration of the pregnancy hormone increases in basal body temperature. If we measure it throughout the menstrual cycle, there will be a noticeable difference between the follicular and luteal phases. The average temperature level rises after ovulation to 0,4 ° C. Optimally, the temperature values ​​will be kept at 37 ° C. When pregnancy occurs the temperature remains high, if fertilization has not occurred, then for 1-2 days before the onset of menstruation, it decreases.

Determine what started the luteal phase, it is possible for typical ultrasound picture. Endometrium thickens, it increased echogenicity. In one of the ovaries doctor you can see the yellow body - formation with uneven contours and heterogeneous internal Ehostruktura.

Normal progesterone indicators

After the start of the luteal phase of the pregnancy hormone concentration normally increases significantly. To assess the state of operation of the reproductive system and the possibility of conception the gynecologist can prescribe tests to check hormonal levels.

If immediately after the menstrual period are considered to be indicators of the norm 0,32-2,25 nmol / l, on the 7th day after ovulation, progesterone in the body should rise to 6,95-57,0 nmol / L. This analysis is not informative if a woman uses hormonal contraceptives.

If the fertilized oocyte is implanted in the uterine wall, the progesterone levels continue to rise. In cases, when conception has occurred, to the beginning of menstruation hormone content decreases again.

Luteal phase deficiency

One of the most common causes of female infertility is low levels of the pregnancy hormone. When luteal insufficiency he is lying on the required level after the oocyte from the ovary. When this condition is diagnosed luteal phase deficiency. Patients with such disorders may be short and irregular menstrual cycles, the duration of the luteal phase is shortened.

Among the most popular reasons for failure are called:

• violation of the pituitary gland, the hypothalamus;
• CNS diseases;
• chronic inflammatory diseases of the reproductive organs;
• infectious diseases;
• physical exertion;
• malfunction of the thyroid gland;
• hyperandrogenism of ovarian, adrenal or mixed origin.

Attention! Disrupt hormone production process can pregnancy miscarriage or abortion. Abrupt discontinuation of pregnancy triggers hormonal failure.

Patients with insufficiency of the luteal phase progesterone does not rise to the desired level. Due to its lack of the uterus can not form a complete endometrium, which can penetrate the fertilized egg.

For the normalization of the hormonal therapy is prescribed. After ovulation, progesterone is necessary to start taking drugs. Most often gynecologists prescribe Duphaston or Utrozhestan. But in violation of the pituitary gland, the hypothalamus may appoint agents progesterone in injectable form.

conclusion

Understand on what day of the cycle luteal phase begins, you can, if you keep track of ovulation. Immediately after release of the ovum from the follicle in the body hormonal changes occur, the corpus luteum begins to form and increase the level of progesterone. Luteal period ends on the first day of the following month.