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During this cycle, your ovaries release certain hormones that cause the thickening of your uterine lining. The same hormones are also responsible for ovulation. Multiple hormones are involved in the process of ovulation. Where oestrogen causes your uterus lining to thicken, the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) causes follicles to grow in your ovary. One of these follicles matures into an egg between 10 and 14 days. Your ovulation process starts around the second week of the cycle. The luteinising hormone (LH) spikes and activates ovulation, which means your ovary pops out the mature egg.
What Is LH?
LH, or Luteinising Hormone, is related to reproductive or sexual functions in your body. This hormone is important for adolescence, sexual activities, sex drive, and reproductive health. Like most hormones, the luteinising hormone is also synthesised from the pituitary gland (a small endocrine gland in your brain).The luteinising hormone activates your reproductive system to function. LH, along with Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), controls your menstrual cycle. These hormones are chemical messengers that signal your organs to start the menstrual cycle.
What Is An LH Surge?
LH surge is defined as the increase of luteinising hormone in your body. LH surge stimulates the process of ovulation, the most significant part of the menstrual cycle. Tracking the LH surge can help you plan your intercourse accordingly and increase your chances of getting pregnant.LH surge specifies the beginning of your ovulation process. The levels remain low at the start of every menstrual cycle. The surge becomes maximal at midcycle, when the growing ovum has achieved an appropriate size. This surge generally occurs in the middle of your menstrual cycle, indicating 24 to 48 hours before ovulation.
Ovulation indicates that your fertility period has begun. Once you release the egg, the empty follicle in your ovary is converted to a corpus luteum structure and begins progesterone synthesis. Having sex during this time increases your probability of getting pregnant. Progesterone is important for a potential pregnancy.
Why Is the LH Surge Important?
LH surge specifies the start of your ovulation and fertility window. It also helps release your eggs from the ovary. This helps you detect the right time to get pregnant. The fertility window functions for only 24 hours. This indicates the possibility of your pregnancy.Understanding the importance and perfect time of the LH surge would help you plan sex and pregnancy better. Whether you’re trying to conceive now or planning for later, understanding your fertility window can make all the difference, and it all starts with tracking your LH surge.
When Does The LH Surge Typically Happen?
LH surge naturally occurs during the middle of your menstrual cycle and 24 to 48 hours before ovulation. It does not occur until one of your dominant eggs matures inside the ovary. When your egg is finally ready for release (ovulation), your brain triggers your pituitary gland to produce the luteinising hormone. The LH level varies in your body during the menstrual cycle, but reaches its peak before ovulation.The ovulation period varies in every woman. Your healthy body undergoes ovulation once a month during the cycle. Depending on the menstrual cycle, your ovulation and time of LH surge also vary. Sometimes primary ovulation happens on the 8th day of your cycle. Late ovulation can also occur on the 21st day. But the average length is measured on day 14 of your cycle. You can always log into any period tracking app to understand the ovulation timing.
Signs Of LH Surge
Since ovulation and LH surge are interconnected, you can naturally detect the LH surge by focusing on a few things. These involve:- Ovulation Cramp: Experiencing mild cramps or pelvic discomfort is very common during ovulation. This indicates the time of the LH surge. The probable reason behind this pain is the rupture of the follicle and the release of blood. The pain and discomfort vary depending on the blood flow. In rare cases, you may feel a burning sensation due to the fluid releasing from the follicle when the egg pops out. The heaviness in the lower abdomen adds more discomfort to the sensation.
- Changes in Cervical Mucus: Cervical mucus is made of water. However, its consistency changes during the fertility window as the oestrogen and progesterone levels rise, leading to ovulation and an LH surge. It is often referred to as an egg-white consistency during this time. This shift in consistency helps the sperm travel to an egg when it's time for ovulation. Looking at the mucus consistency, you would be able to understand that it's the time of the LH surge.
- Changes in Saliva: When you ovulate, the composition of your saliva changes because of oestrogen and progesterone, leading to a pattern. However, smoking, drinking, eating, and brushing teeth can break these patterns.
Some other possible signs of LH surge include bloating, tender breasts, and a rise in body temperature.
How To Detect LH Surge?
You can detect the LH surge by properly observing your body's symptoms. However, other things may also help detect an LH surge.- Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPKs): Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPKs) are used to understand the levels of hormones in your urine. The positive result for the sample of this kit indicates an LH surge. However, you must check the instructions before proceeding with the test.
- Saliva Tests: Saliva tests are not as effective as urine tests. They assist you in determining the point in time when ovulation starts. However, if you continue to test your first saliva of the day for a long period, it could give better results.
- Blood or Urine Tests: Blood or urine tests are some of the best options for detecting the LH surge in the body. Consult with your physician before performing these tests.
Understanding the role of luteinising hormones is important to understanding your fertility and pregnancy. The LH surge not only impacts your sexual activities but also helps you plan your pregnancy accordingly. However, the timing of your LH surge may vary depending on your ovulation period. More knowledge on the importance of LH surge would help you understand your reproductive health and normal menstrual cycle.
FAQs on What is LH Surge?
- What does an LH surge indicate?
It is a sign of your ovulation starting and is the most fertile time of your menstrual cycle. - Can pregnancy occur during an LH surge?
LH surge is the most likely time to get pregnant. Unprotected sex around this time increases the chances of conceiving.
