What are the Causes of Anovulation?

The following list details the most common causes of anovulation. Each cause has an effect on the hormonal balance in the body, which can interrupt the menstrual cycle and cause anovulation.

• Obesity
• Stress
• PCOS
• Pituitary gland dysfunction
• Perimenopause/low ovarian reserve
• Abnormal hormonal balance
• Low BMI (impact on pituitary gland)
• First and last periods

Most Common Signs and Symptoms of Anovulation

• Irregular periods
• Heavy or light periods
• Absence of periods

Does anovulation affect fertility?

The very nature of anovulation – instance of egg not releasing during normal menstrual cycle – serves to explain the condition’s effect on fertility. Anovulation directly impacts levels of fertility. As an egg must be present for pregnancy to occur, it is unsurprising that anovulation is associated with infertility. “Chronic” anovulation, or the repeating of multiple anovulatory cycles is a regular cause of ongoing infertility struggles.

What causes anovulation in Chinese Medicine?

From Traditional Chinese Medicine’s perspective, anovulation is caused by imbalances occurring in the organ systems in the body (kidney, liver, heart, and spleen). The two main causes of anovulation in TCM are as follows:

• Kidney Yang Deficiency: Kidney Yang supports progesterone production and plays an important role in regulating menstrual cycles and body temperature. Kidney Yang deficiencies are often seen in conjunction with Spleen Qi deficiencies.
• Kidney Yin Deficiency: Kidney Yin controls cervical mucus production and the cervix’s ability to open during ovulation.

Blood Stasis

Blood stasis is the next most common cause of anovulation. Also known as blood stagnation, this is when blood fails to move freely within the body’s meridians. Blood stasis can worsen deficiencies of nutrition and energy in related organs. Common symptoms of blood stagnation include fixed menstrual pain, heavy bleeding, large clots, stabbing pain, and more.

Blood stasis is caused by a syndrome in TCM known as having a “cold” uterus. Cold refers to the stoppage of blood and Qi movement in that area of the body, which in turn impacts hormonal levels and may cause anovulation. Thus, the link between blood stasis and infertility is strong.

Causes of Blood Stasis

• Physical traumas (from surgery, injury, or other event)
• Periods of intense emotional stress (work pressures, family problems, etc.)
• Overwork
• The desire to have a baby and the negative emotions (anxiety, stress) that come with it

All of the above causes can lead to blood stagnation in key regions of the body. The obstruction of Qi and blood between channels is what causes infertility. As the source of the condition is easily identified, so is the solution.

By invigorating the blood in those key regions, specialized treatments can help remove blood stasis and serve to improve fertility. Kidney deficiencies – in conjunction with blood stasis – are often the source of anovulation. The TCM practices explained below can both help tonify the kidneys and invigorate blood movement within the kidney region specifically, helping to treat anovulation and remedy infertility issues.

Chinese Medicine Treatments for Anovulatory Infertility

There are two contemporary TCM treatments known to be effective at remedying anovulation.

Acupuncture for Anovulation

Many women struggling with anovulatory infertility turn to acupuncture for treatment because it is non-invasive and has little-to-no side effects. Acupuncture treatments can be made specific for each woman – based on individual acupoints and the current phases of the menstrual cycle.

Recent studies show that acupuncture has been used to successfully provoke ovulation in 38% of women. The study also shows that acupuncture significantly improves hormonal imbalances and stimulates blood circulation in the ovaries, further supporting egg growth and fertility.

Acupuncture has been known to be especially effective for women dealing with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). One study shows that acupuncture can significantly improve the rate of ovulation in lean or overweight women who have developed PCOS. The treatment proves to enhance menstrual frequency while also regulating testosterone circulation – an important hormonal factor in Kidney Yin/Yang imbalances.

Herbal Treatments

Herbal remedies such as herbal supplements go hand in hand with acupuncture treatments for anovulation. Similar to acupuncture, herbal treatments help to invigorate the kidney and activate blood circulation. This helps balance Yin/Yang deficiencies and increase blood and Qi movement.

Recent studies on the effectiveness of herbal treatments for anovulation show promising results. It was found that herbal TCM practices increased pregnancy rates and ovulation rates, while also reducing the rate of miscarriages. The studies additionally showed that herbal TCM treatments have no adverse effects on patients.

Some of the most common herbs used to treat anovulatory infertility include the following:

• Dang Gui
• Bai Shao
• Suan Zao
• Zao Jiao Ci

The herbs mentioned above were recently used in a study that detailed a woman’s successful herbal treatment with PCOS and infertility. Not only does this herbal formula nourish the blood and help treat blood stasis, but it can also help bring a calm to the body. If there are any side effects to note with Chinese herbal treatments, it’s that they may also be used to treat the anxiety and stress that often coincides with infertility.

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Conclusion

Anovulation is a condition that impacts a diverse set of women. It is a common condition that can be brought on by a number of different causes, including obesity, blood stagnation, PCOS, and more.

While it can be difficult to deal with, there are ways to treat anovulatory infertility. A combination of TCM practices alongside other treatments have been known to effectively treat this condition. With the right information and treatment, it is more than possible to overcome infertility issues due to anovulation.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We can’t guarantee the treatment result, as the symptoms of conditions are unpredictable and vary greatly from person to person. The treatment length and recovery time also varies for individual. Please visit our clinics website: GinSen where a specialists will discuss your care and provide a consultation, and the treatment will be designed to meet your individual needs.