Which phase of the menstrual cycle is responsible for the most variation in cycle length?
Answer
Follicular phase
The follicular phase, which begins on the first day of the period, is highly variable because it depends on the speed at which follicles mature in the ovaries. Since this phase determines when ovulation occurs, its duration directly impacts the total length of the cycle. In contrast, the luteal phase is remarkably consistent, usually lasting about 14 days, which makes the follicular phase the primary driver of whether an individual has a shorter or longer cycle.
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