Does Ovulation Make You Tired?

Written on October 4, 2023 by Gillian (Gigi) Singer, MPH, Sexuality Educator & Certified Sexologist. To give you technically accurate, evidence-based information, content published on the Everlywell blog is reviewed by credentialed professionals with expertise in medical and bioscience fields.

Table of contents

• Understanding Ovulation
• Symptoms Of Ovulation
• The Link Between Ovulation And Fatigue
• Managing Fatigue During Ovulation
• Conclusion
• Related Content

Understanding Ovulation

Ovulation is the point in the menstrual cycle at which an egg is released from an ovary into one of the fallopian tubes and uterus — it is then potentially ready to be fertilized if sperm presents itself. If fertilized, the egg would implant in the endometrial lining (uterine lining). If a pregnancy does not begin, the egg and uterine lining will shed — a period.

Ovulation occurs in the middle of a menstrual cycle, around the 14th day of a 28-day menstrual cycle.[1]

Symptoms Of Ovulation

During ovulation, many women experience various symptoms, which can include the following.

Cramping

Some women may experience a dull ache or twinge in their lower abdomen, known as mittelschmerz. The National Institute of Health notes that mittelschmerz ( commonly known today as ovulation pain) is a benign preovulatory lower abdominal pain that occurs midcycle in women. Ovulation pain may affect over 40% of women of reproductive age and occurs almost monthly in these patients.[2]

Increased Libido

Some women report heightened sexual desire during this time.

Sexual desire varies throughout the menstrual cycle due to shifts in hormone levels. It's reported that a higher level of estrogen in the body can promote vaginal lubrication and increase sexual desire. Alternatively, an increase in progesterone can lower sexual desire.[3] Just before ovulation, estrogen levels peak, and progesterone levels are very low — this is the perfect combination to create a storm of desire.[4]

Changes In Cervical Mucus

The consistency of cervical mucus may change, becoming thinner and more slippery, facilitating sperm movement. According to Cleveland Clinic, the most common analogy for recognizing super fertile cervical mucus is if it looks and feels like raw egg whites. If you see that texture, you will know you're at your most fertile. After ovulation, cervical mucus will become thick and dry.[5]

Breast Sensitivity

Breast tenderness is a secondary symptom of ovulation. Nipples may also become more sensitive. Cyclical breast/chest pain (also called mastalgia) is a common premenstrual symptom that happens in a predictable pattern during the menstrual cycle.[6]

Mood Swings

Hormonal fluctuations can lead to mood swings or increased emotional sensitivity. Self-care is crucial when it comes to mood swings throughout the menstrual cycle.

Fatigue

Feeling tired or having lower energy levels is also a common complaint during ovulation. Keep reading to learn more!

The Link Between Ovulation And Fatigue

If you are someone who has wondered, “Does ovulation make you tired?,” here are a few factors that make the connection between ovulation and fatigue [7]:

• Progesterone levels increase during the luteal phase, which is just after ovulation. At that point, a person may experience period fatigue, lethargy, tiredness, brain fog, mood swings, irritability, anxiety, depression, and food cravings. Alternatively, some people will experience insomnia.
• The physical discomfort of cramping and pelvic pain can be uncomfortable and fatigue-inducing.
• Mood swings and emotional sensitivity during ovulation can be draining and contribute to a sense of tiredness.
• Some women may engage in more sexual activity or physical exertion during ovulation, which can lead to tiredness afterward.
• Ovulation can be stressful for those who are actively trying to conceive, which may contribute to fatigue. Particularly if a person has had difficulty becoming or staying pregnant.

Managing Fatigue During Ovulation

If you find that ovulation-related fatigue is affecting your daily life, you can take several steps to manage it:

• Ensure you're getting enough rest, especially during your ovulation days.
• Stay hydrated.
• Manage stress with calming activities and self-care.
• Maintain a balanced diet to support your energy levels.
• Move your body to improve your mood.
• Track your cycle to help you anticipate ovulation and plan for self-care during that time.

Conclusion

In summary, hormonal changes and associated factors can contribute to feelings of tiredness during this time. It's essential to listen to your body and practice self-care during your menstrual cycle, especially during ovulation, to manage any fatigue or discomfort effectively.

If you continue to experience severe fatigue during ovulation, it is a good idea to talk to a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying issues. Keep in mind that every person’s experience with ovulation is unique and that's entirely normal.

Finally, if you are looking to track your fertility, use Everlywell’s Women's Fertility Test to measure vital hormones that influence your fertility.

Related Content

What Are The First Signs Of PCOS?

What Is Luteinizing Hormone?

Why Am I Tired All The Time?

References

1. Ovulation: Calculating, timeline, pain & other symptoms. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/23439-ovulation. Accessed September 24, 2023.
2. Brott NR, Le JK. Mittelschmerz - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. National Center for Biotechnology Information. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549822/. May 1, 2023. Accessed September 25, 2023.
3. Eske J. Female sex hormones: Types, roles, and effect on arousal. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324887. April 5, 2019. Accessed September 25, 2023.
4. Ray L, Michalowski M. The menstrual cycle, explained. The Menstrual Cycle: Phases of Your Cycle. https://helloclue.com/articles/cycle-a-z/the-menstrual-cycle-more-than-just-the-period. April 28, 2023. Accessed September 25, 2023.
5. Cervical mucus: Chart, stages, tracking & fertility. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21957-cervical-mucus. October 24, 2021. Accessed September 25, 2023.
6. Ray L. Breast pain and your period. Breast Pain and the Menstrual Cycle: Reasons and Remedies. https://helloclue.com/articles/cycle-a-z/breast-pain-and-the-menstrual-cycle. January 27, 2023. Accessed September 25, 2023.
7. Foglesong Stabile J. Why am I so tired on my period? Everlywell. https://www.everlywell.com/blog/womens-health/why-am-i-so-tired-on-my-period/#ovulation. April 24, 2023. Accessed September 25, 2023.