To know what an anovulatory cycle is, you need to understand what ovulation is. Ovulation refers to the release of a single, mature egg is released from the ovarian follicle. During the course of a monthly cycle, the largest of the of the eggs is released into the fallopian tube. Once released, the egg can then be fertilized over the next day or so before it begins to disintegrate. If the egg should be fertilized and successfully implants, a woman becomes pregnant. If the egg is not fertilized, it is passed from the woman’s body during menstrual bleeding. This occurs about two weeks after ovulation.

Sometimes, it may happen that a woman may have a monthly cycle in which no egg is released at all. This is what is known as an anovulatory cycle, or anovulation. Anovulation is often not permanent. Anovulation may be avoided in some cases, and corrected in others. Whether or not anovulation is going to be able to be corrected depends, at least in part, on the cause of the anovulatory cycle. An anovulatory cycle can be caused intentionally, for example, by taking birth control pills. Breastfeeding can also cause you to have anovulatory cycles until you are no longer breastfeeding. Excessive weight gain or loss can cause anovulation, as can strenuous exercise. Anovulation can be cause by a simple illness or infection, or it can be caused by pituitary or thyroid problems. More serious causes of anovulation can include a luteal phase defect, failure of the ovaries, resistant ovary syndrome, and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

It is not uncommon at all to have a single anovulatory cycle. If you should several anovulatory cycles in a row, there are things that your health care provider can do to help overcome anovulation. Obviously, the most important thing to do is to discover the root cause. Once you know what is causing your ovulation, you and your health care provider can address the specific issue. He or she may also prescribe fertility drugs, such as Clomid or Pergonal can greatly increase your chances of ovulating. There are a variety of herbal treatments for anovulation as well. Vitex, also called Chasteberry, Evening Primrose Oil, and vitamin B6 may all help the woman who is is having anovulatory cycles.

Related Posts: