What phase follows ovulation in the menstrual cycle?

Following ovulation in the menstrual cycle, the luteal phase occurs. This phase is characterized by the transformation of the ruptured follicle into the corpus luteum, which secretes hormones such as progesterone and estrogen. These hormones play a crucial role in preparing the uterine lining for potential implantation of a fertilized egg.

During the luteal phase, the increase in progesterone stabilizes and further develops the endometrium (the uterine lining), improving the conditions for an embryo if fertilization occurs. If pregnancy does not take place, the corpus luteum eventually degenerates, leading to a decrease in hormone levels, which ultimately triggers the onset of menstruation and the start of a new cycle.

The other phases mentioned do not follow ovulation directly. The follicular phase occurs before ovulation, the menstrual phase is the shedding of the uterine lining that marks the beginning of the cycle after the luteal phase ends, and the proliferative phase overlaps with the follicular phase as the endometrium rebuilds following menstruation.