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Follicular Phase: Your Complete Guide to Understanding It

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Follicular Phase: Your Complete Guide to Understanding It <Image-Set>

Follicular Phase: Your Complete Guide to Understanding It <Card>

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Wondering what your body does when it isn’t expelling monthly bleed? Well, it's going through some phases! As you may know, every month a women’s uterus and her body go through a set of changes. These changes are mostly related to her reproductive organs and are categorised into [phases of the menstrual cycle](/tips-and-advice-for-girls-and-parents/period-guide/your-menstrual-cycle-phases-a-basic-guide) namely,
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__1.	Menstruation:__ In this phase, the lining of your uterus which has thickened sheds.
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__2. Follicular phase:__ The follicles i.e., the egg-containing pod ripe and one of the egg matures.
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__3. Ovulation:__ The ovary releases the mature egg into the fallopian tube for fertilisation
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__4. [Luteal phase](/tips-and-advice-for-girls-and-parents/period-guide/luteal-phase-what-happens-when-its-long-or-short):__ In case the egg fertilises, the follicle prepares the uterus for pregnancy by producing hormones. Mention what happens in case the egg is not fertilised 
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Out of these different phases, today we will be understanding the meaning of the follicular phase. So, keep on reading to know more!
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- [What Is The Follicular Phase?](#what-is-the-follicular-phase)
- [What Happens In The Follicular Phase?](#what-happens-in-the-follicular-phase)
- [The Length Of The Follicular Phase](#the-length-of-the-follicular-phase)
- [What should your temperature be during the follicular phase?](#what-should-your-temperature-be-during-the-follicular-phase)


What Is The Follicular Phase

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Chronologically speaking, the follicular phase is the second part of your menstrual cycle. It begins on the first day of your period and lasts up to ovulation. This suggests that the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle overlaps with menstruation. This means in this phase you would require the best protection from menstrual bleeding, and [vaginal discharge experienced during ovulation](/tips-and-advice-for-women/vaginal-discharge/ovulation-and-discharge).

Try out the [ALWAYS Ultra Thin Pads](/sanitary-pads/always-ultra-thin-pads-with-wings) that are designed with supreme quality material and provide maximum protection. It also has a super absorbent core with InstantDry system which absorbs the menstrual discharge in seconds. 

For days when you experience discharge, [panty liners](/panty-liners) are there for your rescue. Try out the [ALWAYS Comfort Protect Panty Liners](/panty-liners/always-comfort-protect) that have an odour-neutralising technology that keeps you fresh and confident. The best part is these liners are dermatologically tested and safe for the skin.


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<h2 class="text-cobaltBlue">What Is The Follicular Phase?</h2>

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What Happens In The Follicular Phase

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During this phase, a part of your brain, particularly, the pituitary gland starts releasing a hormone called follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). FSH produced during the follicular phase helps in stimulating the ovaries to form about 5 to 20 tiny pods called follicles. Each of these follicles contains an immature egg. During this phase, these follicles keep growing. Eventually, the FSH level drops as one follicle becomes dominant while the rest get reabsorbed into the body. That follicle helps in increasing the oestrogen levels in the body. It prepares your uterus for a possible pregnancy. 

The spike in oestrogen alerts the pituitary gland to slow down the FSH production. On the other hand, another pituitary hormone called luteinizing hormone (LH) starts rising. This hormone thereon stops the oestrogen production and begins the next phase of your cycle i,e. Ovulation.

You might notice that you usually tend to feel happier, more energetic and optimistic during the follicular phase of your menstrual cycle. This could be the result of the rising oestradiol in your body which dials down the effects of the stress hormones.


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<h2 class="text-cobaltBlue">What Happens In The Follicular Phase?</h2>

The Length Of The Follicular Phase</

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The follicular phase length is dictated by the time it takes for the dominant follicle to come through. In some cases, the follicular phase can last longer as the follicle slowly matures. Typically, on average, the follicular phase length lasts for 16 days. However, it could also range anywhere between 11 to 27 days. 


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<h2 class="text-cobaltBlue">The Length Of The Follicular Phase</h2>

A Long Follicular Phase

<h3 class="bluetext">A Long Follicular Phase</h3>
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In a long follicular phase, your body takes more time to reach the ovulation phase. Factors like consuming birth control pills for a prolonged period of time or deficiency of vitamin D in the body are responsible for your long follicular phase. If you are wondering whether women with a longer follicular phase can get pregnant, then the answer is yes! A longer cycle won’t hamper your fertility. 

Additionally, in this phase its recommended to practise light exercises like yoga or go for short runs and hikes.


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A Short Follicular Phase

<h3 class="bluetext">A Short Follicular Phase</h3>
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As you enter your late 30s, chances are your follicular phase length might become shorter. During this age, the hormone levels keep fluctuating. The FSH levels increase but the LH levels tend to lay low. This in turn ripens the follicle faster. However, the egg present within the follicle might not be mature enough to be fertilised. Therefore, a short follicular phase has the potential to cause problems in conceiving. Chances are, it could be an indication of your ovaries ageing or your menopause might be approaching closer.


What should your temperature be during the follicular phase

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If you are planning on conceiving soon, you might already know the importance of tracking your basal body temperature. It helps you calculate the day of the month when the odds of conceiving are in your favour. Noting your basal body temperature during the follicular phase can help you know when this phase is over, and you are about to ovulate. The basal body temperature in the follicular phase should range between 97.0 and 97.5°F (36°C). This temperature will increase in the [ovulation](/tips-and-advice-for-women/pregnancy/all-you-need-to-know-about-your-ovulation-cycle) phase. It will further remain higher during the luteal phase.


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<h2 class="text-cobaltBlue">What should your temperature be during the follicular phase?</h2>

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Takeaway

__Takeaway__
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Remember that every body is different. This means that the length of your menstrual cycle and the follicular phase might differ from your friend's. All you need to keep in mind is to keep a track of your cycle. You can use our [period calculator](/period-calculator) which tracks your cycle for you! In case you notice any irregularity in your cycle or experience a short follicular phase, you should consult a doctor for medical assistance.


__FAQs__
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<h2 class="cardimgtexth2" style="color:#002abb">1. How many days is the follicular phase?</h2>
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On average, the follicular phase lasts for 16 days. However, the days can increase or decrease depending on the length of your cycle. 
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<h2 class="cardimgtexth2" style="color:#002abb">2. How do I know my follicular phase?</h2>
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Your follicular phase begins on the first day of your period and ends when your ovulation begins. You tend to feel more positive, happy and energised as compared to the previous weeks. This is caused by the rise of oestradiol which reduces the effects of the stress hormones in your body.
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<h2 class="cardimgtexth2" style="color:#002abb">3. What should you do during the follicular phase?</h2>
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As you would be menstruating in the first half of the follicular phase, it’s best to take things a little light. But still be active as your body would feel energised in this phase. So, try out light exercises, go for short runs or hikes or practise yoga.


Disclaimer

__Disclaimer:__
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Please note the date of the last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Always is committed to ensuring that all of our products meet rigorous safety standards; [Always pads prioritize safety](/about-us/inside-always-pads-safe), protection and comfort of its consumers. 


Follicular phase - Curious about the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle? Click here at Always as we decode the meaning of the follicular phase and much more!