Anovulation

Anovulation is a very common condition worldwide, and it occurs due to hormonal imbalance in most of the cases.

Anovulation

Anovulation means that the egg doesn’t leave the ovary as it’s supposed to during the menstrual cycle.

The ovulation process occurs on day 14 of the 28-day menstrual cycle, but this isn’t accurate because it varies among girls. This process depends on the balance of the hormones; therefore, anything that messes with their work can affect ovulation.

Causes of anovulation

• High androgen levels: these hormones are known to be male-specific hormones, but they are produced in females in small amounts as well. Conditions that cause increased amounts of androgens are PCOS, obesity, problems with the adrenal glands, disorders in the pituitary gland (like Cushing’s syndrome and acromegaly), and certain medications like anabolic steroids.
• Pituitary gland dysfunction: the pituitary gland produces essential hormones for the ovulation process. Conditions that cause pituitary gland problems are damage or a tumor in the pituitary gland, being underweight, long-term intense exercise, and Sheehan’s syndrome.
• High levels of prolactin.
• Decreased thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism), like in Hashimoto’s disease, thyroid surgery, radiation therapy, and certain medications (like lithium).
• Decreased levels of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which triggers the release of the essential hormones in ovulation.

Symptoms of anovulation

• Getting the period results when the egg doesn’t get fertilized with sperm; therefore, when there is no egg, there is no period, but sometimes, bleeding can occur during anovulation.
• Irregular periods.
• Heavy or light periods.
• Not having the regular discharges before and during ovulation (egg white cervical mucus).
• Abnormal basal body temperature.
• Anovulation can lead to infertility, amenorrhea, hormonal imbalance, endometrial hyperplasia, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease.

Diagnosis of anovulation

• Blood tests.
• An ultrasound.

Treatment of anovulation

• Correcting the hormonal imbalance.
• Managing stress.
• Maintaining a healthy weight.
• Decreasing the exercise intensity.
• Following a healthy lifestyle.