Am I Ovulating? Reproductive Hormones

Understanding how the average woman's hormones fluctuate with her fertility is the first step; applying that understanding to your own body's variations is next. While there are only a few days in which conception is possible each month, the process which culminates in ovulation goes on daily. There are a number of hormones involved; a glitch in the amount or delivery of any one may effect fertility. Understanding these hormones can not only increase your chances at fertility, but also help you to feel more in control of your body.

Generally, the hormones which are significant for ovulation are follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estrogen, and progesterone. In the normal series of events, FSH acts first to stimulate ovarian follicle production, which in turn causes a rise in estrogen levels. This rise then stimulates LH to surge ~ it is this surge that most ovulation predictors are detecting. The surge of LH causes final ovulation; at this time, progesterone is beginning to be secreted by the corpus luteum, and a woman who is ovulating normally can detect a slight increase in basal body temperature.

During all of this hormonal surging, peaking, and subsiding, if all other factors are in sync, the average woman will be able to conceive for approximately 12 to 36 hours beginning at the LH surge. Generally, this is around 2 days immediately prior and up to the day of actual ovulation. When you consider the delicate timing of it all, it can seem a miracle that anyone conceives at all.

As you expand your knowledge about your reproductive hormones, you will find there is more to know. Numerous factors can influence your body's manufacturing or delivery of these incredibly powerful, but subtle substances. In coming features, we'll discuss some of those factors and their ultimate influences.