What Does Luteal Phase Discharge Tell About Fertility?

The menstrual cycle is a natural process that prepares a woman's body for pregnancy each month. The luteal phase is the last phase of the menstrual cycle when a female's body is ready to support a pregnancy.

However, if pregnancy doesn't occur, different hormonal changes start to shed the uterine lining and restart the menstrual cycle. During this phase, many women notice luteal phase discharge, which occurs under the influence of hormonal changes [1]. This discharge is typically white in color and has a thick and sticky texture.

To understand what the discharge during the luteal phase means, we first need to thoroughly study the female reproductive cycle or the menstrual cycle.

The Four Stages of the Menstrual Cycle

The menstrual cycle is divided into four stages: the menstrual phase, the follicular phase, ovulation, and the luteal phase [2]. Different changes in each phase occur under the influence of hormonal changes with the goal of preparing the body for potential pregnancy.

Here is a detailed overview of the different stages of the menstrual cycle:

1. The Menstrual Phase

The menstrual phase is the first phase of the cycle, beginning on the first day of bleeding. This phase lasts for 3 to 7 days, depending on the length of your cycle. During this phase, the uterus sheds its lining, which exits the body as menstrual blood.

This shedding occurs because the uterus did not receive a fertilized egg in the previous cycle. Female fertility hormones, including estrogen and progesterone, are at their lowest during this phase. You may experience cramps, fatigue, and mood swings during this phase.

2. The Follicular Phase

The follicular phase starts with the menstrual phase and continues until ovulation, lasting around 10 to 14 days. During this phase, the pituitary gland releases follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which stimulates the ovaries to mature multiple follicles [3].

Each follicle contains an egg, but typically, only one follicle matures completely and releases the egg during ovulation. The estrogen levels start to rise after menstruation and are highest near the end of the follicular phase, which prepares the uterus for the implantation of a fertilized egg.

3. Ovulation

Ovulation occurs in the middle of the menstrual cycle and is the shortest phase, lasting 12 to 24 hours. A sudden rise in luteinizing hormone (LH), also called LH surge, causes one of the mature follicles to release an egg in the ovary [4]. The egg travels from the ovary to the fallopian tube, where it may meet sperm for fertilization.

Most women experience a discharge during this phase, called ovulation discharge. This discharge is clear, slippery, and thin, which helps sperm swim more easily into the female body. Some women may also experience mild pelvic pain, known as ovulation pain or mittelschmerz [5].

4. The Luteal Phase

The luteal phase begins after ovulation and lasts about 14 days in an average 28-day cycle [1]. After releasing the egg, the empty follicle transforms into the corpus luteum in the luteal phase, which produces progesterone. Progesterone thickens the uterine lining to support a potential pregnancy.

Many women experience thick, creamier, and sticky discharge during luteal phase. If no fertilization occurs, the corpus luteum breaks down, and hormone levels drop, restarting the cycle from the menstruation phase.

What Does Luteal Phase Discharge Mean?

Rising levels of progesterone contribute to the characteristic discharge during luteal phase. This discharge is different from ovulation or menstruation discharge and appears thick and scanty [1]. It is white or light yellow in color with no odor.

This type of discharge is normal and indicates that the body is preparing for either pregnancy or menstruation. However, certain changes in the discharge, such as an unusual color, foul odor, or itching, may signal an infection or other medical condition. In such a case, it is recommended to consult a professional for early identification of the problem and possible solutions.

Other Normal Discharges During the Menstrual Cycle

Throughout the menstrual cycle, vaginal discharge varies in texture, color, and quantity depending on the phase. Here is an overview of what kind of discharge to expect during the different phases:

• During Menstrual Phase: Menstrual bleeding is the main discharge, consisting of blood, mucus, and uterine tissue. It is dark red in color and is usually accompanied by symptoms like pain, cramping, and nausea.
• During Follicular Phase: The vaginal discharge starts to change in color, from red to white, during the follicular phase. The discharge by the end of the follicular phase is clear and watery and increases as ovulation approaches.
• During Ovulation: Ovulation is the time when the most prominent changes occur in cervical mucus. It becomes abundant, stretchy, and slippery to facilitate sperm movement [6]. You may experience ovulation discharge similar to cervical mucus, usually resembling egg white.
• During Luteal Phase: Hormonal changes after the ovulation phase make cervical mucus more thick and less stretchy. The vaginal discharge during this time is also less stretchy, scanty, with a creamy texture.

What Does a Green or Yellow Discharge Mean?

Green or yellow vaginal discharge is not normal and may indicate an infection. It is mostly an indication of a sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as trichomoniasis or gonorrhea [7].

Sometimes, bacterial vaginosis or other infections may also lead to a yellow or green tint in the vaginal discharge. This type of discharge may have a foul smell and usually comes with other symptoms like itching or irritation during urination.

