An anovulatory cycle ( anovulation ) is a menstrual cycle characterized by the absence of ovulation, that is, the inability of the ovary to release eggs. Such a violation can be suspected in the case of irregular periods, both in terms of the number of discharges and their duration. Anovulation is one of the causes of female infertility.
An anovulatory cycle can be either transient or chronic. It should not be forgotten that the menstrual cycle is defined as anovulatory only when it has ended. Two to three anovulatory cycles per year is considered normal. Anovulation is a completely physiological phenomenon in childhood, during pregnancy, lactation and during menopause.
If ovulation is irregular but not completely absent, it is called oligovulation . This situation is characterized by the lengthening of the rhythm of the menstrual cycle.
What are the reasons?
factors that may predispose to an anovulatory cycle. Anovulation is a frequent condition after the onset of the first menstrual cycles and with the approach of menopause, when there are few oocytes left. Anovulatory cycles may result from polycystic ovary syndrome, perimenopause , ovarian tumors.
The phases of the menstrual cycle are associated with periodic and regular secretion of hormones from the ovaries, hypothalamus and pituitary gland. Therefore, anovulation may accompany: thyroid disease (hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism); hyperprolatinemia ; pituitary and hypothalamic disorders; excessive physical activity and strict diets; Cushing's syndrome ; tumor processes; severe stress; sudden weight loss and obesity.
Lack of ovulation may also depend on postoperative consequences and genetic factors.
What are the signs?
Anovulatory cycles are usually irregular in duration: in some cases they are close (the time interval between one menstruation and the next is shorter than 21 days), in others they are more distant than usual (over 36 days).
Noticeable fluctuations in the frequency of the menstrual cycle from month to month can also indicate ovulatory dysfunction.
Lack of ovulation may be due to the cessation of menstruation (secondary amenorrhea) or excessive blood loss ( dysfunctional uterine bleeding). The anovulatory cycle itself has no other specific physical manifestations. However, some symptoms of the ovulatory phase may be absent in women who are not ovulating, such as breast tenderness, bloating, and mood swings.
Consequences of anovulation
The main consequence of this dysfunction is female infertility. It should be remembered that even when ovulation occurs normally and a woman wants to become pregnant, the chances of conceiving are about 25% every month. If the cycle is irregular or anovulatory , the chance of conception is less than or equal to zero, since there are no eggs available for conception.
In general, difficulty conceiving is the main symptom that begins to alarm a woman and serves as the basis for a visit to a gynecologist.
Diagnosis and treatment
For rate the reasons that caused anovulation , it is necessary to accurately mark the beginning of each cycle in the menstrual calendar. To find out if ovulation has occurred, you can use the measurement of basal temperature, which tends to increase around the 14th day of the monthly cycle.
The diagnosis of anovulation is confirmed by measuring the levels of hormones involved in the menstrual cycle. Ultrasound of the pelvic organs will check the condition of the uterus and ovaries, the possible presence of cysts in the ovaries and the corpus luteum.
Treatment for anovulation depends on the underlying cause. If you are faced with a similar problem, you can contact the specialists of the Bogolyuby Medical Center for a consultation . In some situations, lifestyle changes, adequate diet, moderate exercise, and stress management help. In more complex cases, hormone replacement therapy or surgery may be prescribed.
