If you are having problems with irregular menstrual cycles, you are not alone. It is one of the most common causes of infertility.To help determine what is going on we recommend a hormone workup. Most of the time, it will help identify the problem so that we can treat it.There are several medical conditions that may contribute to ovulation disorders:
- If you have hypothyroidism or an elevation in a hormone called prolactin, you will not release an egg regularly.
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS is associated with irregular periods, hair growth, acne, weight gain and what’s called insulin resistance.
- Imbalance of your male (testosterone) and female (estrogen) hormones.
- If you don’t get periods and are extra stressed, over exercising or have an eating disorder, you could have a condition called hypothalamic amenorrhea which is when your brain stops giving the right signals for your ovaries to work.
- On the other end of the spectrum if you are having hot flashes, night sweats and no periods, you may have a decreased ovarian reserve or even Premature Ovarian Failure. In that instance, the ovaries are getting tired or have stopped functioning all together.
Following up with your Ob/Gyn, primary care or fertility specialist will allow for the appropriate evaluation. And the great news is that thru this workup we can identify the problem and customize a treatment plan that will help you become successful!!!
