Ovulation Disorders Specialist

Ovulation disorders account for approximately 25% of couples who experience fertility problems. Laura April Gago, MD, and her team at Gago Center for Fertility, with locations in Lansing, Brighton, and Ann Arbor, Michigan, provide comprehensive fertility testing for women and men. When an ovulation disorder is diagnosed, Dr. Gago and her team offer customized treatment plans to improve your ovulation and increase your chances of getting pregnant. If you’re concerned about your fertility, call Gago Center for Fertility or make an appointment online today.

What are ovulation disorders?

Ovulation disorders are health conditions that interfere with your body’s ability to produce and release eggs on a regular schedule. Some of the most common ovulation disorders include:

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Around 10% of women have PCOS, a condition where cysts develop on your ovaries and inhibit your ability to produce and release mature eggs. In most cases, hormonal imbalance causes PCOS, and as a result, your eggs either don’t develop as they should, or the egg may not be released correctly.

Hypothalamic dysfunction

An important function of the hypothalamus is to control the pituitary gland. Your pituitary gland produces follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone, the two chemical messengers that stimulate ovulation. If you’re under extreme physical or emotional stress, have abnormally high or low body weight, or have recently gained or lost a significant amount of weight, it can impact your pituitary function and disrupt ovulation.

Premature ovarian failure

Premature ovarian failure is often caused by an autoimmune response or early depletion of your egg cells, for example following cancer treatment or a genetic disorder. As a result, your ovaries stop producing and releasing mature eggs and you enter early menopause.

Excessive prolactin

Prolactin is another hormone produced by your pituitary gland that affects your fertility. If you have too much prolactin, it reduces estrogen production. You need estrogen for regular ovulation, and your fertility may decline as a result.

What are signs of an ovulation disorder?

Irregular periods or absent periods indicate an ovulation problem. You may also notice other signs due to the hormone imbalances that cause most ovulation disorders. For example, you may struggle with weight gain, adult acne, or excessive body hair.

Another sign of an ovarian disorder is failing to conceive naturally. Women under the age of 35 should seek help after a year of trying to get pregnant, and women aged 35 or older should talk to a fertility specialist after six months of trying. If you’re concerned about your fertility and want to have your ovarian health checked, call Gago Center for Fertility today.

How are ovulation disorders treated?

At Gago Center for Fertility, Dr. Gago and her team provide thorough fertility testing including measuring your ovarian function. If your ovaries are not producing and releasing mature eggs on a regular cycle, Dr. Gago can prescribe medicine to increase your ovarian capacity. She offers both oral and injectable medications to ensure each patient receives the treatment they need.

Call Gago Center for Fertility today or make an appointment online for expert fertility testing and personalized treatments.