Patient's question:
I don't know if the period-tracking app is accurate! My period came on May 20th and ended on May 25th! My menstrual cycle hasn't been very stable before! It was quite chaotic! By June, it's been 42 days since my last period! I even took a pregnancy test, but it was negative! The past two days, I don't know what's going on! My stomach feels like it's been blown by wind, and I keep having diarrhea, like water? I don't know what factors or causes this could be? According to the app, these days are in the luteal phase? What does the luteal phase mean?Doctor's answer:
Hello:The luteal phase refers to the period from ovulation to the day before menstruation. During this phase, the ovary is influenced by luteinizing hormone and secretes progesterone to maintain the thickened endometrium, facilitating the implantation of a fertilized egg. If implantation does not occur, the endometrium will break down, and the menstrual cycle will end with the onset of menstruation.
From day 15 to day 28 of the menstrual cycle, it generally lasts 14 days. During this time, the ovarian follicle matures and ovulates, gradually forming the corpus luteum (secretory phase). This phase begins on the day of ovulation and lasts until the onset of menstruation, typically 13 to 14 days. This period corresponds to the post-ovulatory luteal phase, where, under the synergistic effect of estrogen and progesterone, the endometrium further proliferates, blood vessels grow, and glands begin to secrete glycogen-rich mucus. By the end of this phase, the endometrium reaches its peak growth, preparing conditions for the implantation and further development of the fertilized egg. The maintenance of normal luteal function depends on the proper functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian-gonadal axis. Abnormalities during the luteal phase or the follicular phase can also lead to luteal dysfunction.
Advice:
We recommend that you:
You have a cold constitution, so it is advisable to avoid drafts, eat more mutton and fresh ginger, and drink ginger-sugar water during each menstrual period. This can help regulate your imbalanced constitution.