Day 7 of the menstrual cycle
In short: what happens on day 7?
Day 7 of the menstrual cycle is around the time one follicle in the ovaries is selected as the dominant follicle. This follicle keeps growing while the others fade away. Oestrogen produced by the dominant follicle increases, and the lining of the uterus becomes a little thicker every day.
Day 7 of the menstrual cycle – animated explainer
Day 7: cycle dial, uterus and ovaries, hormone levels (illustrative animation).
What the animation shows
- FSH
- Follicle-stimulating hormone: starts the growth of follicles in the ovary
- LH
- Luteinising hormone: its sudden surge triggers ovulation
- E2
- Oestrogen (oestradiol): thickens the lining of the uterus
- P4
- Progesterone: prepares the uterus for a possible pregnancy
- BBT
- Thermometer and dots below: basal body temperature
- RING
- Coloured ring: the 28-day cycle and its phases; the green arc marks the fertile days
- MM
- The measurement in the uterus shows lining thickness; in the ovary it shows follicle or corpus luteum size
Phase
Follicular phase
Chance of pregnancy
Very low
Uterine lining
5 mm
Follicle
10 mm
FSH
39
LH
19
Oestrogen
33
Basal body temperature
36.3°C
What is happening in your body today?
The dominant follicle reaches about 10 mm. The uterine lining is around 5 mm.
Hormones
Oestrogen rises; FSH falls. Falling FSH means only the most responsive follicle keeps growing.
How you might feel
Energy and focus are high; your skin usually looks better.
Chance of pregnancy
The chance of pregnancy is very low.
Tips for today
- A good time for high-intensity workouts
- Balance complex carbohydrates with protein
- If you plan to use ovulation tests, work out when to start
When to see a doctor
See your doctor if you have one-sided pelvic pain that keeps getting worse, or a fever.
Menstrual cycle day by day: table
| Day | What happens | Fertile window |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | First Day of Your Period | — |
| Day 2 | Heaviest Bleeding Day | — |
| Day 3 | FSH Rises, Follicles Grow | — |
| Day 4 | Bleeding Eases, Oestrogen Rises | — |
| Day 5 | Last Day of Your Period | — |
| Day 6 | Follicular Phase Begins | — |
| Day 7 | Dominant Follicle Is Selected | — |
| Day 8 | Oestrogen Rises, Fertile Window Nears | Low |
| Day 9 | Fertile Window Begins | Moderate |
| Day 10 | Fertile Window, Higher Pregnancy Odds | Moderate |
| Day 11 | 3 Days Before Ovulation | High |
| Day 12 | Oestrogen Nears Its Peak | High |
| Day 13 | LH Surge: Ovulation Is Near | Highest |
| Day 14 | Ovulation Day | Highest |
| Day 15 | Luteal Phase Begins | Moderate |
| Day 16 | Progesterone Rises | Low |
| Day 17 | Luteal Phase and Increased Appetite | — |
| Day 18 | Breast Tenderness May Start | — |
| Day 19 | Implantation Window Opens | — |
| Day 20 | Implantation Bleeding Possible | — |
| Day 21 | Progesterone Peak (Day 21 Test) | — |
| Day 22 | Mid-Luteal Phase | — |
| Day 23 | PMS Symptoms May Start | — |
| Day 24 | Hormones Start to Fall | — |
| Day 25 | Late Luteal Phase and PMS | — |
| Day 26 | Progesterone Drop and Cramps | — |
| Day 27 | 1 Day Before Your Period | — |
| Day 28 | Last Day of Your Cycle | — |
Frequently asked questions
What is a dominant follicle?
It is the follicle selected from those that start growing each cycle, which goes on to grow until ovulation. It usually becomes visible around day 7 of the cycle.
When does follicle tracking start?
In IVF or ovulation tracking, ultrasound scans usually start on day 8–10 of the cycle and continue until the follicle measures 18–24 mm.
Should I take an ovulation test on day 7?
In a 28-day cycle, testing usually starts on day 10–11. With shorter cycles you can start earlier.
Gynaecology check-ups and follow-up at SoftCare Clinic
Book an appointment with our specialist doctors for irregular periods, painful periods or pregnancy planning.
The information on this page is general guidance based on a typical 28-day cycle and does not replace a medical examination. It should not be used as a method of contraception.
Medical content editor: Op. Dr. Şükrü Sanus