Irregular Ovulation and Anovulation
Irregular ovulation is the leading cause for female factor infertility. Approximately 40 percent of women with fertility problems experience irregular ovulation or anovulation. For these patients, the release of an egg either does not occur or occurs sporadically. Irregular ovulation can result in a complete lack of menses, delayed onset of menses, or having more than one menstrual cycle during a 28-day period. This condition can be caused by polycystic ovarian syndrome, abnormal thyroid function, increased prolactin levels, high androgen levels, premature ovarian failure, tumors within the reproductive system, endometriosis, uterine polyps, excess dieting or exercising, and other factors. In most cases when the menstrual cycle comes way too early or way too late, these are likely anovulatory cycles.
Who is affected by Irregular Ovulation?
Irregular ovulation affects women of all ages. Most of these women will document irregular or missing cycles from the beginning of menarche. |
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Symptoms of Irregular Ovulation or Anovulation
- Monthly cycles that are shorter than 21 days, or longer than 36 days
- Monthly cycles that are normal in length ( 21 to 36 days) but vary widely from month to month
- Irregular cycles and associated infertility
- Irregular bleeding between cycles
- Painless bleeding without the normal menstrual symptoms
Treatments for Irregular Ovulation
Irregular ovulation can be treated with fertility medications. These medications help regulate the generation of an oocyte, cause its maturation and eventual release from the ovary.
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Diminished Ovarian Reserve / Premature Ovarian Failure
A woman's fertility decreases as she gets older, a result of the natural aging process that can be seen even in women who have maintained perfectly normal menstrual cycles throughout their lives. As we age both the quantity and quality of the eggs will decline. Menopause occurs when a women has no more eggs. When the egg quality and quantity diminish at an earlier than expect age, this decrease in fertility is known as diminished ovarian reserve. Both premature ovarian failure and diminished ovarian reserve can be a result of various causes. With advancing maternal age ovarian reserve diminishes naturally which is why it is harder to conceive at age 42 compared to 32.
Who is affected by Diminished Ovarian Reserve and Premature Ovarian Failure?
Diminished Ovarian Reserve can cause ovulation problems in women in their 30s and 40s and can also occur as early as the 20’s in some patients. Premature ovarian failure occurs when a woman's ovaries cease to work before the age of 40. These woman exhibits symptoms similar to those of menopause, including infertility and the inability to ovulate. Diminished ovarian reserve can be caused by a genetic predisposition to lose eggs more rapidly than the general population. Diseases such as endometriosis and ovarian tumors, both benign and malignant, can destroy ovarian tissue resulting in a lower ovarian reserve.
Symptoms of Diminished Ovarian Reserve and Premature Ovarian Failure
- Monthly cycles that are shorter than 26 days, or longer than 36 days
- Menses stop completely
- Hot flashes
- Monthly cycles that are normal in length ( 21 to 36 days) but vary widely from month to month
- Infertility
Treatments for Diminished Ovarian Reserve and Premature Ovarian Failure
A diagnosis of diminished ovarian reserve or premature ovarian failure does not mean that a woman will be unsuccessful in achieving pregnancy but indicates that it will likely be more difficult to conceive. This diagnosis usually indicates that time is of the essence and requires that treatments for infertility start quickly. Fertility medications can be used to regulate ovulation. Surgical correction of ovarian tumors or endometriosis is sometimes needed, and in extreme cases the use of donor eggs can be used in helping patients achieve pregnancy.
Read more about Ovarian Reserve
Read more about Reproductive Aging in Women
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