In a typical 28-day menstrual cycle, the follicular phase occurs during which days?

In a typical 28-day menstrual cycle, the follicular phase occurs during which days?

• A. Cycle days 7-14
• B. Cycle days 14-28
• C. Cycle days 1-6
• D. Cycle days 1-13

Answer: (D)

The follicular phase starts with the first day of menstruation and lasts until ovulation. In a typical 28-day cycle, ovulation occurs around day 14, so the follicular phase spans roughly day 1 through day 13. During this time, FSH stimulates follicle growth, estrogen rises, and the endometrium thickens in preparation for a possible pregnancy. The luteal phase begins with ovulation, when the corpus luteum forms and progesterone dominates. That’s why the interval from day 1 to day 13 best represents the follicular phase.

The follicular phase starts with the first day of menstruation and lasts until ovulation. In a typical 28-day cycle, ovulation occurs around day 14, so the follicular phase spans roughly day 1 through day 13. During this time, FSH stimulates follicle growth, estrogen rises, and the endometrium thickens in preparation for a possible pregnancy. The luteal phase begins with ovulation, when the corpus luteum forms and progesterone dominates. That’s why the interval from day 1 to day 13 best represents the follicular phase.