Understanding About Ovulation Disorders

An ovulation disorder is a condition that affects a woman's ability to ovulate, which is the process of releasing an egg from the ovary each menstrual cycle. Ovulation disorders are a common cause of infertility and can result from various underlying issues.

Types of Ovulation Disorders

• Ovulation disorder is when the ovaries are not functioning correctly, and you do not have a regular menstrual cycle, which is a result of an unfertilised oocyte. This cycle includes your ovulation and fertility period. Without ovulation, you cannot get pregnant naturally.
• Ovulation problems are usually caused because of a problem with the reproductive hormones. The pituitary gland is not regulating the hormones correctly and causing interference in the regular ovulation cycle.
• There are many different types of ovulation disorders that women suffer from. Some of the kinds of ovulation disorders are:

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS):

This is a problem caused due to a hormonal imbalance in the body. Women who suffer from PCOS have high levels of male testosterone and tend to have excessive facial hair growth as well as excessive hair in various parts of the body.

PCOS is linked to insulin resistance and also being overweight. Some women who suffer from PCOS also suffer from an acute acne problem. PCOS is a common condition among young women nowadays.

Hypothalamic Dysfunction:

The female body produces two hormones, FSH and luteinizing hormone (LH), which are instrumental in stimulating the ovaries to ovulate every cycle.

The release of these hormones is easily affected by:

• Stress
• Sudden weight loss
• Sudden weight gain

Hormonal imbalance can occur in individuals who are:

• Excessively overweight
• Very thin

Premature Ovarian Failure

All women are born with a specific number of eggs, which are slowly released throughout their lives, from puberty to menopause. Premature ovarian failure is a condition where the eggs in the ovary are prematurely lost due to genetics or some medical treatment like chemotherapy.

The ovary stops producing eggs, and the level of oestrogen produced by the body also decreases. Primary ovarian insufficiency is considered a fertility issue when it affects women under the age of 40.

Excess Prolactin

When the body produces higher levels of prolactin, it reduces the level of oestrogen, which could cause infertility. This is usually a problem related to the pituitary gland. Most often, it is caused when a person is taking some strong medication to treat some other medical condition.

• Check with your doctor about the potential impact of prescribed medication on fertility.
• Infertility can result from medical treatments or the harsh effects of prescribed drugs.
• Cancer treatment, particularly chemotherapy, often has numerous side effects, including infertility.
• Younger cancer patients are advised to consider fertility preservation before starting chemotherapy.
• Almost 25% of infertile couples suffer from ovulation disorders.
• Many women are unaware of their infertility or ovulation disorders until they try to start a family.
• Delayed parenthood can lead to unexpected fertility problems and challenges in conceiving.

Advancements in medical sciences, especially in the fertility section, have now made it possible for women with ovulation disorders also to have children with the IVF technique.

Anovulation

Anovulation is the condition where the ovaries fail to release an egg during a menstrual cycle. This can lead to irregular or absent periods and difficulties with conception. Causes include hormonal imbalances, stress, and certain medical conditions. Treatment often involves addressing the underlying cause and may include medications to stimulate ovulation.

Thyroid Disorders

Thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, can significantly impact reproductive health. Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) slows metabolism and can lead to irregular menstrual cycles and ovulation problems. Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) can cause increased metabolism, which may also disrupt menstrual regularity and fertility.

Conclusion

Hormone injections stimulate the ovaries to mature eggs, which are then extracted and fertilised in the laboratory with the male partner's sperm under the expert supervision of an embryologist. The fertilised embryo is then transferred to the female partner's uterus.

Hormones are administered to women with ovulation disorders to regulate the body's requirements and allow the reproductive organs to function normally.

Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or Hypothalamic dysfunction can now have hormone injections to normalize their internal hormone levels.

Frequently Asked Questions