Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsLuteal PhaseFertilitySelf-CareLength of Luteal PhaseTracking With Irregular Cycles
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Luteal Phase
Fertility
Self-Care
Length of Luteal Phase
Tracking With Irregular Cycles
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. 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.
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. The separation between these two phases isovulation, in which a mature egg is released from an ovary and travels down to the uterus through one of the two fallopian tubes.
Hormone Fluctuations
Hormonal changes regulate your monthly menstrual cycle. The hypothalamus in the brain, pituitary gland, and ovaries secrete these hormones.
During the follicular phase, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) signals the pituitary gland to produce follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Estrogen andluteinizing 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). However, you can get pregnant up to six days after ovulation, during the first half of the luteal phase.
If pregnancy takes place, progesterone will continue to be secreted for around 10 weeks. If pregnancy does not take place, progesterone levels will decline. The lining of the uterus (endometrium) and the corpus luteum will dissipate, and your body will prepare for menstruation.
Hormonal Fluctuations and Your Menstrual CycleSome people have very regular periods, but others don’t. Both of these schedules are common and normal.You can also get your period without ovulating.Even highly predictable cycles can change. Aging, stress, fluctuations in weight, and a wide range of other issues can bring about these changes.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.If you’re concerned about irregular periods or hormonal fluctuations, a specialist, such as a reproductive endocrinologist, can provide testing, treatment, and solutions that can help.
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 can also get your period without ovulating.Even highly predictable cycles can change. Aging, stress, fluctuations in weight, and a wide range of other issues can bring about these changes.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.If you’re concerned about irregular periods or hormonal fluctuations, a specialist, such as a reproductive endocrinologist, can provide testing, treatment, and solutions that can help.
Some people have very regular periods, but others don’t. Both of these schedules are common and normal.You can also get your period without ovulating.
Even highly predictable cycles can change. Aging, stress, fluctuations in weight, and a wide range of other issues can bring about these changes.
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.
If you’re concerned about irregular periods or hormonal fluctuations, a specialist, such as a reproductive endocrinologist, can provide testing, treatment, and solutions that can help.
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).
During the luteal phase, progesterone may slow down digestion, causing bloating to occur.Other possible physical symptoms include:
Emotional Effects
You may experience mood swings and other emotional issues during the luteal phase. These symptoms and feelings may be more intense if you have a condition such aspremenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
Emotions that are common during the luteal phase include:
Overeating and drinking alcohol to excess are behaviors that are sometimes associated with the emotional effects of the luteal phase.You may also have less interest in sex during this time.
Cycle Syncing: How to Attune to Each Menstrual Phase
Fertility Odds and Pregnancy
Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of early pregnancy may start during the luteal phase or afterward. They include:
How to Do Self-Care During This Phase
Your physical and emotional symptoms may make self-care challenging, but taking care of yourself during the luteal phase is important.
As always, try to get enough sleep. Emotions such as anxiety may create or worsen insomnia. Practicing good nighttime hygiene can help. Try these tips:
It can also be helpful to avoid junk food and eat healthy food that aids in digestion and supports nutrition. Luteal phase foods and healthy eating tips include:
If your emotions or mood swings feel out of control, seek support from a professional, such as a healthcare provider or a therapist.
The luteal phase lasts anywhere from 10 to 17 days. If you have a 28-day cycle, you can expect the luteal phase to last for around 14 to 15 days.
If you have a short luteal phase of 10 days or less, you may find it challenging to get pregnant. This is referred to as a luteal phase defect or deficiency.
Luteal phase defect results from too-low progesterone levels. If your body does not produce enough of this hormone during the luteal phase, your uterine lining won’t thicken enough to support the implantation of a fertilized egg.
The exact cause of this condition is unknown. It is thought that underlying health issues may play a role. These include:
Irregular periods are common. If you’re trying to get pregnant (or avoid it), it can be challenging to track your cycle if you don’t menstruate or ovulate regularly.
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.
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. If you have concerns about your hormonal health or your menstrual cycles, speak to a healthcare provider such as a reproductive endocrinologist.
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Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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