Characteristics of LH Surge
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Elevated Estrogen Levels
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The LH surge requires high estrogen levels. Without the high levels of estrogen, the pituitary gland won't know to secrete the LH. During this time of increased estrogen, the inner lining of the uterus builds up, the cervix begins to secrete mucus and the cervical opening opens slightly, according to John and Sheila Kippley, authors of "Natural Family Planning."
Ovulation
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The basic characteristic of a LH surge is that it signals ovulation. While you may not feel ovulation, the luteinizing hormone is still doing its work. Ovulation, of course, must occur in order for a pregnancy to occur, but the LH surge also tells the body to stop producing so much estrogen immediately after ovulation. After the LH surge and ovulation, an increase in progesterone can signal the body to prepare for a possibly fertilized egg.
Temperature Changes
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After the LH surge and ovulation, the increase of progesterone causes a rise in resting basal body temperature. Usually this increase will be about four-tenths of a degree. Usually only women who are charting their fertility signs will be able to notice the temperature shift.
Mucus
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Elevated levels of estrogen cause an increase in cervical mucus. Around seven days before ovulation some women notice scant, or nonstretchy mucus. As they get closer to ovulation and estrogen increases, mucus will become stretchier and more abundant. When estrogen peaks and the pituitary gland releases the luteinizing hormone, cervical mucus becomes stretchy and will resemble the color and feel of raw egg whites, the Kippleys say. The LH surge and estrogen work together to create a fluid mucus that helps sperm move through the Fallopian tubes.
If you're not noticing cervical mucus on the outside of your labia, you can check internally for mucus in the vaginal canal. If you're trying to conceive and notice scant to no mucus, vitamin A can increase your cervical mucus, says Marilyn Shannon, author of "Fertility, Cycles and Nutrition."
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