Can Somebody Explain What the Luteal Phase Means?

A TikTok video went viral after a guy asked his audience to explain what “the luteal phase” means. Some people mistook it as a term in astrology, but it’s actually referring to a period in the 28-day menstrual cycle, when women may feel anxious and lethargic.

Menstrual periods happen in two phases: follicular and luteal. The follicular phase starts on the first day of bleeding, or menstruation, and prepares the body for ovulation. The luteal phase starts after ovulation and typically lasts from day 15 to 28 of the cycle.

“During this phase, the hormone progesterone rises, which helps thicken the uterine lining in case the egg gets fertilized. If fertilization doesn’t happen, hormone levels drop, leading to the start of menstruation,” Melinda Ring, MD, FACP, ABOIMdirector of the Osher Center for Integrative Health at Northwestern University, told Verywell in an email.

“Think of it as the second half of the menstrual cycle, when the body prepares for a possible pregnancy,” Ring said.

Why Is It Called the Luteal Phase?

After ovulation, the body forms a small yellow-hued structure called the corpus luteumwhich produces progesterone. The progesterone then thickens the walls of the uterus, allowing for a fertilized egg to attach.

The words “luteal” and “lunar” sound similar, but they don’t mean the same thing. “Luteal” comes from a Latin word that means yellow, and “corpus” means “body,” so “corpus luteum” roughly translates to “yellow body.”

“The [luteal phase] is named after this small but important structure, not anything astrological,” Ring said.

Having low levels of progesterone during this time can make it harder for someone to become or stay pregnant. Healthcare providers can conduct a blood test to measure your progesterone levels if you are concerned about fertility.

“Paying attention to how you feel during the luteal phase can offer insight into your hormonal health, and any significant changes should be discussed with a healthcare provider,” Ring said.

What Does Your Body Feel Like During the Luteal Phase?

Unless you become pregnant, progesterone levels decline towards the end of the luteal phase as your body prepares for another menstrual cycle. For this reason, the luteal phase is also called the “premenstrual phase.”

This is when some people may experience premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, which often start a week or two weeks before their period. Most people experience some premenstrual symptoms, such as bloating, mood swings, cramps, and sore breasts.

Other common symptoms include increased appetite, acne, diarrhea, joint pain, sleep issues, and irritability. Hormonal changes during the luteal phase, especially the rise and fall of progesterone, drive these symptoms, Ring explained.

“To manage these, a healthy diet, regular exercise, stress management techniques like mindfulness or yoga, and ensuring adequate sleep can help,” Ring said.