Strolling down the aisles of your local pharmacy, you've probably noticed a box on the shelf that reads "ovulation predictor kit" or "ovulation test strips." You already know that the time when you ovulate is the time when you are the most fertile, but what do these test indicate, and what exactly are they testing for?
In short, its all about the LH hormone. The presence of the LH hormone is a clear indicator of impending ovulation, and one of the central pieces of fertility awareness.
Why Is The LH Hormone Important?
Lets start with a bit of a biology class to get a basic understanding of why the LH hormone is an important indicator of fertility.At the beginning of a woman’s menstrual cycle, her body begins to produce the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). FSH aides in the formation of a follicle on one ovary. This follicle contains and nurtures the ovum. When this follicle has fully matured, an acute rise of the Luteinizing Hormone (LH), called the "LH surge," triggers ovulation and development of the corpus luteum which causes the egg to separate from the ovarian surface. Detection of this surge in a simple urine sample signals ovulation will occur within 24-48 hours.
What Are Ovulation Predictor Kits?
Ovulation predictor kits (OPKs), such as Cyclotest, function by detecting this LH Surge in urine and alerting the woman that ovulation is about to take place. It is a common misconception that a positive result shows ovulation taking place. Realize that ovulation occurs 24-48 hours AFTER a detected LH surge, and plan your love life accordingly.Read original article here: http://ethicalfamilyplanning.com/chart-fertility-luteinizing-hormones
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