The luteal phase lasts 12-16 days immediately following the release of a mature follicle (ovum/egg) before menses (your period or time of bleeding).  It is named Luteal because of a gland structure that develops in the ovary with the release of each mature follicle known as the Corpus luteum (which is yellowish in color).  In the Luteal phase, either conception has occurred, or the body is preparing for your next menses.  The body responds similar either way, and you usually won’t know you’ve conceived unless menses doesn’t occur.

Although a small amount of progesterone is made in the adrenal glands, during the Luteal phase the Corpus luteum produces most of a female’s progesterone by becoming a temporary endocrine gland.  This gland regulates the HPA-axis by inhibiting Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone, which inhibits LH and FSH.  This change of hormones allows the endometrial lining to continue thickening and increases the Basal (core) Body Temperature (BBT) to support implantation of a conceived baby. You can see a jump in BBT the day after ovulation if you’re charting your temperatures.

The Luteal Phase is a sneak peek for menses.  Balance in lifestyle choices from the weeks (and months) prior will start to be revealed at this time.  You’ll see signs of how your menses, or the first months of pregnancy, may look during this phase based on many of the pre-menstrual symptoms.  Balance now, as with all aspects of life, is created with a foundation in spiritual health, adequate micronutrients and macronutrients, hydration, sunshine and time in creation, movement, appropriate levels of physical work, and balanced rest.

In a balanced luteal phase, a woman can expect to feel a desire to finish up tasks.  Where she may have felt a little more outgoing and flexible, this phase is more known for women expressing more of a “get things done” way of managing day-to-day tasks.  An untimely joke or out-of-sync day may feel more frustrating, and she may have more intense emotional responses with challenging experiences during this phase.  This can sometimes be perceived as “moody” to those less grace-giving around her.  She might feel a little fuller in her physical body as her hormones help retain a little extra fluid and blood volume begins to expand to accommodate menses, or early pregnancy.

This ebb and flow in the monthly cycle is healthy and drives women to a type of motivation that causes her to balance tasks and finish up projects, preparing her for the more restful needs during menses (or first trimester).

However, if your lifestyle is imbalanced, Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS) may show up. PMS is so common that it is perceived as an expected part of a woman’s cycle.  PMS may include strong mood swings, insomnia, tender breasts, bloating, fatigue, depression or anxiety, irritability, tiredness, and food cravings. Some women may only experience these symptoms with conception, or these symptoms may worsen with conception.

These feelings are in response to the changes in hormones.  Progesterone increases the body’s temperature, builds plasma in the circulatory system, and prevents Estrogen from rising too high.  The uterine lining continues to thicken and if conception has occurred, the developing egg matures to prepare for implantation.

Without conception, the Corpus luteum collapses in on itself and becomes fibrous tissue inside the ovaries, known as the Corpus albicans (whitish in color).  This should completely heal after a few months. Twelve to 16 days after ovulation, progesterone drops to prepare for menses.  You can see a drop in Basal-Body Temperature (BBT – morning pre-activity temperature) the day before a period (

or miscarriage) begins because of fallen progesterone.  If you see no rise in BBT, or have spotting prior to your period, your hormones or adrenals are likely imbalanced.  This does happen more often in the peri-menopause years as fertility wanes during the 40’s but may still be supported.

LAB TESTS

Progesterone and Estrogen are the main luteal phase hormones to test, which should be done 5-7 days after confirmed ovulation.  Monitoring BBT can give you a better idea of when to lab test during the luteal phase.

Luteal Phase Optimal Blood/Serum Values

• Estradiol E2: 56-214 pg/mL
• Progesterone: 15-24 ng/mL
• E2:Pg Ratio: 100:500

Interested in exploring hormones and cycle balance? Reach out at www.MOVbirth.com for a wellness visit and root-cause testing.