A woman’s menstrual cycle is between 28-32 days; sometimes the duration is shorter or longer. Ovulation is actually calculated from the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP) or by calculating 12-16 days from the next period. Most women ovulate between day 11 and day 21 of their menstrual cycle. It is very important to keep track of your ovulation cycle. If you conceive, the doctor will definitely ask you about the duration of your last menstrual cycle because the expected due date is calculated on the basis of the last menstrual period (LMP).
Sometimes, the ovulation doesn’t happen in the right time. This is the main cause behind infertility. There are many factors that disrupt the normal ovulation cycle. These are:
a. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS):
This is a common cause of female infertility. The reproductive hormones estrogen and progesterone are out of balance, this triggers ovarian cyst.There are changes in the pituitary glands, hypothalamus and the ovaries that cause the delay in ovulation.Other than delaying ovulation it also causes abnormal growth of hair in the face and neck, insulin resistance and acne.
b. Hypothalamic Dysfunction:
The pituitary gland secretes two hormones – the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH) that is responsible for ovulation every month. Physical and emotional stress, obesity or low body weight can disrupt the hormone flow and pattern. This affects both ovulation and menstrual cycle. This is the main cause behind irregular menstrual cycles.
c. Premature Ovarian Insufficiency:
This disorder happens due to an autoimmune response, when the body attacks the ovarian tissues by mistake. This naturally leads to loss of eggs. Genetic and environmental factors can also cause ovarian insufficiency. Also with age the amount of estrogen decreases and thus fewer eggs are formed in the ovary.
d. Over Secretion of Prolactin:
The pituitary gland can cause excess production of prolactin. This condition is called hyperprolactinemia. The over secretion of prolactin disrupts estrogen production and this eventually cause infertility.This problem occurs when the pituitary gland doesn’t function properly.Sometimes, medicines also cause excess of prolactin and cause infertility
