Infertility: Problems With Ovulation
It can be difficult and complicated to find out the cause of
ovulation problems. Possible causes may
include:
-
Hormonal imbalances. Most women with ovulation
problems have hormonal imbalances. An example of a condition that causes a hormone imbalance is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
1
Other ovulation problems can originate in the
ovaries, or in the
pituitary gland and
hypothalamus, which produce hormones that regulate the
menstrual cycle. These hormones are vital to normal
ovulation.
-
Structural problems. Abnormalities in the structure
of the ovaries (such as
ovarian cysts) or structural problems in other
reproductive organs can cause changes in a woman's ovulation schedule.
-
General medical problems. Medical problems that
affect the
metabolism (such as
thyroid problems), serious illness, emotional stress,
overweight and low weight, or excessive exercise can affect a woman's ovulation
schedule.
-
Cancer treatment. Exposure to certain kinds of
chemotherapy or radiation can damage the egg supply in the ovaries.
Citations
-
Fritz MA, Speroff L (2011). Induction of ovulation. In
Clinical Gynecologic Endocrinology and Infertility, 8th
ed., pp. 1293–1330. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
|
By
| Healthwise Staff |
|
Primary Medical Reviewer
| Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine |
|
Specialist Medical Reviewer
| Femi Olatunbosun, MB, FRCSC - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
|
Last Revised
| December 7, 2011 |
Last Revised:
December 7, 2011
Fritz MA, Speroff L (2011). Induction of ovulation. In
Clinical Gynecologic Endocrinology and Infertility, 8th
ed., pp. 1293–1330. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
