Anovulation
Description
Anovulation is a term representing any case that interrupts the ovulation process. When an egg (ovum) does not come out of your ovary during your menstrual cycle, it is known as anovulation. To become pregnant, an egg is required. There are several reasons for anovulation because ovulation is regulated by numerous hormones. Anovulation is considered a common cause of infertility. Anovulation is responsible for 25%-30% of fertility problems in women.
Symptoms
Sometimes, you may have no symptoms of anovulation. If you have a normal menstrual cycle; this does not necessarily mean that you do not have anovulation. Some symptoms of anovulation may include :
- Not having periods
- Having irregular periods
- Excessive or light bleeding with periods
- Not having cervical discharge (the egg-white-like discharges that you should normally experience right before or during ovulation)
- Irregular or low basal body temperature
Visit a Gynaecologist (Gynaecology and Infertility doctor) if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms.
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View MoreCauses
The main cause of anovulation is hormonal imbalance, especially in the hormones which are involved in the ovulation process. The following conditions can cause anovulation :
- High levels of androgens
- Pituitary gland and hypothalamus dysfunction
- High levels of prolactin
- Low levels of thyroid hormones
- Low levels of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Premature ovarian insufficiency
Diagnostics
After listening to your history and symptoms, your gynaecologist will examine you and may order the following tests :
- Pregnancy test
- Tests of certain hormone levels (progesterone and prolactin)
- Thyroid function tests
- Glucose tolerance test
- Vaginal ultrasound to examine your pelvic organs
Treatment
Treatment of anovulation depends mainly on correcting the hormonal imbalance. In some cases, lifestyle modifications may be enough. But other cases may need medical or surgical treatment.
Lifestyle changes :
- Manage your stress
- Decrease your exercise frequency and intensity
- Manage your weight and follow a healthy diet
Medications:
Using ovulation induction medicines, for example :
- Clomiphene citrate
- Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) injection
- Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) injection
- Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists and antagonists’ injection
Surgery :
In some cases, like polycystic ovary syndrome, when patients do not respond to hormonal treatment, gynaecologists may recommend surgical intervention.
