Ovulation is the release of an egg from the ovaries. This process requires intense activity by the ovaries. While the egg is released, the rest of the female reproductive system, which contains various glands and glands is activated by hormonal signals.
A woman must conceive and carry a child to term in order to recover any of this hormonal activity.
There are two ovulation cycles that a woman experiences:
The first day after ovulation is called the luteal phase. It occurs about 12 to 14 days after ovulation, when the woman’s body releases the female sex hormone estradiol. This is the time when most fertile (making conception more likely) and is the time in the cycle when the egg is most likely to be released.
After the second day of the luteal phase, the woman’s body releases progesterone. This signals to the uterus to contract and prepare for menstruation. If no pregnancy is conceived during the first luteal phase, the cycle will most likely end in the next cycle.
Here are the Signs of Ovulation
Your Period Fluctuates
Most people notice that they’ve started their cycle and have a menstrual flow that’s short at first but has gradually increased in length and frequency over the next several days or weeks. For example, some women may notice their period start a day or two early, or a day late. These variations are common because of the different stages of your cycle.
Your Cramps Are Stronger, And You Have Bleeding
If your cramps are similar to period cramps, this means you’re approaching ovulation. Many women also experience some spotting or bleeding between periods, which is a symptom of ovulation.
Your Period Changes Its Pattern
Your period typically starts with a few days of light flow, followed by one or two days of heavier flow. But your flow and cramps may vary throughout your cycle, making it harder to notice a pattern.
You Have Lots of Feeling Down There
Increased blood flow to the pelvis causes the ovaries to release more estrogen and LH (which, in turn, increases the amount of sperm that are released). Women usually get aroused during ovulation, but sometimes they experience strong, constant feelings in the pelvic region.
Your Fingers Are Colorful
About 20 percent of women experience increased sensitivity around the vaginal area during ovulation, as well as in the fingernails. This heightened feeling of sensation lasts about a week, but should be gone by the time your period begins.
Your Clothes Toughen Up
If you notice your clothes feeling tighter in the days leading up to ovulation, this is a sign that you’re approaching ovulation.
You’re More Active, Or Tired All The Time
Menstrual cycle changes usually last about a week and aren’t usually a cause for concern unless they’re consistent throughout the week. Some women notice increased activity during ovulation, and this may explain why they feel more tired and achy.
Your Body Lowers Its Water Level
Some women report that they feel like they’ve lost a little more water than usual during ovulation, which is considered a sign of pregnancy. Although it’s not a guarantee that you’re pregnant, it is a sign that you could be and should talk to your doctor about any unusual changes to your body.
You’re More Alert And Relaxed
After ovulation, you’re more alert and relaxed than usual, because the hormones circulating in your body stimulate your brain. Your brain sends positive signals to your adrenal glands, causing them to release hormones that help you relax and de-stress. Some women also feel more motivated and feel like they have more energy during ovulation.
You Wake Up In The Middle Of The Night
A lot of people don’t realize that they’re ovulating until they have an unusual (but mild) dream that seems to take place during ovulation.
Your Sexual Intimacy Is Higher
On average, women have a 3.1% increase in sex drive during ovulation. This could be because the hormones increasing estrogen and other hormones trigger your libido and make you want to have sex more often. You also may feel more affection and tenderness for your partner during ovulation.
You Have A Stronger Sex Drive
Women usually feel more desire for sex when ovulation is approaching, and this may cause them to have sex more often.
You Start To Feel Less Bloated
Women who are already bloated during their periods may feel some of the same symptoms during ovulation. Some women report having a more even and lump-free skin during ovulation, as well as a slight increase in energy.
You’re Biting Your Nails
A strong vaginal fluid causes blood to flow and thickens the vagina. Biting your nails may indicate that you’re also getting a little anxious, since biting your nails is a sign that you’re anxious about something in your life. If you’re biting your nails for a few days in a row, it’s a sign that your period is about to start.
You Get Tired When Sex Isn’t Paired With More Sleep
Getting more sleep helps you feel refreshed when you’re ovulating, because the extra sleep boosts your energy levels.
You Start To Feel The Tingles
During ovulation, your uterus contracts, which releases some of the estrogen in your body. It’s this estrogen that leads to sexual arousal and produces the familiar tingling sensation during sex.
