Oestrogen: Integral to Female Reproductive Functionality
Oestrogen is the primary sex hormone in women. It is used in birth control pills to regulate other hormones and as hormonal therapy for post-menopausal women and transwomen.
Oestrogen is produced by follicles within the ovaries, supported by follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). In pregnant women, it is also produced by the burst follicle that released the egg, and the placenta surrounding the embryo or fetus.
Oestrogen and Ovulation
Ovulation is the cornerstone of conception. Without an egg to fertilise, any attempt at reproduction is wasted. Oestrogen, together with progesterone, helps to control and regulate the growth of follicles within the ovaries. Nourished by FSH, one of the follicles becomes dominant while the others wither and die. A surge in LH triggers the dominant follicle to burst, releasing the egg, which then travels into the fallopian tube.
During its slow journey to the uterus, the egg may or may not be fertilised, depending on whether there is sperm present and whether the sperm are strong enough to break through the jelly-like outer layer of the egg. If fertilised, the egg settles into the endometrial lining of the uterus and begins a series of rapid chemical changes. If unfertilised, the egg will be shed with the rest of the endometrium at the end of the menstrual cycle.
This entire process is supported and enhanced by the presence of oestrogen. Oestrogen helps to regulate the thickness of the endometrium as well as the rate at which it grows, as well as the normal functioning of the ovaries and the egg's health. Without oestrogen, reproduction would be significantly hampered.
When Do You Ovulate?
Detecting ovulation can be difficult for women who are trying to conceive. There are a number of biological 'signs' of ovulation, but these can be tricky and subject to interpretation. Repeated visits to the doctor's office for blood tests or ultrasounds can become costly and irritating. However, the use of home ovulation tests can uncomplicate the process of detecting ovulation.
Ovulation typically occurs during the second week of the menstrual cycle, assuming the cycle is regular and predictable. To help narrow this window down, ovulation tests can be used on a daily basis, repeatedly checking your urine for the presence of LH. Ovulation tests work in the same manner as a pregnancy test, and show results in a similar way.
There are many different kinds of ovulation tests, but the most popular are seven-day ovulation tests and twenty-day ovulation tests. The seven-day ovulation tests are useful for women who are already practising fertility awareness, and are keenly aware of when their next menstrual period can be expected. The twenty-day ovulation tests give a better overview of the woman's entire menstrual cycle, and can be particularly useful to women with irregular periods, or who are not using another form of fertility awareness simultaneous to the use of ovulation tests.
Hormonal Balance and Ovulation
Ovulation tests can be useful for timing intercourse in an effort to conceive, but they can also give some insight into fertility problems. Continuous use of ovulation tests without any positive results may point to a hormonal imbalance (such as oestrogen deficiency) or an ovulatory disorder. If you've been using ovulation tests for over a month with no positive results, consult with your doctor immediately.
