Do You Have an Ovulation Disorder?

In about one in four couples struggling to become pregnant, the root cause of infertility relates to an ovulation disorder.

The skilled urology experts at Urology Specialist Group know how overwhelming infertility can be for those wishing to have a family. They offer comprehensive care, including diagnostic evaluations for ovulation disorders and other underlying conditions, and treatments for the root cause of your infertility.

Understanding ovulation disorders

Ovulation is the process that occurs each month during your menstrual cycle when your ovary releases an egg for fertilization. An ovulation disorder describes infrequent ovulation or a failure to ovulate.

A primary cause of an ovulation disorder involves dysfunction in your endocrine system, the system that regulates your reproductive hormones. This dysfunction can lead to conditions like:

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a condition that results due to an imbalance of your reproductive hormones and is the most common cause of female-related infertility. PCOS also causes other symptoms, like the growth of abnormal body hair, acne, and may lead to insulin resistance.

Premature ovarian failure

Premature ovarian failure is a disorder that’s triggered by an autoimmune response or your genetics. This condition causes a premature loss of eggs from your ovary before you reach age 40. Your body also begins producing less estrogen.

Hypothalamic dysfunction

Your pituitary gland produces two hormones, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), that stimulate the ovulation process each month. Excess body weight, stress, or significant weight loss can disrupt your body’s production of FSH and LH hormones as well as your usual ovulation cycle.

Signs you may have an ovulation disorder

The symptoms of an ovulation disorder depend on the underlying cause of your condition. Besides an inability to become pregnant, the most common sign of an ovulation disorder is irregular or missed periods.

Other common signs you may have an ovulation disorder include mood changes, with many women experiencing unexplained anxiety and depression, or sudden weight changes.

If you have hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid), you may be gaining weight for no identifiable reason. If you have hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid), you may begin losing weight.

Your treatment options for an ovulation disorder

To help you overcome infertility due to an ovulation disorder, the team at Urology Specialist Group offers customized treatment plans that focus on your needs.

Once your provider confirms an underlying ovulation disorder, they may recommend one or more treatments like:

Hormone therapy

Hormone therapy to rebalance your natural hormone levels and improve your cycle of ovulation. Therapy involves the use of synthetic hormones to restore your levels and the Urology Specialist Group team continues to monitor your hormones through routine blood tests.

Fertility drugs

If you’re trying to become pregnant, you may be a candidate for fertility drugs to stimulate ovulation. Your provider can determine which type of medications are right for you following a review of your medical history and existing health.

In vitro fertilization (IVF)

IVF is a type of assisted reproductive technology that involves extracting your eggs and combining them with a sperm sample outside of your body. The resulting embryo is then transplanted into your uterus.

If you’re missing periods or haven’t been able to achieve a pregnancy after a year of unprotected sex, schedule a diagnostic evaluation for an ovulation disorder. You can call the Urology Specialist Group office nearest you or request an appointment through the online booking feature today.