Tired After Ovulation? Here is What you need to know

February 17, 2024

Why am I always tired after ovulation? Why do I feel so sleepy before my periods? What can I do to prevent ovulation fatigue? How can I tell it’s ovulation fatigue and I am not sick? If you have these questions, you are in the right place!

Hi, I am Katie Lister, a practicing Registered Nurse and the founder of Growth Gals. I lead personal development groups and communities and coach women to step into the best versions of themselves.

GG provides women with a safe space to come together to learn and get support from other like-minded women. Among the numerous topics discussed on GG are topics related to ovulation, like why some women feel tired after ovulation. This article will provide the information you need about ovulation fatigue.

Katie Lister

Written by Katie Lister, RN, BScN. An experienced Registered Nurse, Group Facilitator, Life Coach, and Community Leader. Read Katie's Full Author Bio

Stages of the Menstrual Cycle

The menstrual cycle is a cycle that occurs naturally in women. Female hormones control the process and prepare the body for a potential pregnancy. When you don’t get pregnant, the hormones signal the uterus to shed the nutrient-rich uterine lining, which becomes your period. The typical length of most women’s menstrual cycle is 28 to 30 days.

The menstrual cycle comprises four phases: Menstruation, follicular, ovulation, and the luteal phase.

Menstruation

The menstruation phase begins when an egg does not fertilize, and your progesterone and estrogen levels drop. Before menstruation, your uterus lining thickens in readiness for a pregnancy, and when you don’t get pregnant, the lining sheds. This shedding is menstruation, or your period, and comprises blood, cells from the uterus lining, and mucus. The average period length is between three and seven days.

Follicular phase

The follicular phase begins on the first day of your menses or period and is the longest phase of your menstrual cycle. The follicular phase usually lasts between thirteen and fourteen days and ends in ovulation. A brain gland (pituitary) releases a hormone known as FSH (Follicle-stimulating hormone) that stimulates follicle production on an ovary.

Typically, only one follicle matures into an egg, except in rare cases, and usually from the tenth day of your cycle. The mature and dominant egg grows bigger, releasing more estrogen, which thickens your uterus lining in readiness for pregnancy.

Ovulation phase

Ovulation is a brief phase in the menstrual cycle when your ovary releases a mature egg. It typically occurs around the 14th to 16th day of a 28-day cycle and lasts about 12 to 24 hours. During ovulation, the body releases the luteinizing hormone (LH) to signal the egg’s release and prepare it for potential fertilization.

After fertilization, the fertilized egg implants in the uterine lining, which marks the beginning of a pregnancy. If not fertilized, the uterine lining sheds during menstruation. Common signs of ovulation include thin but stretchy discharge resembling egg whites, mild lower abdomen discomfort, and breast tenderness.

Luteal phase

After the ovulatory phase, the cells in your ovary, also known as corpus luteum, release a small dose of estrogen and progesterone, which thicken the uterus lining in readiness for pregnancy. If implantation occurs, the corpus luteum releases progesterone that maintains the thick uterus lining. If you don’t get pregnant, the corpus luteum dies out, dropping the progesterone levels. The uterus lining sheds, and menstruation occurs again.

Want to learn how to eat right for your cycle? Here is a guide to the best cycle syncing food, including luteal phase foods and follicular phase foods.

The Ovulation Phase

As mentioned, the ovulation phase is when your body releases an egg from the ovary in readiness for fertilization. The six days before, and including the ovulation day is your ‘fertile window.’ If you are trying to get pregnant, this is the ideal time to try and conceive. Once the egg enters the fallopian tube, its lifespan is about twenty-four hours, and sperm cannot fertilize it after that.

Symptoms of ovulation include:

Change in cervical mucus

Just before you ovulate, you might have an increase in vaginal secretions, which look clear and stretchy. After ovulation, the vaginal secretions decrease and becomes thicker, cloudier and less noticeable.

Basal temperature change

Your basal temperature is your temperature when at rest, which increases during ovulation. The normal temperature is between 36.1 °C or 97 °F) and 36.4 °C or 97.5 °F. To measure your basal temperature, use a specifically designed thermometer to take your temperature each morning before you leave bed.

Record the temperature and look out for a pattern. You will be at your most fertile two or three days before your temperature rises. After ovulation, your temperature will rise between 36.4 °C and 97.6 °F to 37 °C or 98.6 °F. Other common symptoms during ovulation might include ones similar to premenstrual syndrome symptoms.

