toggle mobile menu Menu
toggle search menu

Site Navigation

Supplemental

Menu

Infertility: Problems With Ovulation

Infertility: Problems With Ovulation

Overview

It can be hard to find out the cause of ovulation problems. Possible causes may include:

  • Hormone imbalances. Most women with ovulation problems have hormone imbalances. An example of a condition that causes a hormone imbalance is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Other ovulation problems can start in the ovaries or in the pituitary gland and hypothalamus. (They produce hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle.) These hormones are vital to normal ovulation.
  • Structural problems. Problems in the structure of the ovaries (such as ovarian cysts) or other reproductive organs can cause changes in a woman's ovulation schedule.
  • General medical problems. Problems that affect the metabolism (such as thyroid problems) can affect a woman's ovulation schedule. So can serious illness, emotional stress, overweight and low weight, and getting too much exercise.
  • Cancer treatment. Exposure to certain kinds of chemotherapy or radiation can damage the egg supply in the ovaries.

Related Information

Credits

Current as of: April 18, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Healthwise is a URAC accredited health web site content provider. Privacy Policy. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

© 1995- Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.