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Ovulation

Every month a normally ovulating female releases a mature egg according to precise timing governed by hormones.

The hypothalamus is a small gland located at the base of the brain, which can be thought of as a "thermostat". Estrogen levels are monitored by the hypothalamus and as they increase, the hypothalamus signals the pituitary to reduce production of FSH. Once the hormone levels indicate that the follicles are mature, the hypothalamus signals the pituitary to release a surge of luteinizing hormone (LH). The spike in LH levels triggers ovulation approximately 36 hours after the surge. The ovaries begin to produce progesterone, which also supports the development of the endometrium. Rising levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), produced by the placenta, are an indication of pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur, the lining of the endometrium breaks down and is released during menstruation.

Lack of ovulation is termed "anovulation" and irregular ovulation is termed "oligoovulation".

 

 

Ovulation Signs

Some women ovulate on the same day of their menstrual cycle every month. Other women may ovulate on different days each month. It helps to pay attention to the signs that will indicate you are ovulating. The average menstrual cycle is usually between 28 and 32 days; therefore women with a 28-day menstrual cycle usually ovulate between days 13 to 15 — about two weeks after the start of the menstrual period. Common ovulation signs in most women... Read more

Ovulatory Disorders

Ovulation disorders are a common cause of infertility and are present in up to 30 percent of cases. Your fertility specialist at HRC will order numerous tests to assess ovulation. These may include FSH, LH, estrogen, progesterone, androgens, thyroid and adrenal tests. Other infertility tests might include an ultrasound exam to visualize the ovaries and a clomiphene citrate (Clomid) challenge test. Read more

Causes of Ovulatory Disorders

Ovarian Failure Women are born with all the eggs they will have for a lifetime and one is usually ovulated during each monthly menstrual cycle. As women age, infertility increases as ovarian function begins to decline until menopause, where no more eggs are released and FSH levels are very high. Ovarian failure means that the ovaries cannot produce eggs that will normally fertilize and develop. Day 3 FSH levels are elevated in these patients... Read more

Treating Ovulatory Disorders

Irregular ovulation can usually be treated effectively with medications such as Clomid, Metformin, Bromocriptine, or FSH unless it is due to reduced ovarian reserve or ovarian failure. The best option for patients with ovarian failure is IVF using donor eggs. Read more

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