PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) affects between five and 13% of women during their reproductive age. It causes hyperandrogenism, which describes abnormal levels of the male hormone androgen. The condition is also responsible for infertility partly due to anovulation. Find out causes and treatment for Garden City PCOS and infertility.
Table of Contents
What is anovulation?
Anovulation is a condition that prevents the release of the egg to the uterus during the menstrual cycle. Between the sixth and 14th day, the FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) causes an egg to develop in the follicles. The follicles are fluid-filled pockets containing an egg.
Ovulation occurs around the 14th day of your menstrual cycle when the body releases an egg for fertilization. Anovulation occurs when the body cannot release an egg halfway through the cycle.
PCOs account for 80% of anovulation cases in women with infertility problems. The most common cause of anovulation is hormonal imbalances.
Anovulation may occur when there is an issue with reproductive hormones such as FSH, GnRH (Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone), and LH (Luteinizing Hormone). Prolactin and the male hormone androgen can also affect the release of reproductive hormones and cause anovulation.
The hormone levels must reach a certain threshold to facilitate ovulation. Birth control methods like oral pills, rings, and IUDs (Intrauterine Devices) may impact your reproductive cycle. Psychological distress can also affect.
Anovulation symptoms
Some of the symptoms of anovulation include:
Amenorrhea: Amenorrhea refers to the absence of periods that is not due to pregnancy. It usually indicates that viable oocytes have not emerged from the ovary. Anovulation is the most common cause of amenorrhea in females of reproductive age.
Absence of cervical mucus: During ovulation, the body produces cervical mucus to facilitate conception. The discharge enables sperm to swim and fertilize the eggs. The amount of mucus usually indicates when fertilization is likely to occur.
Irregular periods: Irregular periods can also suggest anovulation. Oligomenorrhea refers to periods that occur fewer than six to eight times annually. Excessive bleeding during your menstrual cycle and the lack of mucus-like discharge is often an indication of anovulation.
PCOS hyperandrogenism and its effect on fertility
Hyperandrogenism is a common feature of PCOS that affects fertility. It refers to unhealthy amounts of androgens, which are male hormones. Both men and women need androgen, but females have lower levels.
Hyperandrogenism limits the production of the egg in the follicles. The fluid-filled sacs will remain small, and the egg will not mature sufficiently for fertilization. Besides PCOS, obesity, prescription medication, and pituitary gland disorders, may cause hyperandrogenism.
Diagnosis and treatment options
The treatment will depend on the factors causing infertility. Your provider will evaluate your BMI, medical history, and vital signs. Unhealthy weight or obesity could be responsible for both PCOS and anovulation.
Lifestyle changes are essential for the treatment of PCOS or anovulation. Dietary adjustments and exercise can reduce weight and regulate blood sugar and hormone levels.
Medication can stabilize hormone levels and encourage the release of the egg. Clomiphene Citrate is a drug that regulates hormones. Your provider can suggest other effective modalities to address infertility.
Contact Women’s Healthcare of Garden City to schedule an appointment and learn more about PCOs treatment options.
Tiffany is a Medical Student and also works as a fitness coach in part-time. She is also a writer and writes on health and fitness articles. Tiffany loves to engage with users and help them provide various useful information on General Health. She provides researched-based information and also featured on various blogs and magazines.