The Importance of Healthy Ovulation
WHAT IS OVULATION
Ovulation usually occurs around two weeks before menstruation begins.
It is triggered by a cascade of hormones that is initiated and controlled by the hypothalamus which sits at the base of the brain.
The developing follicle on the ovary increases oestrogen and causes the brain to release a hormone called gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH).
Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is increasingly secreted, oestrogen goes up and there is a surge of lutenising hormone which helps release the egg from the ovary.
It is important to consider that your brain is in essence the chief decision maker when it comes to healthy ovulation.
If your body is under immense amounts of stress, you are in constant fight or flight, your energy intake doesn’t meet your expenditure of you are undereating or malnourished then these are just some of the reasons that you are not ovulating or having a regular period.
Ovulation for a woman is so important not only for fertility but overall wellbeing: if ovulation does not occur then the body simply cannot make the feel good and calming hormone progesterone.
WHY OVULATION AND PROGESTERONE ARE SO IMPORTANT
Ovulation for a woman is important not only for fertility but overall wellbeing: if ovulation does not occur then the body cannot make the feel good, calming hormone progesterone.P R O G E S T E R O N E
is beneficial for your mood
reduces inflammation
maintains a healthy metabolism
contributes to strong bones
Progesterone is known as the calming hormone and can shelter you from the ups and down of oestrogen fluctuations. Progesterone converts into the feel good neurotransmitter GABA and increases feelings of happiness and wellbeing.
Fertility wise progesterone is responsible for creating a thick, juicy uterine lining in preparation for implantation and maintaining a healthy pregnancy. You need sufficient progesterone to hold and maintain a pregnancy, this is especially important in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
So, in order to ensure optimal wellness and fertility it is essential that you get your menstrual cycle on track.
** If you are on hormonal contraception you are NOT ovulating. The synthetic hormones suppress the natural symphony of hormones and an egg wont be released. It can take several months to get your menstrual cycle back on track after coming off the pill. If you’ve been on the pill most of your teenage and adult, then it can take several months for your brain and ovaries to start communicating again and establish a regular cycle.
By adopting a healthy lifestyle, eating foods that nourish and heal, moving your body, reducing stress and tapping into self care you can begin to feel the beautiful natural rhythms of your reproductive hormones. You will start to acknowledge and appreciate the ebbs and flows, the energy shifts, the days of motivation, inspiration, reflection and sometimes retreat and relaxation.
Once you become consciously aware of your fertility, you can never un-know the gifts of your body or ignore what is going on with your menstrual cycle.
SIGNS THAT YOU ARE OVULATING
• some women will feel a slight twinge similar to a dull ache
• your sex drive increases in the days leading up, YES HELLO LIBIDO!
• light spotting
• nausea
• mild cramps
• your cervical mucus changes – it is more wet, profuse and resembles egg white (clear and slippery). You can check to see if it stretches between your fingers and is a sign that you are fertile and about to ovulate
• your basal body temperature will rise (when you ovulate your body produces progesterone.
Progesterone is warming and makes your body hotter and your temperature will gradually increase until your next menstrual cycle).
* * I recommend keeping track of your basal body temperature (first thing in the morning before you get out of bed with a digital thermometer under your tongue) until you get to know your body and its natural rhythms. Just because you have a period does not mean that you have ovulated - with anovulation (when ovulation doesn’t occur), there is no progesterone produced. However, your endometrial lining has built up in the first part of your cycle and will still shed, this is often mistaken for a period.
These harmonising daily self care habits and hormone health tips are what we delve into and explore during our appointments together at my women’s health natural fertility clinic. Click here to book an appointment
I am a naturopath, clinical nutritionist, mother, nature lover and yoga enthusiast – just to name a few of my passions. I’m a degree-qualified naturopath, and I help women have more rich and fertile lives. I have a passion for helping women restore balance to their hormones, connect with their fertility and lead epic vibrant lives. Learn more about how you can work with me here.