What are the main causes of anovulatory menstruation? Explains self-check methods and treatment methods

The menstrual pain and dullness that used to be gone, the menstrual cycle has become extremely short or long, you want to get pregnant but you can't get pregnant, you can't see a change between the low temperature period and the high temperature period on the basal body temperature chart. If you have these symptoms, you may have anovulatory menstruation. If you are unsure whether you have anovulatory menstruation or not, first check the self-checklist. In this article, we will introduce how to self-check, the causes and treatments of anovulatory menstruation, and when to go to the hospital.

Find out in this article

• What is Anovulatory Menstruation?
• Is there a way to check if I have anovulatory menstruation?
• What causes anovulatory menstruation?
• What is the treatment for anovulatory menstruation?

What is Anovulatory Menstruation

Anovulatory menstruation is defined as the absence of ovulation despite the presence of menstrual-like bleeding. Normal menstruation goes through the follicular phase in which the egg grows in the ovary, the ovulatory phase in which the egg is ovulated, and the luteal phase in which the lining of the uterus matures after ovulation. It peels off, bleeds, and menstruation occurs. If ovulation does not occur, the egg will not be released and the follicle will not change into the corpus luteum, so normal menstruation will not occur. However, when the thickened uterine lining due to estrogen secretion becomes unbearable and bleeds, it is misunderstood as menstruation. This is called “anovulatory menstruation”. When the basal body temperature is attached, it is characteristic that it tends to be in a shape where the low temperature period continues all the time.

Self-check for anovulatory menstruation

If you are unsure whether you have anovulatory menstruation or not, try the following self-check first. If 2 or 3 apply, there is a possibility of anovulatory menstruation.

• Not getting pregnant for over a year without contraception
• No change in basal body temperature between low and high temperatures
• Extremely short or long menstrual cycle
• Extremely short or long menstrual periods

Anovulatory menstruation is characterized by the absence of changes in vaginal discharge associated with the menstrual cycle. In the case of anovulatory menstruation, the body is always in a state between the follicular period and the ovulatory period, so even before menstruation, the amount of vaginal discharge is always large, stretches when pinched, and is smooth and watery. follows. However, there are individual differences in the state of discharge, and for those who do not have a lot of discharge to begin with, it is difficult to understand changes according to the menstrual cycle. Let's think about

Causes of Anovulatory Menstruation

Anovulatory menstruation is mainly caused by excessive stress, diet, irregular lifestyle, smoking, and strenuous sports. In addition, anovulation may be caused by an ovarian disease called polycystic ovary syndrome or by taking drugs such as antidepressants.

excessive stress

The secretion of female hormones is controlled by commands from the brain and nerves, and it is said that ovulation is affected by changes in the amount of hormone secretion and the menstrual cycle due to changes in hormone balance caused by stress.

diet

It is said that abnormal ovulation occurs for the same reason as stress. In addition, it is said that if body fat decreases due to excessive dieting, leptin secreted by fat cells will decrease, and ovulation will be affected by abnormalities in the secretion of two female hormones from the brain.

irregular life

Like stress, sleep deprivation and overwork due to an irregular life cause disturbances in hormone secretion, and as a result, the amount of female hormones secreted decreases, which is thought to affect ovulation. It is important to be conscious of a regular lifestyle.

smoking

Smoking has also been shown to affect ovulation. Many substances contained in cigarettes, such as nicotine, carbon monoxide, and tar, adversely affect the function of the ovaries, and are said to reduce the secretion of female hormones, especially estrogen.

strenuous sports

Excessive physical stress, like mental stress, is thought to affect the secretion of female hormones via the hypothalamus and affect ovulation. In addition to mental stress, it is important to refrain from excessive sports and be careful of overwork.

 disease of the ovaries

Anovulatory menstruation can also be caused by a disease of the ovaries called polycystic ovary syndrome. Polycystic ovary syndrome is a disorder in which follicles stop growing prematurely and many small cysts remain in the ovaries. Ovulation does not occur because follicles do not grow. One of the causes is thought to be the excess secretion of male hormones. It is said to be seen in 5-8% of women in their 20s-40s.

Taking drugs such as antidepressants

Some drugs, such as anti-anxiety drugs and anti-depressants, promote the secretion of lactation hormone (prolactin) as a side effect. In addition to lactation, prolactin also has an ovulation-suppressing effect, so these drugs may suppress ovulation.

Treatment for Anovulatory Menstruation

In many cases, lifestyle habits are a major factor in anovulatory menstruation, so it is important to improve lifestyle habits. Don't stress too much, eat a well-balanced diet, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly. If you don't want to get pregnant right away, you may be treated with hormones such as pills or herbal medicine. If you want to get pregnant right away, you will be treated with ovulation induction drugs to stimulate ovulation .

What happens if you leave it alone?

In anovulatory menstruation, there is menstrual bleeding, so it is often overlooked unless you are particularly concerned about it. Also, not ovulating may not seem like a big deal to you, especially if you don't want to get pregnant. However, it has been suggested that if the state of anovulation is left untreated, the function of the ovaries will gradually decline, leading to infertility. In addition, the decline in ovarian function due to anovulatory menstruation may increase the risk of premature menopause, osteoporosis, and endometrial cancer, so it is recommended that you consult a gynecologist as soon as possible without neglecting it. .

Also read the following articles
Things to check before going to the hospital for anovulatory menstruation

summary

Anovulatory menstruation tends to go unnoticed and overlooked, especially if one does not wish to become pregnant. It can also increase the risk of osteoporosis and endometrial cancer. In some cases, anovulatory menstruation can be improved by reviewing the living environment. See a doctor.