So we have the before ovulation, the pre ovulatory phase and we have the after ovulation phase, the post ovulatory phase. And the reason we have to make this decision distinction is because the different hormones involved in the menstrual cycle have slightly different functions in these two phases as we'll see in just a moment. So let's begin in the before ovulation phase. Before ovulation simply means it's before that secondary follicle actually ruptures and before it releases that secondary oxide into the fallopian tube. Now recall that there are three important organs involved in the menstrual cycle. We have the hypothalamus and the interior pituitary gland found in the brain and we have the ovary found in the pelvic region of that female individual.