👩‍🏫O is for Ovary🤓

Today’s lesson will be a little on the academic side, but I’ll try to keep it light😬. This information is necessary to understand what occurs in the ovary during ovulation.

First thing, there are 4 phases in a Menstrual Cycle:

1. Menstrual Phase - when we shed our uterine lining and unfertilized egg 2. Follicular Phase - when the follicles in the ovary matures 3. Ovulation Phase - the release of a mature egg from one of our ovaries 4. Luteal Phase - the thickening of the uterine wall in preparation for pregnancy

Ovulation lasts one day, occurring at or around the 14th day of the menstrual cycle (like two weeks before our period). Inside each ovary are follicles, and inside of each follicle is a dormant egg. When the chosen egg is stimulated to maturity (hormones), the follicle migrates to the wall of the ovary where the egg and the follicle grow. This occurs in the first 13 days of the menstrual cycle. The follicle with the mature egg ruptures, releasing the egg into the closest fallopian tube. From there, the egg travels to the uterus.

Although the egg is now released, there is still work for the ovary to do. A clump of cells, called the corpus luteum, begin to grow where the released egg once was. They act as temporary glands producing progesterone. If the egg remains unfertilized, the body stops making this hormone about 9 days after ovulation (luteum reduced). If the egg is fertilized, the corpus luteum (then the placenta) continues producing progesterone to grow the embryo/baby. This hormone also prevents the release of eggs during pregnancy.

Whew, that was a mouthful of info....I hope it was as good for you as it was for me! 😝

With a little more insight into the ovaries, we now understand the complexity of these grape sized wonders. Again, diet, herbs, lifestyle changes, and exercise improves egg quality. If you are trying to become pregnant and it is taking a bit longer than expected, do not be discouraged, your body will not fail you! This is a mental, spiritual, and physical journey that you are more than capable to take! 💓