Master Ovulatory Hormones I - Follicular Phase with Picmonic for Medicine

Though roughly 14 days on average, the follicular phase can vary in length. The follicular phase ends at ovulation. After day 14 (or ovulation), the luteal cycle begins.

The follicular phase begins with hypothalamic secretion of GnRH, stimulating the secretion of FSH and LH.

As FSH increases, it induces follicle recruitment and folliculogenesis and growth of granulosa cells. Soon, these cells begin to grow and express LH receptors which then secrete Estrogen.

Initially, when Estrogen is first secreted, its levels are low. During this time in the follicular phase, low (but still rising) levels of Estrogen work via negative feedback to inhibit hypothalamic GnRH, and subsequently FSH and LH release from the anterior pituitary.

Though Estrogen is inhibiting production of FSH and LH, the growing size of the primary follicle (and internal theca/granulosa cells) leads to steadily increasing Estrogen levels. At high enough Estrogen levels, the negative feedback is turned off, and switched to positive feedback. This causes a sudden increase in FSH and LH production.

Due to positive feedback from Estrogen, FSH and LH levels increase dramatically, leading to a "surge" of LH.

The event leading to ovulation is the LH spike. Under positive feedback from Estrogen, LH is secreted even more. This ensuing "spike" of LH is responsible for ovulation.