Which phase is characterized by the selection of a single dominant follicle and high estrogen that increases cervical mucus stringiness?

Which phase is characterized by the selection of a single dominant follicle and high estrogen that increases cervical mucus stringiness?

• A. Early follicular
• B. Mid follicular
• C. Late follicular
• D. Mid-late luteal

Answer: (C)

Late follicular phase. As the cycle approaches ovulation, one follicle becomes dominant and continues to grow. The dominant follicle pumps out rising amounts of estrogen, reaching a peak just before ovulation. That estrogen surge changes the cervical mucus, making it clear, thin, and highly elastic—often described as stringy or egg-white mucus. This mucus state creates an optimal path for sperm and signals that ovulation is near. After ovulation, the luteal phase brings progesterone to the forefront and cervical mucus becomes thicker and less favorable to sperm, which is not the pattern described here.

Late follicular phase.

As the cycle approaches ovulation, one follicle becomes dominant and continues to grow. The dominant follicle pumps out rising amounts of estrogen, reaching a peak just before ovulation. That estrogen surge changes the cervical mucus, making it clear, thin, and highly elastic—often described as stringy or egg-white mucus. This mucus state creates an optimal path for sperm and signals that ovulation is near. After ovulation, the luteal phase brings progesterone to the forefront and cervical mucus becomes thicker and less favorable to sperm, which is not the pattern described here.