Ovulatory (problems releasing an egg)
Facts about Ovulatory.
What is it?
Ovulatory problems are those which stop eggs being released from the ovary in a regular fashion. Ovulation (egg release) will be prevented by hormone medications, pregnancy and breastfeeding. Otherwise, an egg is usually released once a month. If ovulation becomes irregular, it can result in irregular and heavy periods.
What causes it?
Conditions that can cause irregular ovulation include obesity and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Ovulatory disfunction can also occur in young adults when they first start to menstruate, this is due to an immature reproductive system and usually improves with time. At the other end of the reproductive lifespan, those approaching the menopause can experience irregular ovulation due to the smaller number of eggs left in the ovary.
What are the symptoms?
- Heavy and/or irregular menstruation
- Difficulty getting pregnant
- Those with PCOS may also experience increased hair growth, acne and sleep problems.
How is it diagnosed?
These conditions are often diagnosed using symptoms, ultrasound scan and blood tests. If a women is not wishing to get pregnant, ovulatory dysfunction can often be diagnosed by simply discussing the timing and regularity of menstruation.
How is it treated?
Lifestyle changes such as including weight loss management and exercise, can improve the regularity of ovulation.
Hormone medications can treat heavy menstrual bleeding and keep the lining of the womb healthy (the contraceptive pill, the intrauterine system, the contraceptive injection).
Further information
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/symptoms/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/obesity/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heavy-periods/treatment/
https://www.menstrual-matters.com/