Anovulation: Causes & Classifications of Ovulatory Dysfunction

Anovulation is defined simply as the failure to ovulate and is a common cause of infertility issues. While the definition is simple, causes may be less so. Anovulation is often treatable using a number of therapies, from natural health and fertility acupuncture to prescription fertility drugs, depending on the exact nature of the diagnosis.

Anovulation and ovulatory disorders are commonly caused by imbalances or deficiencies among the reproductive hormones. Hormonal balance is central to ovulation and a healthy, regular cycle. The interaction of reproductive hormones is very complex as a woman passes through the different phases of her menstrual cycle. The early or follicular phase of the ovulatory cycle is dominated by estrogen while the luteal phase (after ovulation) is dominated by progesterone. However, there are many other reproductive hormones that participate in the dynamic of a healthy cycle, including FSH and LH. For more on how the reproductive hormones function, please click here.

In classifying and determining causes for ovulation disorders, the World Health Organization has defined a system that employs three basic parameters to determine fundamental causes of dysfunction. These measurable parameters include: Levels of endogenous prolactin, Levels of gonadotropins (LH and FSH) and Levels of estrogens.

Most women (around 97%) experiencing anovulation fall into the second category below. The remainder fall under category 1. For more information, links are provided to pages dedicated to explaining and defining each issue below.

- To learn more about reproductive hormones click here.
- To return to infertility issues, please click here.
- Ovulatory disorder introduction, click here.