What are the treatment options for anovulation?

Anovulation means an ovary does not release an egg during a menstrual cycle. Periods may be irregular or absent, and conception can be difficult. Causes include polycystic ovary syndrome, thyroid or prolactin problems, significant weight change, under-fuelling, intense exercise, and reduced ovarian function.

Assessment can include a menstrual history, pregnancy test, blood tests, and sometimes ultrasound. Treating the underlying issue may restore regular ovulation, while fertility treatment is planned around your goals and your partner's or donor's circumstances.

Where PCOS is involved, nutrition, movement, and gradual weight changes may support cycle health when appropriate. Metformin for PCOS may be offered in selected cases. Ovulation induction uses prescribed medicine with monitoring to encourage egg release; the clinician may also check the womb and fallopian tubes before treatment.

Ovarian drilling is a laparoscopic procedure sometimes considered for PCOS-related anovulation when medicines have not worked or are unsuitable. It is not a first option for every person. Read more about anovulation and the linked treatment options.

Seek assessment for repeated absent periods, very irregular cycles, troublesome milk discharge unrelated to breastfeeding, new severe headaches or vision changes, or symptoms of thyroid disease. If you are trying to conceive, earlier advice is sensible when periods are absent or unpredictable because the cause may need treatment.

Ask what may be stopping ovulation, which tests are needed, whether treatment aims at pregnancy or cycle control, how monitoring will work, and when to change strategy if ovulation does not occur.