Have women really been educated on the importance of achieving ovulation during their menstrual cycle? And more so, tracking their ovulatory history throughout the different transitional phases of life?

Whilst a lot of emphasis and focus has revolved around the symptoms belonging to the premenstrual and menstrual bleeding phase of a cycle, ovulation, it seems, has really only been at the forefront of a woman's mind when considering fertility.

"Ovulation is important because it switches on hormones that ultimately make us feel good"

Natural ovulatory menstrual cycles are a direct indicator of and for health. For ovulation to occur, stress levels are kept in check, adequate nutritional needs are met and an optimal weight is maintained. Ovulation is required to specifically orchestrate the production of progesterone, an immensely valuable hormone, which, alongside oestrogen, has numerous protective effects.

PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF OESTROGEN

Bone health

Oestrogen is imperative for the maintenance of the health and strength of bones throughout a woman's life. It specifically stimulates oestrogen receptors found in bone tissue which trigger bone building mechanisms. Women who transition through menopause early (<40) have an increased risk for developing osteoporosis due to more years without the protective effects of oestrogen.

Cardiovascular health

Oestrogen has also shown to be of immense benefit for protection against cardiovascular disease (specifically vascular injury and atherosclerosis progression)

Other

· Improves muscle gain and strength (increases the desire to move and exert the body
· Improves insulin sensitivity to prevent insulin resistance and diabetes
· Brain health
· Maintains a healthy metabolic rate and reduces fat around the middle

PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF PROGESTERONE 

· Reduces Inflammation

· Cardiovascular health

· Lowers blood pressure, improves cholesterol and has powerful vasodilatory effects.

· Thins the uterine lining- this counteracts oestrogens thickening effect of the uterine lining. Specifically, this helps to prevent heavy periods. 

· Regulates Immune Function

· Neuroprotective/ Brain Effects

Progesterone protects the brain from damage and promotes repair after injury (eg. stroke). It also displays calming effects on the brain to reduce anxiety and improve memory, making it an important factor for preserving cognition in later life.

· Breast/ Endometrial & Thyroid Tissue Health

Progesterone regulates the proliferative effects of oestrogen and plays a role in the prevention of cancer in breast, uterine and thyroid tissue.

· Supports Bone

Alongside oestrogen, progesterone promotes bone formation and bone density. This is of benefit for preventing fracture risk and osteoporosis.

Maintaining ovulatory cycles for as long as possible will be a huge asset for maintaining health in later life (think specifically for building strong bones to prevent osteoporosis, reduce fracture risk, and in the prevention of cardiovascular disease, stroke, dementia and breast cancer). The cumulative lifetime exposure to oestrogen and progesterone will build a healthier more resilient physiology in the longterm, even in the years after menopause when no progesterone and less oestrogen is produced.

OVULATION TESTING

The most effective and definitive way to test ovulation is by tracking your basal body temperature (BBT) - your temperature at rest. Body temperature just before ovulation will decrease. Then, 24 hours after ovulation, temperature will rise and remain that way for the next few days. BBT before ovulation ranges from 36.1- 36.4 ℃ (97-97.5 ℉). BBT after ovulation rises to 36.4 - 37℃ (97.6 - 98.6 ℉). This can be performed in the following manner; · Take your temperature under the tongue every morning at the same time before getting out of bed · No drinking or eating and minimise movement before taking temp. · Record results on a chart (https://www.freeprintablemedicalforms.com/preview/Celsius_Basal_Body_Temperature_Chart)

· Use a digital thermometer or a basal thermometer. A basal thermometer shows temperature in tenths of a degree and can allow for noting any tiny changes in body heat. However, a general digital thermometer will be adequate to detect change.

There are many factors that can disrupt the natural course of ovulation. Find out if ovulation is a factor for you.

Invest in long term health by tracking and supporting natural ovulation for as long as possible. Health care professionals have many beneficial tools at their disposal to support women and assist the natural calibration of a woman's hormonal system through the different phases of life.

Find a health care professional whom specialises in hormonal health. There are many beneficial tools at their disposal to support women and assist the natural calibration of a woman's hormonal system through the different phases of life.