Understanding Ovulation Disorders: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

The number of couples struggling with infertility is increasing every year. Among the various causes of infertility, ovulation disorder is a primary cause of female infertility. Ovulation disorder can be suspected if the menstrual cycle is irregular or amenorrhea persists.

In women, menstruation typically occurs once a month, and ovulation follows the menstrual cycle. Ovulation is the growth of ovarian follicles in the female menstrual cycle and the discharge of mature eggs into the abdominal cavity. However, when eggs are not discharged properly according to the menstrual cycle, it is called ovulation disorder.

A normal menstrual cycle is generally 28 days, with 24 to 38 days considered normal. If the menstrual cycle is too short (less than 24 days) or exceeds 38 days, or if there is an irregular menstrual cycle or amenorrhea (no menstruation for 2 to 6 months or more), it is diagnosed as an ovulation disorder. Even with regular menstruation, ovulation may not occur properly.

A representative disease causing ovulation disorders is polycystic ovary syndrome, a chronic anovulation due to hormonal imbalance, accompanied by oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea symptoms. Additionally, ovulation disorders can occur due to abnormalities in the secretion of hypothalamic-pituitary hormones controlling female hormone secretion, preventing follicles from growing properly. Excessive dieting, extreme stress, excessive exercise, and chronic diseases can also cause ovulation disorders.

Women of childbearing age planning to get pregnant should visit an infertility clinic as soon as possible to actively treat ovulation disorders. For a more accurate examination, identifying the cause of ovulation disorders through detailed questioning, such as medication history, past medical history, and menstrual cycle evaluation, is crucial before ovulation induction. Luteinizing hormone measurement and ultrasound examination are also essential.

If the cause of ovulation disorder is polycystic ovarian syndrome, improving lifestyle habits can overcome ovulation disorder. Patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher can achieve natural ovulation by reducing only 5-7% of their previous body weight, improving insulin responsiveness and cardiovascular metabolic function. The response to ovulation induction agents can also improve.

Director Yoon Ga-young of Busan Riora Women’s Hospital advises, “If ovulation disorder is not recognized and left untreated, it can lead to long-term health problems as well as infertility.” She recommends, “If you are planning to get pregnant, you can get good results if you receive sufficient consultation from experienced medical staff, receive comprehensive treatment to improve ovulation function, and make a systematic pregnancy plan.”