the second half of the cycle
the luteal phase is the stretch of time between ovulation and the start of the next period. while the first half of the cycle is largely about preparing and releasing an egg, the luteal phase is about what happens next, as the body responds to whether or not that egg has been fertilised.
what happens in the ovary
after ovulation, the follicle that released the egg does not simply disappear. it transforms into a temporary structure that produces hormones, mainly progesterone, along with some oestrogen. progesterone plays a central role during this phase, helping to stabilise and further prepare the womb lining so that it could support a fertilised egg, should one arrive.
how long does the luteal phase last?
compared with the follicular phase, the luteal phase tends to be fairly consistent in length, often lasting somewhere around 10 to 16 days, though this can vary between individuals. because it tends to be more fixed, it is often the follicular phase, rather than the luteal phase, that accounts for most of the variation in overall cycle length from month to month.
if pregnancy does not occur
if the egg is not fertilised, the hormone producing structure in the ovary breaks down towards the end of the luteal phase, and levels of progesterone and oestrogen fall. this drop is what causes the womb lining to shed, resulting in a period, and marking the start of a new cycle.
if pregnancy does occur
if fertilisation does happen, the developing pregnancy produces its own hormone signal that keeps the hormone producing structure active, so progesterone levels are maintained rather than dropping, which is part of what supports the womb lining in early pregnancy.
how the luteal phase can feel
many people notice changes in mood, energy, appetite, sleep or skin during the luteal phase, particularly in the days leading up to a period. this is often linked to the rise and eventual fall of progesterone and oestrogen. for some, these changes are mild and barely noticeable, while for others they are more pronounced, sometimes described as premenstrual symptoms.
- breast tenderness
- bloating
- changes in mood, such as increased irritability or low mood
- food cravings or changes in appetite
- tiredness or changes in sleep
when to seek support
mild premenstrual symptoms are common and generally nothing to worry about, but if symptoms are severe enough to disrupt daily life, work or relationships, this is worth discussing with a healthcare professional. there are recognised ways to manage more significant premenstrual symptoms, and support is available rather than something you need to simply endure.