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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Is it possible to not have an ovulation cycle?

    I had a regular menstrual cycle until the age of 16 when it became irregular. I am now 30 and my periods are very irregular with over 6 months between periods. I have been referred to a gynaecologist who did a heap of blood tests and told me everything was normal. I just must not have an ovulation cycle, what does this mean exactly and how does it impact if I decide I want children?
  • Find a professional to answer your question

  • 1

    Thanks

    Dr Kevin Lee

    Endocrinologist, Nuclear Medicine Physician

    Consultant Physician in Endocrinology, Diabetes & Nuclear Medicine. I am on Twitter @dr_kevinlee. I am on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/kevinleefracp/ I help patients with obesity, diabetes, thyroid, … View Profile

    The most appropriate way of assessing if there has been ovulation is assessing progesterone on day 21 (of 28 days cycle) or day 23 (of 30 day cycles) - basically 7 days before the first day of menstruation.

    See your GP to determine if it is appropriate to test for Day 21 progesterone to see if the cycle is ovulatory or anovulatory.

    Causes of irregular periods, anovulatory cycles also need to be explored with the GP.

    Regards,
    Dr Kevin Lee
    BSc(Med), MBBS, MHS(Clin Epi), FRACP
    Consultant Physician Endocrinologist

  • Dr Shian Miller is a Brisbane Obstetrician Gynaecologist who has rooms on Wickham Tce in Brisbane city and admitting rights at Greenslopes Private Hospital. She … View Profile

    Hi,

    This is a difficult question to answer without more information and the test results.

    It is definitely possible to not have an ovulation cycle. There are, in fact, many conditions that cause lack of an ovulation cycle (anovulation). These include excessive exercise, anorexia, excessive stress, polycystic ovarian syndrome, hypothyroidism, premature menopause, etc.

    Given you appear to have seen a gynaecologist but come out just as unclear about what is going on, I would recommend you see your GP or another gynaecologist to establish the diagnosis. I also think it is important you have a diagnosis as many of the conditions I just mentioned require some kind of treatment for your overall health.

    In terms of conceiving, if you really are not ovulating, this could be an issue but usually can be solved. There are certain medications that can make a women ovulate - although you would need review by a gynaecologist or fertility specialist to see if this is right for your situation.

    All the best.

  • 1

    Thanks

    Keli Fishburn

    HealthShare Member

    I think you should go for second opinion with the doctor. As 3 months back I had to suffer from heavy bleeding, and so I consulted with my gynecologist, she gave some medications and suggested to do regular exercises like yoga, aerobics and some other physical activities, she also suggested to use menstrual cup of http://www.cupissima.com, that helped me a lot during those heavy bleeding days. It is always important to stay alert about your menstrual periods, as heavy bleeding and irregular both are serious issue which should not be neglected.

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