Ovulatory disorder

Ovulatory disorders are medical conditions that affect the ovulation process, leading to irregular or absent ovulation, which can be a primary cause of infertility in women. Ovulation is a critical part of the menstrual cycle, where a mature egg is released from the ovary and is available for fertilization by a sperm. Any disruption in this process can impact a woman's ability to conceive.

Causes

Ovulatory disorders can be caused by several factors, including hormonal imbalances, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, excessive exercise, eating disorders, and stress. Other contributing factors may include obesity, premature ovarian failure, and hyperprolactinemia.

Types

There are several types of ovulatory disorders, including:

• Anovulation: Complete absence of ovulation.
• Oligoovulation: Infrequent or irregular ovulation.
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A condition characterized by the presence of multiple small cysts on the ovaries, often leading to hormonal imbalance and irregular ovulation.
• Luteal Phase Defect (LPD): A condition where the luteal phase (the second half of the menstrual cycle) is shorter than normal, affecting the uterus's ability to support a pregnancy.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing ovulatory disorders typically involves a combination of medical history review, physical examination, and laboratory tests. Tests may include:

• Blood tests: To check hormone levels, including estrogen, progesterone, Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).
• Ultrasound: To examine the ovaries and detect the presence of cysts or other abnormalities.
• Basal body temperature (BBT) charting: To track changes in body temperature that occur with ovulation.

Treatment

Treatment for ovulatory disorders depends on the underlying cause and may include:

• Lifestyle changes: Such as weight loss, stress reduction, and dietary adjustments.
• Medications: Such as clomiphene citrate or letrozole to stimulate ovulation, or metformin for women with PCOS.
• Hormone therapy: Including thyroid hormone replacement or progesterone supplements.
• Assisted reproductive technologies (ART): Such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) for cases where medication does not restore ovulation.

Prognosis

The prognosis for women with ovulatory disorders varies depending on the cause and response to treatment. Many women are able to conceive with appropriate treatment and lifestyle modifications.

See Also

• Infertility
• Menstrual cycle
• Reproductive endocrinology