The Anovulatory Cycle:

The female menstrual cycle can be unpredictable at times. All sorts of random things can happen during a woman’s cycle that just don’t make any sense. For instance, one cycle your ovaries may release 2 eggs and during another cycle no egg will be released at all. In the later situation, when no egg is released, this is known as an anovulatory cycle. There is not one reason for why ovulation doesn’t happen, there could be many different causes for this situation. Anovulation is most likely to occur while in pre-menopause and during adolescence. Unfortunately, if this issue is a common occurrence it can lead to infertility.

What Causes the Anovulatory Cycle?

Generally, the most common cause of this problem is a result of a hormonal imbalance. For instance, excessive exercise has been shown to suppress the gonadotropin hormones that are needed for the ovulation process. Or, polycystic ovarian syndrome, eating disorders, luteal phase defects, and pituitary gland tumors, have been shown to play a role in causing anovulatory cycles.

Additionally, the prolonged use of certain medications, such as oral and ijectable contraceptives may cause an anovulatory cycle to occur.

Your doctor is a great resource for understanding the risks factors that contribute to anovulation, as well as, helping you determine your specific cause. There are also special tests that can be done to pinpoint the issue. Generally speaking, it is a good idea to avoid subjecting your body to fad diets or engaging in excessive exercise. You should try eating a healthy diet and make sure to manager your stress levels properly.

Anovulation is not easy to diagnose in every women who is suffering from the condition, especially if they are still having their period regularly. Usually, when a woman fails to ovulate, she won’t have her period either, so if you aren’t having regular periods than you are probably experiencing an anovulatory cycle. Also, if you are experiencing light bleeding when you are menstruating and you have been trying to conceive unsuccessfully, you may want to talk with your doctor about the possibility of anovulation.