The luteal phase explained

After ovulation a new phase of the cycle begins, the luteal phase. This is the period between the release of the egg and the start of the next menstruation. During this phase the structure that released the egg changes its function and hormonal regulation in the body shifts.

What happens to the follicle after ovulation

During ovulation a mature egg is released from a follicle in the ovary. The follicle remains and changes its role. It forms a temporary structure called the corpus luteum, also known as the yellow body. This structure develops from the follicle that released the egg and takes on a new role in the cycle.

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What happens immediately after ovulation

Immediately after ovulation the corpus luteum starts producing progesterone. During the luteal phase progesterone is the dominant hormone. It supports and maintains the uterine lining, keeping it thick and ready for possible implantation of a fertilized egg. The rise of progesterone is a normal and characteristic part of this phase after ovulation.

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What happens if no fertilization occurs

If the egg is not fertilized, the corpus luteum is no longer needed. It loses its function and stops producing progesterone Because of the drop in progesterone, the uterine lining can no longer be maintained. The lining is shed. This shedding is menstruation. At that moment, a new cycle begins.

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Why this phase is important

The luteal phase is the part of the cycle in which the body prepares for a possible pregnancy. Progesterone keeps the uterine lining suitable for implantation. If implantation does not occur, progesterone drops and menstruation begins, starting a new cycle. This phase shows how the body shifts into a period of preparation after ovulation and how hormones play a central role.

Changes in your face and skin during the luteal phase

Scientific research shows that facial skin color changes during the menstrual cycle. In a study women were photographed daily during at least one full cycle. The results showed that facial redness varies across the cycle, increasing before ovulation and remaining relatively higher during the luteal phase.

The changes are measurable but not easily visible to the human eye, but hormonal shifts during the cycle can have visible effects on the appearance of your face and skin.

Sources and references

Cleveland
Clinic, Ovulation https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/23439-ovulation

Cleveland
Clinic, Luteinizing hormone
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22255-luteinizing-hormone

Cleveland
Clinic, Menstrual Cycle
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/10132-menstrual-cycle

Burriss RP,
Troscianko J, Lovell PG, Fulford AJC, Stevens M, Quigley R, et al. Changes in
Women’s Facial Skin Color over the Ovulatory Cycle are Not Detectable by the
Human Visual System, PLOS ONE. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0130093