What causes anovulation?

Sep 13, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Lu

Introduction

In general, anovulation—medically termed as lack of ovulation—is one of the common causes of female infertility. It may be caused by factors such as aging, excessive stress, weight fluctuations, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hyperprolactinemia, or congenital ovarian hypoplasia. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule and avoiding long-term sleep deprivation can help stabilize endocrine function.

Under normal circumstances, anovulation—medically termed "anovulatory disorder"—is one of the common causes of female infertility. It may be caused by factors such as aging, excessive stress, weight fluctuations, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hyperprolactinemia, or congenital ovarian hypoplasia. If discomfort occurs, seek medical attention immediately. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Aging

With increasing age, women experience a gradual decline in ovarian function and a reduction in the number of follicles, which may lead to anovulation. Assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) can be used. IVF involves fertilizing eggs and sperm outside the body, allowing early embryonic development in a laboratory setting, followed by embryo transfer into the uterus for further development and eventual birth.

2. Excessive Stress and Weight Fluctuations

Long-term psychological stress or rapid changes in body weight can disrupt the normal function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, leading to anovulation. Managing stress through counseling, stress-reduction techniques, healthy eating, and moderate exercise can help regulate weight and reduce stress levels.

3. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS has various contributing factors, including poor lifestyle habits and binge eating. In affected individuals, the ovaries show abnormal responses to external hormones, resulting in arrested follicular development and subsequent anovulation. This condition may be accompanied by symptoms such as infrequent menstruation and obesity. Treatment should follow medical advice and may include medications such as progesterone capsules, dydrogesterone tablets, or ethinylestradiol cyproterone acetate tablets.

4. Hyperprolactinemia

Stressful conditions such as emotional tension, physical exercise, eating, or nipple stimulation can elevate prolactin levels. Hyperprolactinemia suppresses hypothalamic secretion, thereby affecting pituitary hormone release, leading to abnormal follicular development and the aforementioned symptoms. Patients may also experience headaches or visual disturbances. It is recommended to follow medical guidance and use medications such as cimetidine tablets, chlorpromazine hydrochloride tablets, or vitamin C tablets for treatment.

5. Congenital Ovarian Hypoplasia

Congenital ovarian hypoplasia is a chromosomal abnormality disorder characterized by the presence of only one X chromosome in females, leading to impaired ovarian function, disrupted follicular development, and lack of ovulation. Symptoms may include short stature and cardiac defects. Under the guidance of a qualified physician, treatment may involve medications such as nilestriol tablets, conjugated estrogen tablets, or diethylstilbestrol tablets.

Maintaining regular sleep patterns and avoiding chronic late-night hours can help stabilize endocrine function.

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