These symptoms include:

Breast pain
Fatigue
Bloating
Mood swings
Spotting or light bleeding
Ovary pain or cramping

Usually a slight pain or discomfort on one side of your abdomen, also known as mittelschmerz. If the pain is severe, seek help from a healthcare professional to rule out an underlying health condition like a sexually transmitted infection or endometriosis.

Increased libido: Some women experience an increased sex drive

Tired After Ovulation - What is Ovulation Fatigue?

Ovulation fatigue refers to exhaustion or feelings of tiredness that some people experience during ovulation. Fatigue may manifest differently in different people, but it’s a weariness that can impact your daily activities.

The Symptoms Of Ovulation Fatigue

Hormonal fluctuations during ovulation, especially the drop in estrogen, cause fatigue. Melatonin is a sleep inducer, while cortisol keeps you awake. The higher melatonin is, the lower cortisol is, and vice versa. During ovulation, a drop in melatonin and cortisol hormone levels can lead to extra tiredness and insomnia. The drop in estrogen (which gives you energy) just before ovulation contributes to feeling more fatigued during ovulation.

Common symptoms of ovulation fatigue include:

Lethargy
Mood changes
Brain fog
Irritability
Depression
Anxiety
Food cravings
Stiff shoulders
Low energy
Tired eyes

Some people may worry that tiredness during ovulation might be a sign of pregnancy. However, ovulation fatigue occurs too early in the menstrual cycle for you to tell if you are pregnant. If you get pregnant, implantation happens approximately ten days post-ovulation, and you will experience some symptoms like cramping or spotting.

Pregnancy fatigue is one sign of pregnancy, which may occur sixteen days after ovulation, and the ideal time to take a pregnancy test. Once you confirm pregnancy, you must see an OB-GYN as soon as possible to start your pre-natal healthcare.

How to Stop Feeling Tired After Ovulation

You can combat ovulation fatigue by knowing your menstrual cycle patterns and adapting your lifestyle around them. This knowledge also helps you understand how to eat the right foods and do the right workouts according to your menstrual phase. Here is how you can overcome ovulation tiredness:

Rest more

If you are always tired during ovulation, try and adopt better sleep habits like putting off or dimming lights, and avoiding electronics and food before bed. Going to bed earlier ensures you get better sleep quality. Take regular naps when and if your schedule allows you.

Cycle syncing

Cycle syncing refers to syncing your lifestyle to your menstrual cycle. It means eating the right foods and exercising according to your current phase.

Eating Healthy

Eating a balanced diet helps to nourish your body. Eat healthy meals full of vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains. Avoid alcohol and other substances that enhance fatigue.

Hydrating

Drinking enough water is crucial for your body’s proper functioning, which includes cognitive function. Ensure you stay hydrated all day, as dehydration makes you more tired. Water helps your body cope better with the hormonal changes.

Exercise

Manage fatigue by doing gentle exercises like yoga, walking, and stretching. Movement improves endorphins and triggers the release of feel-good hormones like dopamine and serotonin.

Supplements

Manage fatigue during ovulation by taking supplements like B vitamins and magnesium. These supplements improve energy levels and help to alleviate exhaustion. Before you start on supplements, you should get medical advice from a healthcare professional.

Relaxation techniques

Try relaxation techniques like soothing massages, meditation, or soaking in a bathtub. Self-care can help you combat the weariness and improve your well-being.

If you experience irregular ovulation, consult an OB-GYN before taking any medication. However, making lifestyle changes like stress management, eating healthy, and weight management helps to regulate your ovulation experience.

How Growth Gals Can Help When It Comes To Ovulation Fatigue

At Growth Gals, we aim to inspire women to reach their full potential. We strive to create positive change by offering resources to discover their true selves and expand their knowledge base. Growth Gals helps women overcome obstacles and learn more about various topics, such as feeling tired after ovulation.

At GG, we encourage living a healthy, authentic life that aligns with your values. Meet like-minded individuals who will offer a solid support system and also gladly help you navigate the menstrual cycle and topics like ovulation fatigue by sharing their experiences and knowledge on the subject.

Subscribe to the Growth Gals newsletter to gain access to even more resources for women, and to learn more about how we can support and guide you to become the best version of yourself!

Feeling Tired After Ovulation - Conclusion

Ovulation fatigue is a common aspect of your menstrual cycle. When you understand your body and menstrual cycle, you can manage your energy levels by eating and exercising right.

Acknowledging the impact and role of hormonal fluctuations can empower you to make better choices in your daily activities during the ovulation period. If you experience severe tiredness, you should see a doctor to rule out all possible causes of the fatigue.