You Feel Like You’re Hungry For Food
You may feel more hungry than usual during ovulation, because your ovaries are producing more estrogen and extra energy to help with ovulation. Some women eat more than usual at this time, which may contribute to the weight gain that many women experience during this time.
You Experience Gas
This is usually a sign that your body is releasing more oxygen, causing you to feel more hungry.
Your Bladder Gets Swollen
Ovulation causes your uterus to get bigger, which can make your bladder and kidneys work a little harder to keep up with the increased volume. If you get constipated when you ovulate, this may contribute to your pain.
You Get More Headaches
Another common sign of ovulation is that your headache gets worse.
You Have Sex More Frequently
Because of the rise in estrogen and extra energy, sex gets a bit more intense. As a result, some women have sex three to five times a week, while others have sex twice a week.
You Experience More Braxton Hicks Contractions
This symptom is more of a sign that you’re already pregnant than a sign that you’re ovulating. Braxton Hicks contractions don’t hurt, but they’re a sign that your body is preparing for the arrival of a baby.
You Have Acne
Tired and stressed hormones cause your body to produce more of a protein that causes acne.
You Become More Sensitive To Other People’s Moods
You may notice that you’re more sensitive to the moods of those around you during ovulation, because your energy is increasing. If you’re with someone who is negative and irritable, you may find yourself having negative reactions to them as well.
Your Vagina Bleeds More
This can happen in two different ways. Your skin is a very thin layer of cells that acts as a barrier to keep moisture from escaping. The fact that your skin is so thin means that if you apply the natural oil that your body produces, your vaginal discharge can get some liquid on it. If your body isn’t properly lubricating your vaginal discharge, it’s likely that you’ll experience some bleeding as a result. This is usually when you’re ovulating.
You Feel Hotter
During ovulation, your body releases extra estrogen and extra energy, which can increase your body temperature. This can also result in hot flashes, which is what causes you to feel like you’re boiling.
You Become More Vulnerable To Clotting
When your body releases extra estrogen and extra energy, it makes it easier for your body to form clots.
You Feel Greedy
During ovulation, you may feel like you want to eat more. This might lead to you eating more calories than usual.
You’re More Hygienic
You might notice that you’re more likely to pick up your dog’s hair in the carpet than normal when you ovulate.
You Sleep Better
During ovulation, your ovaries release extra hormones, which can affect your sleep patterns.
You’re More Attracted To Someone
This happens when your body releases more testosterone, which is one of the biggest sex hormones in your body. When it comes to attraction, this usually leads to more sexual desire and increased arousal.
You Feel Lonely
Ovulation is a natural time when a woman feels more connected to her partner and family members. Some women find that during ovulation, they also feel more lonely than usual.
You Get Stressed Out
During ovulation, your body produces more cortisol, a hormone that regulates stress. If you’re stressed, this can make ovulation more stressful.
You’re Jealous
When you’re ovulating, you tend to be more jealous of other women. This is because the hormones that your body releases during ovulation lead to the heightened sex drive, which can make you think that the woman you’re with is better than the other women you might know.
You Sleep Better
During ovulation, your body releases more of the sleep hormone melatonin, which can lead to better sleep quality and more restful sleep.
You Have Better Moods
Ovulation can affect your mood, because this is the time when your ovaries release the sex hormones that cause your brain to release the hormones that have been making you moody.
You’re More Emotional
Ovulation tends to make women more emotional, which is why they sometimes experience mood swings during this time.
You’re Less Frustrated
Your body releases more of the hormone oxytocin during ovulation, which makes you more likely to be less frustrated.
Your Period Fades
During ovulation, your period tends to become lighter, because your body releases more estrogen and progesterone.
You Have Fatigue
During ovulation, your hormone levels tend to drop, which makes you feel more tired.
You Gain More Confidence
During ovulation, your body releases more of the hormone estrogen. This makes you feel more confident and comfortable in your own skin.
Your Fertility Levels Increase
Ovulation can help increase the chances of pregnancy. If you are trying to get pregnant, this can boost your chances.
You Feel More in Love
During ovulation, the brain releases a chemical called oxytocin, which helps increase bonding and connection with others.
You Feel Sexier
During ovulation, your body releases more of the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone, which makes you feel more sexy and attractive.
Your Moods Change
During ovulation, your mood and energy levels can vary. This can make you feel more irritable and sad.
You Get Hormone Positivity
Ovulation can help boost your hormone levels, which can make you more optimistic about the future.
