If you’re tracking your fertile window with ovulation tests or other methods, you may be learning new things about your cycle. In fact, you may have had a cycle where you ovulated earlier. There could be a few reasons for this, so let’s dive in.
By OBGYN and fertility expert Dr. Kenosha Gleaton
If you’re tracking your fertile window with ovulation tests or other methods, you may be learning new things about your cycle. Typically, women ovulate around cycle day 14 (with cycle day 1 counted as the first day of your full period). However, only a small percentage of women ovulate exactly on cycle day 14; most women actually reach their fertile window earlier or later. You may have had a cycle where you ovulated earlier. Maybe on cycle day six? Day 10? Day 12? There could be a few reasons for this, so let’s dive in.
A short follicular phase
The follicular phase of your cycle starts on the first day of your period and ends with ovulation. A short follicular phase is one that is under 12 days. There are many possible reasons you may have a short follicular phase and ovulate earlier in your cycle, including:
- Age. Prior to menopause, your cycle length shortens and the timing of your ovulation may become earlier as the follicular phase shortens. This is a normal pattern with aging, and may occur in your late 30s and 40s.
- Lifestyle factors. Lifestyle factors such as stress can alter the timing of ovulation.
- BMI. A low or high BMI can impact the timing of ovulation.
- No reason at all. Some women occasionally (or regularly) ovulate earlier in their cycle.
One thing to know is if you always ovulate early, or if it was just random this one cycle. It’s helpful to track for several months to see if it’s a pattern, or if you had one off month. As always, talk to your OBGYN if you have any concerns about the timing of your ovulation.
