Definition of Anovulation
Anovulation is a condition in which the ovary does not release a ripened egg each
month as part of a woman's normal cycle in her reproductive years. Naturally, with
no egg available for sperm, a woman cannot become pregnant. Thus, anovulation is
a prime factor in infertility.
Most women will experience anovulatory cycles at some point during their reproductive
lives. They occur most commonly in women close to menarche and menopause due to
changing hormone levels, but anovulatory cycles also happen amongst healthy, regularly
menstruating women, with preceding and succeeding cycles being ovulatory. This is
unlikely to affect the woman’s fertility. Ovarian factor contribute 15-25% and is
the second common cause of infertility. Ovulatory factor is an important subset
in infertility among women, accounting about 40% cases.
Ayurvedic view
Ayurveda describes four essential factors i.e. rutu (fertile period), kshetra (healthy
reproductive organs), ambu (proper nutrient fluid) and bija (ovum / sperm) are responsible
for the formation of garbha in comparison to germination of a seed. Defect in any
one of them can cause vandhyatva (infertility). Among these four factors, bija (seed)
is directly related to ovulation process. Absence of this bija in women is termed
as anovulation. The main reason for anovulatory cycles is vitiation of artava (Afflicting
menstrual / ovulatory phase); and vitiated artava does not possess bija (ovum).
Anovulatory cycles have become a life style disorder.
Causes of Anovulation
Anovulation is the result of hormonal imbalances within the body. Your hormones,
including estrogen and progesterone, help to trigger your body's reproductive cycle,
including ovulation and menstruation. Without the proper levels of these hormones,
your reproductive system can be thrown off course, preventing your ovaries from
releasing an egg every month. There are a variety of different factors that can
contribute to a hormone imbalance including:
- breastfeeding
- weight gain or loss
- too much exercise
- extreme stress
- frequent travel
- eating disorders
Symptoms of Anovulation
The symptoms of anovulation can sometimes be difficult to recognize. After all,
women rarely experience any overt signs of ovulation. However, there are a few symptoms
that may indicate that you are suffering from the condition. These symptoms include:
- irregular basal body temperature (BBT)
- irregular menstruation
- reduced PMS symptoms
- amenorrhea (the absence of a menstrual period)
- excessive menstrual bleeding
- oligomenorrhea (light menstruation)
How is it detected?
No one of the methods used to test for ovulation in everyday practice is foolproof.
The only way of definitely proving that ovulation has taken place is by finding
the egg in the woman’s tummy or if pregnancy results. The usual symptoms of ovulation
(such as one-sided lower tummy pain and increased amounts of clear vaginal discharge)
may become absent in anovulation. Body temperature charting (BBT) may suggest anovulation
if the slight increase in body temperature that normally follows ovulation does
not occur. Blood or urine hormone tests in the second (luteinising hormone) or third
week (progesterone) of the menstrual cycle can indicate ovulation. Ultrasound monitoring
(tracking) of the ovaries can similarly indicate ovulation with demonstration of
rupture of the mature egg. The usual way we test for adequate ovulation is by measuring
the blood levels of FSH and LH during the menstrual period and the levels of Progesterone
about seven days before the next period is due.
Treatment of Anovulation
Quality and professionally prescribed herbal medicine treatments in combination
with a fertility boosting diet and lifestyle are the most reliable ways to ensure
excellent results, fast and naturally. Be sure to find a competent, qualified and
professional herbalist or naturopath to help you with this.>
Sushruta has mentioned the presence of obstruction of channels in infertility hence
ovum may not be discharged monthly. Specifically passage is obstructed by vata which
is clogged by kapha. For this reason Vata-Kaph alleviating treatment should be adopted
along with these rejuvenating, strength promoting and anabolic drugs is given for
the management of infertility caused by anovulation.
According Ayurveda , Basti and Nasya treatments give fruitful result in Anovulation.
Some herbal preparations like kanya lohadi vatti, Chitrakadi vatti, Pandra Prabha
vatti, Puspadhanva Rasa etc. are useful according constitution of the patient. Pathyapathya
has a big impact on Anovulaory cycle. Sometimes changes in lifestyle gives positive
result in Anovulation.
Pathyapathya for Anovulation