If you notice a green or yellow discharge, it is important to see a doctor immediately. Early treatment can prevent complications and help maintain good reproductive health.

Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Menstrual Cycle

A regular menstrual cycle is a sign of good fertility and reproductive health. Here are some tips that can help you maintain a regular menstrual cycle and improve fertility health:

1. Maintain a Healthy Diet

Hormonal imbalances are a common cause of irregular menstrual cycles. Eating the right nutrients, like vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, can help balance hormones [8]. You can obtain these nutrients by adding fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to your diet.

2. Exercise Regularly

Moderate physical activity improves blood circulation and helps regulate hormones. However, excessive exercise is not good for reproductive health. Walking, swimming, and yoga are some examples of moderate exercises that can improve menstrual regularity.

3. Manage Stress

Reports show that high-stress levels can affect hormone balance and delay ovulation [9]. Chronic stress increases the cortisol hormone in the body, which harms reproductive health. Relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises can help relieve stress.

4. Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol

Studies show that smoking can harm female egg quality and quantity in the ovaries, reducing fertility and chances of conception [10]. Alcohol can disrupt hormone levels, which may lead to irregular menstrual cycles. Avoiding or limiting the use of such substances can help maintain a healthy and regular menstrual cycle.

5. Consider Fertility Supplements

Female fertility supplements can support menstrual cycle regularity by providing essential nutrients. Nutrients like folic acid, iron, and vitamin D help regulate hormones and improve overall reproductive health [11]. It's important to talk to a doctor before using supplements to ensure they meet your specific needs.

Conclusion

The luteal phase is the last phase of the menstrual cycle and a female body is ready to achieve pregnancy at this time. Hormonal changes in the luteal phase are responsible for preparing the body for pregnancy, including thickening of uterine lining and changes in the cervical mucus.

When such changes occur, they result in characteristic luteal phase discharge, which is typically white in color, has no odor, and is thick and creamier in texture. This kind of discharge is normal until you start to notice a change in discharge color or other symptoms like itching or irritation along with discharge.

When you do notice such symptoms, we recommend you avoid self-diagnosis and consult a professional for a detailed evaluation of your reproductive health.

FAQs

1. What is the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle?

The luteal phase is the last part of the menstrual cycle. It occurs after ovulation and before the start of menstruation. It usually lasts about 14 days and during this time, progesterone hormone levels rise to prepare the uterine lining for potential pregnancy.

2. Is it normal to have no discharge during the luteal phase?

Some women may notice little to no discharge during the luteal phase or near the end of the menstrual cycle and it is normal in most cases. It is only concerning if you start to experience symptoms like itching or irritation or when you notice your fertility health is declining.

3. What type of vaginal discharge is concerning?

If discharge is green, gray, foul-smelling, or accompanied by itching or discomfort, it may indicate an infection. Consult a doctor for proper evaluation and treatment to avoid serious complications.

Resources Used

1. Professional, C. C. M. (2024b, May 1). Luteal phase. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24417-luteal-phase 
2. Thiyagarajan, D. K., Basit, H., & Jeanmonod, R. (2024, September 27). Physiology, menstrual cycle. StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK500020/ 
3. Santi, D., Crépieux, P., Reiter, E., Spaggiari, G., Brigante, G., Casarini, L., Rochira, V., & Simoni, M. (2020). Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) action on spermatogenesis: A focus on physiological and therapeutic roles. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 9(4), 1014. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9041014 
4. Holesh, J. E., Bass, A. N., & Lord, M. (2023, May 1). Physiology, ovulation. StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441996/ 
5. Brott, N. R., & Le, J. K. (2023, May 1). Mittelschmerz. StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549822/ 
6. Professional, C. C. M. (2024c, December 19). Cervical mucus. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21957-cervical-mucus 
7. World Health Organization: WHO. (2024, May 21). Sexually transmitted infections (STIs). https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sexually-transmitted-infections-(stis) 
8. Calcaterra, V., Verduci, E., Stagi, S., & Zuccotti, G. (2024). How the intricate relationship between nutrition and hormonal equilibrium significantly influences endocrine and reproductive health in adolescent girls. Frontiers in Nutrition, 11, 1337328. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2024.1337328 
9. Vigil, P., Meléndez, J., Soto, H., Petkovic, G., Bernal, Y. A., & Molina, S. (2022). Chronic Stress and Ovulatory Dysfunction: Implications in Times of COVID-19. Frontiers in Global Women's Health, 3, 866104. https://doi.org/10.3389/fgwh.2022.866104 
10. Dhage, V. D., Nagtode, N., Kumar, D., & Bhagat, A. K. (2024). A Narrative Review on the Impact of Smoking on Female Fertility. Cureus, 16(4), e58389. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.58389 
11. Silvestris, E., Lovero, D., & Palmirotta, R. (2019). Nutrition and Female Fertility: An Interdependent Correlation. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 10, 346. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2019.00346