The normal female cycle is controlled by hormones that are formed by various glands in the body. First, the hypothalamus forms a hormone called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). This hormone stimulates another gland, the pituitary gland (pituitary gland), which in turn releases two hormones essential for reproduction: the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and the luteinizing hormone (LH). Both hormones act directly on the ovaries during a menstrual cycle.
The amount and function of the hormones (LH & FSH) changes over the course of the menstrual cycle. The hormone FSH first stimulates the growth of the small yew glasses (follicles) in the ovaries.
When an egg matures to the middle of the cycle in the follicle, there is a steep increase in LH concentration. This increase triggers ovulation, which releases the egg from the follicle. The fertilization of the egg takes place in the fallingopian tube.
Ovulation is the detachment of the ovum from the female ovary (ovary) and the subsequent uptake from the ecrum (tuba uterina).
Since you should not have urinated for a test at least four hours beforehand, it is recommended to perform the ovulation test with the morning urine.
An ovulation test measures the concentration of the ovulation-triggering LH hormone via an indicator. About 24 to 36 hours before the egg detaches from the ovary, the LH level in the urine rises significantly. It can be made visible on the test strip with the help of appropriate antibodies.
The average cycle length determines when to start the first tests so as not to miss ovulation. With a cycle length of 28 days, the tests should be started approximately on the 11th day after the start of the last menstruation..
There are ovulation tests that measure estrogen and estradiol levels in addition to the LH. The growing follicle produces the female hormone estradiol. Its level rises a little earlier than that of the LH and then drops abruptly just before ovulation.
In addition, ovulation tests are also available in various sensitivities. The sensitivity required depends on the individual LH concentration during the cycle. Each woman has different hormone levels.
Most ovulation tests have a sensitivity of 10 mIU/ml, 20 mIU/ml, 25 mIU/ml and 30 mIU/ml. A test with 10 mIU/ml is much more sensitive than a test with 30 mIU/ml. This means that it will notice an LH increase earlier than a test with 30 mIU/ml.