Dr. Patti Yik breaks down your menstrual cycle's three phases: follicular, ovulation, and luteal. Irregular cycles, heavy bleeding, or spotting can signal PCOS or thyroid problems. Tracking your cycle and testing hormones helps identify what's blocking fertility.
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You did you know that your menstrual cycle is like a roadmap to your reproductive health? Hi, I'm Dr. Patty Yick, a naturopathic doctor with a practice focus in fertility. Today we're diving into how your cycle holds the key to your fertility. By understanding its phases and and noting any irregularities, you can learn so much about your body and optimize your chances of conceiving. Let's break it down together. Let's start by talking about the three phases of your cycle and how they contribute to fertility. The follicular phase begins on the first day of your cycle and ends with your ovulation. During this time, follicle stimulating hormone, or fsh, helps your body prepare an egg for ovulation. At the same time, estrogen rises to thicken the uterine lining, creating a supportive environment for implantation later on. Ovulation is the main event of your cycle. In your most fertile window, it's triggered by a surge of luteinizing hormone, or also known as lh, which releases a mature egg from the ovary. After ovulation, the luteal phase begins. This phase is all about progesterone, which helps prepare the uterus lining for implantation. If fertilization doesn't happen, hormone levels drop and your next cycle begins. A healthy luteal phase is essential for supporting early pregnancy. While understanding the phases of your cycle is important, irregularities in your cycle can sometimes signal underlying issues. Short or long cycles, heavy bleeding or spotting between periods could point to conditions like pcos, thyroid imbalances or hormone deficiencies. These issues can disrupt ovulation and make conception more difficult. Advanced hormone testing, such as the Dutch Panel or other functional lab tests can help uncover what's going on. These tests provide a deeper look into your hormone levels, helping us pinpoint imbalances and guide your care with precision. Ready to take control of your fertility? Start by tracking your cycles to understand your patterns or schedule a consultation with me to help uncover the root causes for your fertility challenges. Visit drpattyyck.com for more resources and tools to help you on your fertility journey. And don't forget to like, subscribe and share this video with someone who you might find helpful.
