GLOSSARY

Early Follicular Phase Hormones
Early follicular steroid concentrations are relatively low after luteal regression, allowing changing FSH drive to support recruitment.

A changing reproductive system. Ovarian function integrates follicular development, gonadotropin input, local signaling and changing steroid feedback. Hormone patterns differ across the cycle and life stages. Timing relative to ovulation or menstrual phase is often essential for interpreting a sample.

Specific considerations. Interpretation depends on actual phase rather than calendar assumptions.

Health and training. Cycle disturbance has several possible causes and should not be assumed to be a normal training effect. Energy availability, pregnancy, medication use and endocrine conditions require consideration. Physiological cycle differences alone do not establish one universally optimal training schedule.