Ovulatory irregularities (ovulation problems) are a common reason for delayed pregnancy. 40% of women have ovulation problems that hinder egg production or release from the ovary and thus hinder the possibility of a sperm reaching a healthy oocyte (egg) and normal pregnancy occurring.
Ovulation problems
Ovulation problems usually result in anovulation (when no ovulation occurs) or oligo-ovulation (when irregular and infrequent ovulation occurs).
There are several factors affecting women’s ovulation resulting in ovulation problems and lower fertility chances, these women might require treatment.
Treatment for ovulation problems vary according to the possible underlying reasons.
Ovulation problems symptoms
The main ovulation problem symptoms are the delay of pregnancy and the absence or irregularity of the menstrual cycle. Ovulation problems symptoms regarding irregular cycles can usually be treated after some testing but sometimes getting pregnant could require Assisted Reproduction Technologies like IUI, IVF or ICSI.
Underlying reasons for Ovulation problems
Ovulation problems can occur as discussed above due to several underlying reasons the following are the most common:
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): Women with PCOS have an excess of androgens (male hormones), resulting in ovarian cysts and with it irregular menstrual cycles, insulin resistance, weight gain especially in the abdominal area, excess hair on abdomen and neck and acne prone skin.
- Perimenopause or menopause; Perimenopause is the phase where a female’s body slowly makes the transition from her fertile years to menopause when the ovary stops ovulating, typical during this process are hot flushes, vaginal dryness, difficulties focusing, mood swings, weight gain and loss of libido.
- Hypothalamic issues: The hypothalamus is an area of the brain that regulates the pituitary gland which in its turn produces hormones responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle and with it the ovulation. Deficiencies or errors in the hypothalamus and pituitary pathway therefor can cause ovulation problems for instance when prolactin levels are elevated or TSH levels aren’t normal.
- Extreme weight loss or gain: Extreme weight loss as is present when having eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia and can cause ovulation problems, as can obesity.
- Tumors: Tumors when causing overall illness and weight loss can cause ovulation problems
- Adrenal insufficiency: The adrenal glands on top of the kidneys also produce some levels of androgens in both males and females. When too much is produced here due to metabolic issues or a tumor these androgens cause irregularities in the hormone production in the hypothalamic-pituitary pathway and can lead to ovulation problems.
Other causes of ovulatory problems
- Stress
- Certain medications
Ovulation problems treatment
Treatment for ovulation problems depend on the underlying cause of the ovulatory problem. Sometimes it is based just on treating ovulation problem symptoms and sometimes help is needed regulating a cycle or aiding the patient to get pregnant.
- Treatments to regulate menstruation: In cases of PCOS but in the absence of a parent wish contraceptives can be given to regulate the menstruation.
- Ovulation problems treatment: The most common treatment for ovulation problems when having a parent wish are medications that induce ovulation, these should always be taken under the supervision of your doctor. If medication alone does not result in pregnancy naturally, Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) can be used.
- Treatment for ovulation problem symptoms in the perimenopausal and menopausal phase could be hormonal substitute preparations to help with the hot flushes or a creme to help with the vaginal dryness
- In cases where tumors or other malfunctions are suspected a proper diagnostic pathway should be taken and the underlying reason treated.
Treatments of anovulation naturally include:
1- Healthy nutrition:
This helps support regular ovulation, you should pay attention to eating vegetables, fruits, whole grains, moderate amounts of lean meat, as well as seafood, dairy, nuts and healthy fats containing omega-3. All previous foods help supply the body with many important vitamins especially vitamin B12, D and iron which contribute to the activation of ovulation. In return you should stay away from fatty and unhealthy foods such as fast food, fried food and sweets. Reduce caffeinated drinks such as tea and coffee and replace them with mainly water or fruit juices.
2- Daily exercise
Regular exercise helps maintain weight and blood sugar levels, reduces the likelihood of a malfunction in the body's hormones, which are important for fertility and ovulation. Recommended is at least 30-minute walk daily.
3- Stay away from stress
Stress affects the body function in general, and the reproductive system is very sensitive by many health problems and psychological pressure, as excessive stress stimulates the body to secrete cortisol by the adrenal glands which can negatively affect hormonal balance and ovulation.
