What is an Anovulatory Cycle?

Anovulatory Cycle
Continuum of menstrual cycle disturbances.Notes: On the far left of the continuum is optimal menstrual health, which is characterized by regular ovulatory menstrual cycles that are 26–35 days in length. The subclinical/subtle menstrual cycle disturbances include luteal phase defects and anovulation, which represent the least severe disturbances. Menstrual cycles with a luteal phase defect are ovulatory but characterized by a short luteal phase and/or insufficient progesterone production during the luteal phase. Menstrual cycles in which ovulation does not occur and progesterone concentrations are notably low are called anovulatory cycles. It must be noted that cycles that have a luteal phase defect or are anovulatory frequently appear to be regular cycles due to intermenstrual intervals of normal length. The clinical/severe menstrual cycle disturbances include oligomenorrhea which is characterized by long, inconsistent intermenstrual intervals and amenorrhea, the most severe menstrual cycle disturbance, which is characterized by the absence of menses for at least 3 months. Current perspectives on the etiology and manifestation of the "silent" component of the Female Athlete Triad. Mallinson RJ, De Souza MJ - International journal of women's health (2014). Not Altered. CC.

Anovulatory cycle is a menstrual cycle in which ovulation, or the release of an egg from the ovaries, does not occur. 

What is the Pathology of Anovulatory Cycle?

The pathology of anovulatory cycle is:

-Etiology: The cause of anovulatory cycle is hormonal imbalances that can be the result of using hormonal birth control, being underweight or overweight, exercising excessively, or experiencing significant stress.

-Genes involved: GNRH1 gene.

-Pathogenesis: The sequence of events that lead to anovulatory cycle are: the imbalance in hormones released from hypothalamo-pituitary axis which controls egg release via the ovarian cycle, or other endocrine abnormalities, to the ovary itself.

-Morphology: The morphology associated with anovulatory cycle shows disordered and unstable uterine lining. 

-Histology: The histology associated with anovulatory cycle shows characteristic endometrial tissue.

How does Anovulatory Cycle Present?

Patients with anovulatory cycle typically females who are close to menopause or 40 to 50 years old. The symptoms, features, and clinical findings associated with anovulatory cycle include no periods, no cervical mucus, excessive bleeding in periods, irregular basal body temperature, infertility, inability to get pregnant.

How is Anovulatory Cycle Diagnosed?

Anovulatory cycle is diagnosed by testing blood progesterone levels, thyroid and prolactin levels, ultrasound, testing for certain antibodies, uterine lining testing.  

How is Anovulatory Cycle Treated?

Anovulatory cycle is treated by lifestyle changes, nutritional improvements, weight loss, clomiphene citrate to trigger release of egg.

What is the Prognosis of Anovulatory Cycle?

The prognosis of anovulatory cycle is good. Because many different factors influence a woman’s hormones and menstrual cycle, there is no one solution for treating anovulation.

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Last updated on May 26, 2022