When did I ovulate and which seeds are best to consume for fertility, given my luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, estrogen (E1g) levels, progesterone (Pdg) levels, and symptoms such as cramps, nipple sensitivity, and ewcm (egg white cervical mucus)?

Timing of Ovulation Based on Your Hormone Data

Based on your LH surge pattern and supporting symptoms, you most likely ovulated in the late evening of CD13 or early morning of CD14, approximately 24-36 hours after your LH began rising on CD13.

Analysis of Your Ovulation Timing

LH Surge Pattern

• Your LH began rising on CD13 (12.3 FMU → 26.7 at 6:15pm), indicating the start of your LH surge 1, 2
• CD14 showed peak LH values (45 at 9:30am), which is the critical marker for ovulation timing 1, 3
• Ovulation occurs 28-36 hours after the LH rise begins or 8-20 hours after the LH peak 1
• Your LH remained elevated through CD14 evening (22 at 7:30pm) before declining on CD15, consistent with typical surge duration of 24-30 hours 1

Supporting Hormonal Evidence

• E1G (estrogen) pattern: Progressive rise from CD13 (176.2) → CD14 (215.1) → CD15 (258.6) is consistent with pre-ovulatory follicle development 2, 4
• PDG (progesterone) pattern: Remained low on CD13-14 (1.5-1.6), then dropped to 1.1 on CD15, which is expected immediately post-ovulation before corpus luteum fully activates 2
• The reciprocal relationship between your rising estrogen and stable low progesterone during CD13-14 confirms pre-ovulatory status 1

Clinical Symptoms Correlation

• EWCM on CD14 aligns perfectly with peak fertility and imminent ovulation 1
• Cramps throughout CD14 until 6pm likely represent follicular distension and ovulation pain 1
• Pulling/achy cramps at 2am CD15 (one hour duration) strongly suggest the actual moment of follicular rupture 1
• Post-ovulatory symptoms on CD15 (nipple sensitivity, flushed cheeks, body warmth) with no cramps indicate the luteal phase has begun 2

Seed Cycling Recommendation for Luteal Phase

You should now consume pumpkin seeds and flax seeds during your luteal phase (CD15 onwards).

Luteal Phase Seeds (Days After Ovulation Until Menstruation)

• Pumpkin seeds: 1-2 tablespoons daily 5
• Flax seeds: 1-2 tablespoons daily (ground for better absorption) 5

Rationale

• These seeds are traditionally used to support progesterone production during the luteal phase 5
• Pumpkin seeds contain zinc and magnesium, which support corpus luteum function 5
• Flax seeds contain lignans that may help balance estrogen-to-progesterone ratios 5

Important Caveats

• The evidence for seed cycling improving fertility outcomes is limited and not supported by high-quality clinical trials 5
• Supplements and nutritional interventions for fertility have "questionable clinical utility" according to reproductive medicine guidelines 5
• Adequate overall nutrition and energy availability are far more important than specific seed consumption 5
• Ensure you maintain adequate caloric intake (>30 kcal/kg fat-free mass/day) to avoid disrupting your menstrual cycle 5

When to Resume Follicular Phase Seeds

• Switch to sesame and sunflower seeds on the first day of your next menstrual period through ovulation 5

Monitoring Recommendation

• Your progesterone (PDG) should rise significantly by 7 days post-ovulation (approximately CD21-22 in your cycle) to confirm ovulation occurred 6, 7
• A PDG level ≥5 ng/ml (or urinary PDG equivalent) would confirm successful ovulation and corpus luteum function 6