When tracking your fertility, recognising the symptoms ovulation is over can be just as important as identifying when it starts. This article wraps up my most Googled questions series, providing all the answers you’ve been searching for in one place.
Today, I will help you understand your menstrual cycle at any age, including the subtle signs your body gives during ovulation. From cervical mucus to hormonal shifts, these insights help you become more connected with your body’s natural rhythm.
Whether you’re over 40 or experiencing irregular cycles, I’ll show you how to recognise the signals and improve your chances of natural conception. Let’s get started!
Understanding Menstrual Irregularities in Natural Conception
When trying to conceive, recognising how menstrual irregularities affect your fertility journey is essential. I know this can feel overwhelming, but let me reassure you: your cycle holds all the clues you need to understand your hormonal balance and fertile window. This knowledge is empowering and deeply healing because it puts you in the driver’s seat of your fertility journey.
Why Your Cycle Matters
A regular cycle isn’t just about predictability; it’s a sign of healthy hormonal balance. Every phase of your cycle, from menstruation to ovulation, plays an important role in your ability to conceive. Therefore, it all starts with learning how to assess your cycle.
BBT Charting: Your Fertility Roadmap
I encourage all my clients to start charting their basal body temperature (BBT). BBT charting isn’t just about dates on a calendar; it’s about understanding your body’s signals.
Tracking your basal body temperature (BBT) reveals how long each phase of your cycle is, confirms ovulation, and shows whether your hormones are working in harmony. It’s a game-changer in understanding your fertility.
That’s why teaching BBT charting is a cornerstone of my fertility support packages. It’s a tool that puts you in control, helping you confidently decode your body’s unique rhythms. I often wish someone had taught me this when I first started my fertility journey because it would have saved me so much frustration and uncertainty!
For clarity, once ovulation is complete, your body gives clear signals of the transition to the luteal phase. You’ll see a rise in your BBT, a reduction in cervical mucus until it eventually dries out, and there is an absence of that stretchy, egg-white consistency. These shifts indicate that your body is preparing to support a pregnancy or start the next cycle.
BBT charting isn’t just about collecting data; it’s about creating a deeper connection with your body and empowering yourself with the knowledge to guide your fertility journey.
What if Your Cycle Isn’t "Perfect"?
Let’s be honest: not all cycles run like clockwork. And that’s okay. Irregularities can be confusing and even a little scary at times, but they’re also your body’s way of asking for help.
Common signs to watch for include:
Delayed ovulation can make it hard to pinpoint your fertile window
Severe PMS can be a signal of an underlying hormonal imbalance
Unexpected mid-cycle spotting might point to issues
If any of this resonates with you, don’t panic. These issues aren’t roadblocks—they’re invitations to tune in and learn more about what your body needs.
The Importance of Timing in Your Fertility Journey
Now, let’s talk about timing—one of the most misunderstood parts of trying to conceive.
Did you know you’re only fertile for about five days each cycle? Your egg lives for 12–24 hours after ovulation, but sperm can survive for up to five days in the right conditions. This is why timing isn’t just about hitting the exact moment of ovulation but about creating the perfect conditions for sperm to be there already when the egg makes its brief appearance.
I often see couples focus on the day of ovulation, thinking that’s their best chance. But here’s the truth: having sex in the days leading up to ovulation and during your fertile window is much more effective. This way, the sperm is ready and waiting in the fallopian tube when the egg is released. It’s all about preparation and giving yourself the best possible odds.
If you’re unsure about identifying your fertile days, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. In my free Introduction to Fertility online course, I walk you through the process in detail, showing you how to track your cycle and pinpoint your fertile window. I’ll also explain how and when the symptoms ovulation is over and offer additional guidance on ovulation, conception, and overall fertility.
I want to make the point here that timing doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little guidance, it can feel natural and intuitive. So, now that we’ve covered these topics, let’s move on to the first Google question of the day.
HOW TO GET PREGNANT FAST AFTER YOUR PERIOD?
I get it—when you’re ready to have a baby, patience isn’t exactly easy. But while it’s tempting to jump right in, conception doesn’t work that way. Pregnancy happens during ovulation, in your fertile days and not immediately after your period.
Let’s break it down. The time between the start of your period and ovulation is essential for your body to prepare for conception. This, known as the follicular phase, usually lasts 12–14 days.
During this time, your body nurtures the growth of a follicle, which eventually matures into the egg that will be released at ovulation. Rushing this natural rhythm isn’t possible and, more importantly, isn’t ideal.
Rather than focusing on trying to conceive immediately after your period, you need to shift your focus to understanding your body’s unique cycle. Learn how to identify your fertile window—the days leading up to and including ovulation—when conception is actually possible.
Working with your body’s rhythm instead of against it will create the healthiest environment for conception.
Understanding Your Cycle and The Power of the Follicular Phase
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the first half of your cycle—the follicular phase. As mentioned above, this phase, ideally lasting 12–14 days, is like nature’s preparation stage for conception. During this time, your body is busy building healthy oestrogen levels, and trust me, oestrogen is your best friend right now.
Oestrogen does some incredible work. It helps thicken the endometrium—the uterine lining where an embryo will hopefully implant. A healthy, thick endometrium is vital for implantation and gives a potential pregnancy the best possible start. But that’s not all. Oestrogen also triggers the release of luteinising hormone (LH), the key player in signalling ovulation.
This phase is also when your egg develops and grows, ensuring it’s mature and ready for ovulation. It’s a delicate yet powerful process that cannot be rushed, and your body knows exactly what it’s doing.
