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Clinical concept

Ovulation

The release of a mature egg from the ovary, usually around the middle of the menstrual cycle.

The release of a mature egg from the ovary, usually around the middle of the menstrual cycle.

Ovulation is the release of a mature egg from the ovary. It is triggered by a mid-cycle surge in luteinizing hormone and marks the transition from the follicular to the luteal phase.

Regular ovulation produces the post-ovulation rise in progesterone; cycles without ovulation (anovulation) lack this rise.

Related terms

LH

A pituitary hormone whose mid-cycle surge triggers ovulation.

Follicular phase

The first half of the menstrual cycle, when a follicle matures and estrogen rises.

Luteal phase

The second half of the menstrual cycle, after ovulation, when progesterone rises.

Anovulation

A menstrual cycle in which the ovary does not release an egg.

Source

Office on Women’s Health: Your Menstrual Cycle

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