From the Research
The patient is in the follicular phase of her ovarian cycle during the consultation. Based on her last menstrual period (LMP) of February 16,2024, and assuming a standard 28-day cycle, she would be approximately in days 7-10 of her cycle at the time of consultation, as suggested by the most recent study on menstrual cycles 1. During the follicular phase, estrogen levels begin to rise as follicles develop in the ovary, preparing for ovulation which typically occurs around day 14, as described in the endocrinology of the menstrual cycle 2. The endometrium is in the proliferative phase during this time, rebuilding after menstruation. Her regular menses suggests normal hormonal cycling, and the physical examination findings are consistent with a normal reproductive tract during the follicular phase. Some studies have shown variability in menstrual cycle parameters, including follicular phase length, related to age and parity 3, but this does not affect the determination of the ovarian phase in this case. It's worth noting that dietary factors, such as fat intake, can influence the length of the follicular phase 4, but this information is not relevant to determining the patient's current ovarian phase. Given the patient's age and parity (G2P2), her menstrual cycle is likely to be regular, with a follicular phase lasting around 14-16 days, as supported by the study on menstrual bleeding and cycle length 3. Therefore, the patient is most likely in the early to mid-follicular phase, given the time elapsed since her last menstrual period.