Luteal phase

The stretch from ovulation to your next period, usually around 10 to 16 days.

What does luteal phase mean?

Luteal phase: The stretch from ovulation to your next period, usually around 10 to 16 days.

How it is used in the Splash library

Symptoms show up in the luteal phase (the one to two weeks before bleeding) and usually ease once bleeding starts, often disappearing by the end of the period.
From “PMS: the week-before, decoded”
SSRI antidepressants, taken all month or only in the luteal phase.
From “PMDD: when PMS turns the volume to max”
The Luteal phase is steadier than the follicular phase, but it is not a fixed 14 days.
From “The four phases, in depth”
It peaks just before ovulation, dips, then has a smaller second rise in the luteal phase.
From “Meet your hormones”
Ovulation is estimated by counting back from your expected period, because the Luteal phase is usually steadier than the follicular phase.
From “Why your predictions shift”

Luteal phase explained

The luteal phase is the second half of the menstrual cycle, from ovulation to the day before your next period starts. It is named after the corpus luteum, the structure left behind in the ovary after an egg is released, which makes progesterone.

Progesterone thickens and stabilises the womb lining so a fertilised egg could implant. If pregnancy doesn't happen, the corpus luteum breaks down after about 10 to 14 days, progesterone drops and your period starts.

What's typical

A luteal phase of about 10 to 16 days is typical, and it tends to be more consistent from cycle to cycle than the follicular phase (Bull, 2019). That is why ovulation is estimated by counting back from your next period.

Higher progesterone raises resting temperature by about 0.2 to 0.5°C, and can bring breast tenderness, bloating, food cravings, lower energy and mood changes. PMS and PMDD symptoms happen in this phase.

When to talk to a GP, nurse or pharmacist

Mood changes before your period are severe, or affect relationships, work or school. This can be PMDD, and help is available.
You notice spotting for many days before each period, or your cycles are often shorter than 21 days.
You are trying to conceive and think your luteal phase is short. A GP or fertility clinic can check whether you are ovulating.

In the UK you can call NHS 111 for advice at any time. In an emergency call 999 (UK) or 911 (US). This is general information, not medical advice.

Where it comes up

ConditionsPMS: the week-before, decoded5 min read ConditionsPMDD: when PMS turns the volume to max6 min read · Deep dive Cycle basicsThe four phases, in depth5 min read · Deep dive Cycle basicsMeet your hormones5 min read · Deep dive Cycle basicsWhy your predictions shift4 min read Cycle basicsHow stress, travel and illness affect your cycle4 min read · Deep dive Mind & moodSleep and mood: the luteal link2 min read Movement & sleepSleep across your cycle3 min read · Deep dive NutritionEating by phase: what the evidence really says4 min read NutritionSteady energy: starchy foods and fibre2 min read · Deep dive

Sources

Sources checked October 2026.

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