As the levels of FSH lower, the dominant follicle continues to mature and release estrogen. The other follicles who did not win the race die off. Now, it's only about the winning egg or eggs (in the case of un-identical twins).
The estrogen released by the mature follicle does more than just shut off the supply of FSH from the pituitary. The estrogen is also responsible for stimulating the endometrium, or lining of the uterus, to grow. The endometrium grows from about 0.5 millimeters in thickness at the beginning of your cycle, to 5.5 millimeters in thickness by the end.
The estrogen hormones are also responsible for the increase in fertile cervical mucus and changes in your cervical position, preparing conditions that will be just right for transport and acceptance of sperm to the egg. It also increases your level of sexual desire, biology's way of helping you time sex for pregnancy.
When the dominant follicle is ready to be released, the levels of estrogen peak. This peak causes the pituitary gland to be extra sensitive to the hormone GnRH, leading to the release of the stored up LH in the pituitary gland.
This surge in LH signals the follicle to release the egg. On the day of your LH surge, you'll have the most fertile cervical mucus and your cervical position will be high, with a soft and open cervix. It's this surge that ovulation predictor kits help you detect.
Within 24 to 48 hours of the LH surge, the dominant follicle ruptures and the winning egg is finally released in a process known as ovulation.
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