Which phase occurs after menses and before ovulation?

• A. Menses
• B. Ovulation
• C. Postmenstrual (preovulatory) phase
• D. Premenstrual (luteal) phase

Answer: (C)

The phase after menses and before ovulation is the follicular phase, also called the postmenstrual or preovulatory phase. In this time window, ovarian follicles mature under rising FSH, with the dominant follicle producing increasing estrogen. This estrogen stimulates the endometrium to proliferate and thicken, preparing the uterine lining for a possible pregnancy. As estrogen climbs, it eventually triggers the LH surge that leads to ovulation, marking the end of this phase. The luteal phase then follows after ovulation, driven mainly by progesterone from the corpus luteum. Menses is the shedding that starts the cycle, so this phase directly bridges menses and ovulation.