Another point I want to talk about is cervical mucus—one of the most underrated heroes of your fertility journey. During this phase, your body produces cervical mucus to create a welcoming environment for sperm.
Not only does this mucus keep sperm alive for up to six days, but it also nourishes them and even helps sperm swim faster. It’s like rolling out the red carpet for conception. Oh, and as a bonus, it makes intimacy feel better too!
Understanding what happens in this phase is important because it lets you work with your body rather than against it. The follicular phase is all about preparation, and when you support this process with healthy habits and gentle care, you’re setting the stage for a smoother, more empowered fertility journey.
Menstrual Cycle Education and Understanding Ovulation Over 40
The next Google question that I want to tackle is:
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF OVULATION OVER 40?
When it comes to menstrual cycle education, ovulation signs for women over 40 aren’t as different as you might think. In reality, the symptoms of ovulation is over remain consistent across all ages, provided your hormones are well-balanced, and you're not overly stressed.
The truth is ovulation symptoms—what to expect, timing, and tracking—are similar whether you're 28 or 40. If your hormones are balanced and you manage stress well, you'll experience similar signs to those in your younger years.
Some common ovulation symptoms that your body is primed for conception include:
Clear and stretchy cervical mucus
Improved self-esteem
Increased libido
Improved mood
While bad ovulation symptoms to look out for include:
Pain - there should be none
Spotting
If you notice any of these bad symptoms, I strongly suggest investigating them.
What to Expect During Ovulation
Ovulation is a powerful time—not just for your fertility but for how you feel in your body and mind. Many women experience a surge of creativity, energy, and confidence during this phase. I’ll never forget one of my clients, a writer, telling me she could write for 12 hours straight during her fertile week! It’s as if her body and brain came alive in perfect harmony.
This incredible shift is all thanks to your hormones working beautifully together. Oestrogen is my absolute favourite hormone. During ovulation, it peaks, triggering the release of luteinising hormone (LH), which signals the ovary to release an egg.
But that’s not all! At this time, a little boost of testosterone steps in, too. Together, these hormones create a ripple effect that leaves you feeling at your best: attractive, vibrant, and brimming with confidence.
And let’s not forget the beauty benefits! Oestrogen is a miracle worker for clear skin and shiny hair. During ovulation, with the added testosterone, you might feel more outgoing, even exuding a cheeky “Ooh, hello, boys! 😉” vibe.
It’s nature’s way of aligning your energy, mood, and appearance to support conception. But even if you’re not trying to conceive, ovulation can feel like a supercharged time to embrace your inner glow.
How Stress and Irregularities Can Affect Ovulation
Let’s talk about how stress and menstrual irregularities impact ovulation. I’ve seen this so often in my practice, and it’s a crucial piece of the puzzle when trying to conceive.
Stress hormones have a way of interfering with the delicate balance of your reproductive hormones. When stress takes over, it activates your body’s “fight or flight” response—a survival mechanism that can delay or even suppress ovulation.
And when we’re overwhelmed, it’s not surprising that we might miss the signs of ovulation altogether. Stress can leave us feeling out of tune with our bodies, making it hard to notice the usual cues, like changes in cervical mucus or that unmistakable confidence boost.
Menstrual irregularities can add to this challenge. High stress or hormonal imbalances may lead to irregular cervical mucus production or alter the intensity of your ovulation symptoms. You might not experience the same patterns or signals you’re used to, leaving you wondering if ovulation is even happening.
Here’s the reassurance: just because the signs aren’t obvious doesn’t mean you’re not ovulating. Your body might simply be communicating differently due to disrupted cycles or stress. Learning to work with your body, gently restoring balance and creating space for relaxation can help you reconnect with these cues over time.
Remember, your body wants to work with you, not against you. With a little care and patience, you can create the conditions to support ovulation and feel more in tune with your cycle.
How To Check if You Are Ovulating
If you’re wondering how to check if you’re ovulating, don’t worry; you’re not the only one! Here is a great practical tip to check your cervical canal and confirm if you’re ovulating.
Just get your finger in and feel it. You're in your fertile window when the cervical canal feels soft, like your lips. If it feels firm like the tip of your nose, the ovulation symptoms have passed, and your fertile window has likely closed.
Remember, staying connected with your body is key. Whether you're 28 or 40, tuning into these cues, despite possible irregularities, can provide valuable information about your cycle.
Even if menstrual irregularities present themselves, it doesn’t mean fertility is off the table; you just need to pay close attention to how your body communicates these changes.
Understanding the Symptoms Ovulation is Over
As we conclude this journey into the most Googled fertility questions, let me leave you with one last empowering thought: recognising when the symptoms ovulation is over is just as important as knowing when it starts.
Here is a quick recap on how to identify the end of ovulation as your body transitions into the luteal phase:
BBT rises as a clear indicator
Cervical mucus decreases and eventually dries out
The stretchy, egg-white consistency of fertile mucus disappears
These changes show that your body is either preparing to support a pregnancy or begin a new cycle. Tracking these signs helps you stay in tune with your fertility journey.
But instead of fixating on the fact that ovulation is over, the real focus should be on building a balanced lifestyle that supports strong hormonal health and, in turn, healthy cycles.
Remember, your fertility journey isn’t defined by age or statistics. It’s about empowering yourself with knowledge and aligning every aspect of your life to support your dreams. If you’ve found this information helpful, I encourage you to share it with others who may benefit from it. Together, we can create a supportive and informed community.
Thanks for being here
Irena x
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