Ovulatory Infertility: What It Is and How to Fix It
Trying to get pregnant but nothing’s happening? Ovulatory infertility means your ovaries aren’t releasing an egg regularly. It’s usually tied to hormones, health issues, or lifestyle habits, and it can often be reversed.
Common Reasons Your Ovulation Might Be Off
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a top cause. Extra androgens and insulin resistance keep the ovary from letting go of an egg. Losing a modest amount of weight can improve the cycle.
Thyroid problems also mess with ovulation. Both under‑active and over‑active thyroids disrupt the hormone signals that trigger egg release. A simple blood test can catch this early.
High stress raises cortisol, which can suppress the hormones that start ovulation. Even occasional burnout can throw your cycle off track.
Age matters too. As you get older, egg quality and frequency of ovulation naturally decline. Knowing this helps you plan smarter.
What Works: Treatments & Lifestyle Hacks
Start with a doctor’s check‑up – hormone panels and an ultrasound will show if ovulation is the issue and why.
If PCOS is the culprit, clomiphene citrate (Clomid) or letrozole are common first‑line drugs that kick‑start egg release. Sometimes a short course of birth‑control pills resets the cycle first.
For thyroid imbalances, a daily dose of levothyroxine or medication to lower thyroid output can bring hormones back in line, often restoring ovulation on its own.
Diet and weight matter. Cutting refined carbs, adding fiber, lean protein, and healthy fats can lower insulin and improve ovulation, especially for PCOS.
Regular moderate exercise – brisk walking, cycling, or yoga – helps lower insulin and stress. Aim for 150 minutes a week, but avoid extreme cardio.
Sleep 7‑8 hours nightly and try simple stress‑relief tools like breathing exercises or short meditation. Lower cortisol, better hormone balance.
Track your cycle with basal body temperature or an ovulation predictor kit. Seeing a pattern helps you time intercourse or treatments more effectively.
If simpler steps don’t work, doctors may suggest gonadotropin injections or IVF. These are more intensive but have high success rates when needed.
Bottom line: ovulatory infertility is often fixable with the right mix of medical help, modest lifestyle changes, and good tracking. Start with a check‑up, pick one small habit to improve, and watch your cycle get back on track.
Body Weight, Ovulation, and Menstrual Cycles: Science, Signs, and Fixes
- By Leona Ashfield
- Health
- 0 Comments
4
Sep 2025
How weight affects ovulation and periods, what patterns to watch, and step‑by‑step fixes for underweight or PCOS. Evidence‑based, practical, South Africa‑aware.