The Benefits of Ovulation
Many people are surprised to learn that ovulation is important for more than just fertility. Once an egg is released from the ovarian follicle (ovulation), the follicle develops into the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum produces large amounts of progesterone. Progesterone has so many wonderful health benefits including:
- Mood: It can help reduce feelings of anxiety and depression
- Sleep: It can help support a more restful sleep
- Bone health: It contributes to bone growth and maintenance
- Thyroid Function: It supports thyroid hormone production and activity
- Immune Function: It can modulate inflammatory immune responses
The other thing that many people are unaware of is that even if you have a period, you may not be ovulating.
If you are not ovulating, you are likely not producing optimal levels of progesterone during the luteal phase of your menstrual cycle.
Some common reasons for why you may not be ovulating:
- Stress
- Insufficient caloric intake
- Hormonal birth control
- PCOS
- Thyroid disease
So what are some common ways we can assess if ovulation is likely occurring?
- Basal body temperature charting
- Cervical mucus tracking
- Serum progesterone 7-days post suspected ovulation date
- LH Strips (OPK)
- Urine progesterone metabolite strips
I usually recommend using a combination of these different methods.
Curious to know if you are ovulating? I’d be happy to help you investigate further. You can book a consult with me through the link on my website.
