Ovulation is the time when your body is at its peak fertility, and while it’s a short window, it’s packed with some serious hormonal energy. If you’ve been wondering what exactly happens during this phase, we’ve got you covered.

What is ovulation?

Ovulation is the process in which a mature egg is released from your ovary and begins its journey down the fallopian tube, where it may meet sperm if conception occurs. This is the point in your cycle when pregnancy is most likely [1][2][3].

Leading up to ovulation, your body experiences a surge of hormones—primarily estrogen and luteinizing hormone (LH)—which trigger the egg’s release. This typically happens around the middle of your cycle, roughly 14 days before your next period, though the exact timing can vary from person to person [1][2].

What’s happening inside your body during this phase?

The big player during ovulation is estrogen. As your egg matures, your estrogen levels peak, which is why this phase can bring a boost of energy, confidence, and even clearer skin. You might notice you’re feeling more social or even a little extra “glowy” during ovulation, and that’s all thanks to the hormonal shift [1][2].

There’s also a biological thing happening: the mucus around your cervix changes, becoming more clear and stretchy, which helps sperm travel more easily toward the egg [1][2]. It’s your body’s way of creating the right environment for conception.

During ovulation, your basal body temperature (BBT) will dip slightly, then rise after the egg is released. If you’re tracking your cycle, this is a key sign that ovulation has occurred [1].

Listening to your body while you're ovulating

Ovulation can be one of the most noticeable phases of your cycle. It’s when you feel most energized, confident, and even a little extra in the best way. You also might notice:

• Increased libido: Some people feel hornier around ovulation, thanks to the hormone surge [1][2]. It’s biology's way of trying to encourage you to procreate (even if that doesn't actually interest you).
• Light cramping: Some people experience a mild twinge or sharp pain on one side of their lower abdomen, known as “mittelschmerz.” It’s usually not a big deal but signals that ovulation is in motion [3].
• An energy boost: Estrogen levels peak, so you may feel more confident, outgoing, and energized than usual [1][2].

Embracing the peak of your cycle

Ovulation is like the high point of your cycle, when everything is in full gear. Even if pregnancy isn’t on your radar, ovulation is a powerful reminder of how nuts* (*incredible) the body is, working behind the scenes to keep us in balance [1][2][3].

Ovulation-knowledge is power. Track it on Stardust.

[1] Madormo, Carrie, RN, MPH. “What Are the Signs of Ovulation?” Verywell Health, medically reviewed by Peter Weiss, MD, 21 Dec. 2023, https://www.verywellhealth.com/signs-of-ovulation-8402143.

[2] Cleveland Clinic. “Ovulation.” Cleveland Clinic, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/23439-ovulation.

[3] Mayo Clinic. “Mittelschmerz.” Mayo Clinic, 13 Feb. 2024, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mittelschmerz/symptoms-causes/syc-20375122.