Anovulatory cycle: what is the menstrual cycle without ovulation and what to do if trying to become pregnant
The anovulatory cycle is a menstrual cycle in which ovulation does not occur. As we women well know, the menstrual cycle covers a period of 28 days (if menstruation is regular), in which - about the fourteenth day - occurs ovulation, ie the release of an egg from the ovaries. If the egg, on its way to the fallopian tubes, is fertilized by a sperm, then a pregnancy can begin. It goes without saying that, in cases where the cycle is anovulatory and therefore without ovulation, pregnancy cannot take place.
The anovulatory cycle - which can be said to be such only when it is concluded - can represent a transitory reality (in some women, in fact, it occurs only in certain periods or occasions) or chronic. Generally speaking, we can say that a menstrual cycle without ovulation is physiological during infancy, pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopause. Furthermore, it must be taken into account that it is quite normal for women to have two or three anovulatory cycles in a year.
Let's find out together what can be the causes, symptoms and possible therapy for anovulatory cycles. First, however, here is a video that explains everything there is to know about the ovulation test: who needs it, how and when to do it.
What are the causes of the anovulatory cycle?
The causes of an anovulatory cycle can be different. As anticipated, it can be a rather common condition during adolescence, when menstruation is not always regular. The same goes for menopause: in that case it is the eggs that are in short supply!
Anovulatory cycles can also be caused by some ovarian or reproductive system dysfunctions, first of all the polycystic ovary syndrome, but also early ovarian failure and ovarian tumors. The absence of ovulation can also depend on thyroid problems (both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism), from an excessive production of prolactin, from hypothalamic disorders or even simply infections of the reproductive system.
Furthermore, the possibility that the anovulatory cycle is due to a high stress condition or that it occurs when there are weight problems, whether it is a sudden drop or obesity (conditions that make pregnancy more and more complicated) should not be overlooked.
Finally, some women have a menstrual cycle without ovulation if they are following important drug treatments, which cause delays in the onset of menstruation. Genetic factors are also not excluded.
All symptoms of the menstrual cycle without ovulation
Anovulatory cycles are not characterized by easily recognizable symptoms. The first factor to pay attention to, however, is the regularity of the cycle: anovulatory cycles tend to make the arrival of menstruation irregular, which often occurs after 21 days from the previous one, at other times beyond 36 days later. regular menstruation it is very difficult for you to suffer from anovulatory cycle!
Menstruation may, in certain cases, not arrive at all (we will then speak of "amenorrhea") or be particularly abundant. If ovulation does not occur, some women may not experience the specific symptoms of the premenstrual ovulatory phase we are all familiar with, from breast tension to bloating, mood swings to belly cramps. The cervical mucus that usually appears denser during ovulation does not take on a characterizing appearance in the case of an anovulatory cycle. If the mucus does not become more evident and filamentous, it could be due to the lack of ovulation.
Another symptom is the impossibility of getting pregnant: without ovulation, a pregnancy cannot take place. Infertility could therefore be a consequence of anovulatory cycle: for women seeking pregnancy, it will be good to undergo medical examinations.
How to know if ovulation has occurred during menstruation?
If the menstruation has come very early or late, it does not automatically mean that ovulation has not occurred. Not even the regularity of the cycle, on the other hand, is a guarantee of a cycle with ovulation.
The only way to be sure of ovulation is to proceed with the measurement of the basal temperature. Basal temperature, in fact, tends to increase around the fourteenth day of the cycle. If you measure it and you notice its rise, it means that - in fact - ovulation is taking place.
If the basal temperature, on the other hand, appears to have a discontinuous trend - with rises and falls - it is possible that it is an anovulatory cycle.
Anovulatory cycle: diagnosis and therapy
In order to diagnose an anovulatory cycle it is good to contact your gynecologist, who could proceed either by measuring the basal temperature or with blood tests: if the hormones involved in the cycle (and in particular progesterone) are higher after the days of expected ovulation means that ovulation has actually occurred.
The therapy for anovulatory cycles depends on the cause that caused them. Often a simple lifestyle change is enough: taking care of your diet, exercising, limiting stressful situations. In other cases, however, drug treatment may be necessary (for example if it is polycystic ovary syndrome or thyroid problems).
It goes without saying that it is above all women in search of a pregnancy who have to solve the problem, otherwise completely asymptomatic. Also in these cases it will be good to start a targeted drug therapy to treat infertility problems.
