What You Should Know About Anovulation: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment

Understanding anovulation is crucial for women who are trying to conceive. It is a condition where the ovary doesn’t release an egg and is a common cause of infertility. Some studies have shown that this accounts for almost 30% of female infertility. If you suspect you might have anovulation, there’s no need to panic. In this article, we’ll explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for this condition.

Anovulation occurs when your ovaries do not release an egg during your menstrual cycle, which can make it hard to get pregnant. This is often due to hormonal imbalances, especially those related to ovulation. If you experience chronic anovulation, meaning it happens frequently, it can greatly affect your fertility. It’s important to address this issue early to improve your chances of conceiving.

Women with anovulation often have irregular periods. This means their periods can be late or come at unexpected times. This happens because their bodies aren’t ovulating regularly, which affects their hormone levels and causes these irregularities. This disorder can also lead to light spotting between periods, especially around ovulation time, which might be mistaken for a very light period.

Another symptom is having longer periods than usual. This happens due to hormonal imbalances preventing the normal shedding of the uterine lining. If you’re experiencing these symptoms together, it could be a sign of anovulation, and it’s a good idea to see a doctor at an obstetrics and gynaecology (O&G) clinic for advice.

This condition can be caused by various factors, mainly hormonal imbalances. When there are high levels of androgens, like testosterone, in your body, it can upset the delicate balance needed for ovulation. This disruption can stop the eggs in your ovaries from maturing and being released, which can lead to fertility issues.

Issues with your pituitary gland, a small gland located at the base of your brain, can also be a factor. This gland produces hormones that stimulate the ovaries to produce estrogen and progesterone, which are crucial for ovulation. If the pituitary gland isn’t working right, it can disrupt this process.

Another cause can be high levels of prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production. Normally, prolactin goes up during pregnancy and breastfeeding to stop ovulation. Persistently high levels outside these periods can disrupt your menstrual cycle and ovulation. If you notice this, it’s a good idea to see your doctor for prompt antenatal care.

Low levels of thyroid hormones can also interfere with your menstrual cycle and ovulation. Your thyroid gland helps regulate your metabolism and hormone production, so if you don’t have enough thyroid hormones, it can lead to irregular periods and anovulation.

Additionally, low levels of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH), a hormone made in the hypothalamus, can affect the release of other hormones needed for ovulation. GnRH signals the pituitary gland to produce follicle-stimulating hormones and luteinising hormones, which are necessary for ovulation. If there’s not enough GnRH, it can throw off this process.

Treatment for this condition can involve various methods, depending on the underlying cause and your circumstances. Lifestyle changes can help regulate ovulation and improve your fertility. Managing stress with techniques like yoga or meditation can reduce the impact of stress hormones on your body, which can disrupt ovulation.

Maintaining a healthy weight with balanced nutrition and regular exercise can also support ovulation. However, too much exercise can have the opposite effect, so moderation is key. In addition, your healthcare provider may prescribe hormone-regulating medications to stimulate ovulation. These medications balance your hormones, helping to induce ovulation. They are often the first treatment for women with infertility related to anovulation.

If you’re struggling with infertility due to anovulation or other fertility issues, in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) may be an option to help you get pregnant. IVF involves fertilising an egg with sperm outside the body in a lab and then placing the embryo into the uterus. This method bypasses ovulation issues and can help you conceive. It’s essential to talk to your healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for you and your unique situation.

Anovulation can greatly affect your fertility, but understanding its causes and symptoms can empower you to take proactive steps toward conception. By addressing the issues we’ve discussed, you can improve your chances of ovulating regularly and getting pregnant. If you’re experiencing irregular periods or other signs of anovulation, it’s important to seek advice from a healthcare professional.

At SMG Women’s Health Singapore, our team of fertility doctors is committed to providing comprehensive care for women’s health, including fertility issues. Make an appointment today and take the first step towards understanding and addressing this condition.