Luteal Phase Defect. The luteal phase is one of the natural stages of your menstrual cycle. It happens right after ovulation (when your ovaries release an egg) and before your period starts.

Whatever you’re calling it: The lead-up to your period can be a very special kind of hell. We asked two experts to tell us what the luteal phase is—and what it's not.

Even if you aren't severely affected by the luteal phase, doesn't mean you can't make some improvements. "[People] need to be empowered, and they don't need to suffer in silence," Dr. Krychman says.

A TikTok video went viral after a guy asked his audience to explain what "the luteal phase" means. Some people mistook it as a term in astrology, but it's actually referring to a period in the 28 ...