Disorders of Ovulation

The document from May 1, 2006, discusses disorders of ovulation, which are key to understanding menstrual irregularities and infertility. Anovulation, the failure to ovulate, is a significant cause of infertility, particularly in women under 20 and over 40, and is responsible for one-quarter of infertility cases in couples. The paper notes the decline in oocyte numbers with age, leading to reduced fertility and increased genetic abnormalities in offspring. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is identified as the most common cause of anovulatory infertility, affecting 80% of women with menstrual disturbances and associated with symptoms like obesity and hirsutism. Other conditions such as premature ovarian failure, affecting 1% of women before age 40, and hypothalamic disorders are also discussed. Additionally, the document mentions weight-related amenorrhea and endocrine disorders, including thyroid disease and hyperprolactinemia, as factors that can affect ovulation. The complexity of ovulatory disorders and their impact on reproductive health is emphasized.