Discomfort at end of follicular phase

[m_a_a]

About a week after my period, I start getting the discharge and bloating and soreness in my abdomen. I'm guessing that signals the start of the ovulatory phase? I don't think my pain has to do with ovulation itself because that's only a 24 hour event and my discomfort lasts way longer than that. But I know I'm not in the luteal phase yet because it's so soon after my last period ended. Why do I feel so awful so soon? (I'm 43, btw. Don't know if age has anything to do with it. This has been going on for a while). Thanks!