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Ovarian Disorders

The ovaries are essential to a woman’s reproductive health—they store and release eggs, and produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone. When a medical condition or hormonal imbalance disrupts ovarian function, it can lead to irregular periods, infertility, and other health concerns. We offer comprehensive testing, diagnosis, and treatment for a wide range of ovarian disorders.

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Understanding Ovarian Disorders

Ovarian disorders can interfere with ovulation (the release of an egg), disrupt hormonal balance, and affect menstrual cycles. Some conditions may cause physical symptoms like pain or bloating, while others go unnoticed until a woman tries to conceive.

Many ovarian conditions are manageable with early detection and the proper care. At NCCRM, our team will create a treatment plan that supports both your fertility goals and long-term health.

Understanding Ovarian Disorders causing infertility

Common Types of Ovarian Disorders

1. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is one of the most common endocrine disorders in women of reproductive age. It affects how the ovaries function, often leading to irregular ovulation or no ovulation at all.

Causes:

  • The exact cause is unknown

  • Linked to insulin resistance

  • Hormonal imbalances (excess androgens)

  • Genetic predisposition

Symptoms:

  • Irregular or absent menstrual periods

  • Excess hair growth on the face or body (hirsutism)

  • Acne or oily skin

  • Weight gain or difficulty losing weight

  • Multiple small cysts on the ovaries (seen on ultrasound)

  • Difficulty conceiving

Impact on Fertility:

  • PCOS is a leading cause of anovulation and infertility

  • Hormonal imbalances may prevent release of mature eggs necessary for pregnancy

Diagnosis:

  • Blood tests to assess hormone levels (LH, FSH, testosterone, insulin)

  • Pelvic ultrasound to check for ovarian cysts

  • Review of menstrual cycle history and symptoms

Treatment:

  • Lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, weight management)

  • Medications to regulate menstrual cycles and stimulate ovulation (e.g., Clomid, letrozole)

  • Hormonal therapies to reduce androgen effects (e.g., birth control pills, anti-androgens)

  • IVF or other fertility treatments may be recommended in advanced cases

2. Anovulation

Anovulation is a condition where the ovaries do not release an egg (ovulate) during a menstrual cycle. Without ovulation, conception cannot occur, making it one of the most common causes of infertility in women.

Causes:

  • Hormonal imbalances (e.g., thyroid disorders, high prolactin, PCOS)

  • Stress or significant weight changes (underweight or overweight)

  • Excessive exercise

  • Certain chronic medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, premature ovarian insufficiency)

  • Medications that affect hormone regulation

Symptoms:

  • Irregular or absent menstrual periods

  • Very light or excessive bleeding

  • Difficulty conceiving

  • Signs of hormonal imbalance (e.g., hot flashes, acne, hair loss, or unwanted hair growth)

Impact on Fertility:

  • Without ovulation, no mature egg is released for fertilization.

  • Anovulation is a leading cause of infertility, accounting for up to 40% of cases in women with fertility challenges.

Diagnosis:

  • Blood tests to check hormone levels (FSH, LH, prolactin, thyroid hormones, progesterone)

  • Ultrasound to evaluate ovarian activity and follicle development

  • Review of menstrual history and cycle tracking

Treatment:

  • Lifestyle modifications (balanced diet, stress management, maintaining a healthy weight)

  • Medications to stimulate ovulation (Clomid, letrozole, gonadotropins)

  • Hormone therapies to correct underlying imbalances (e.g., thyroid medications, prolactin-lowering drugs)

  • Assisted reproductive technologies (IUI or IVF) if ovulation-inducing treatments are unsuccessful

3. Premature Ovarian Failure (POF)

Premature Ovarian Failure (POF), also called Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI), occurs when the ovaries stop functioning normally before the age of 40. This condition results in reduced estrogen production, irregular menstrual cycles, and decreased fertility.

Causes:

  • Genetic abnormalities (e.g., Turner syndrome, Fragile X premutation)
  • Autoimmune disorders affecting ovarian function
  • Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation
  • Idiopathic (unknown cause)

Symptoms:

  • Irregular or absent menstrual periods
  • Hot flashes and night sweats
  • Vaginal dryness and discomfort during intercourse
  • Mood swings, irritability, or low energy
  • Infertility or significantly reduced ovarian reserve

Impact on Fertility:

  • Markedly reduced egg supply and ovulation frequency
  • Slight chance of spontaneous ovulation, allowing rare natural conception

Diagnosis:

  • Blood tests showing high FSH and low estrogen levels
  • AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) testing to evaluate ovarian reserve
  • Genetic testing is indicated to rule out underlying abnormalities

Treatment:

  • Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for symptom management and bone health protection

  • IVF with donor eggs is often the most effective option for achieving pregnancy

  • Emotional and fertility counseling to support coping and family planning

Learn more about premature ovarian failure.

4. Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form on or within the ovary. Most cysts are harmless and resolve without treatment, but some may cause pain, disrupt menstrual cycles, or affect fertility.

Types of Cysts:

  • Functional cysts – the most common type, related to ovulation (follicular or corpus luteum)

  • Endometriomas – associated with endometriosis and may affect fertility

  • Dermoid cysts – contain different types of tissue (hair, skin, fat) and often require removal

  • Cystadenomas – noncancerous growths that can become large and cause discomfort

Symptoms:

  • Pelvic pain or pressure

  • Abdominal bloating or fullness

  • Pain during intercourse

  • Irregular menstrual cycles

  • In some cases, nausea or difficulty emptying the bladder

Impact on Fertility:

  • Many cysts do not interfere with fertility

  • Endometriomas and large or complex cysts may reduce ovarian function or complicate conception

Diagnosis:

  • Transvaginal ultrasound to assess the size, type, and location of the cyst

  • Blood tests (e.g., CA-125) to help rule out malignancy in complex cases

Treatment:

  • Watchful waiting for small, symptom-free cysts that may resolve naturally

  • Hormonal birth control to prevent new functional cysts from developing

  • Surgical removal for large, persistent, or painful cysts

  • Fertility-sparing surgery when treatment is needed for women trying to conceive

Learn more about the treatment of ovarian cysts.

Diagnosing Ovarian Disorders at NCCRM

We use a combination of advanced diagnostic tools to assess ovarian function:

  • Hormonal testing (FSH, LH, AMH, estradiol, prolactin, and thyroid function)
  • Ultrasound evaluation of ovaries and follicles
  • Menstrual history and ovulation tracking
  • Ovarian reserve assessments to guide fertility treatment decisions

Personalized Care for Ovarian Health

Every woman is unique, and so is her fertility journey. Whether you’re managing PCOS, struggling to ovulate, or navigating early menopause, our team at NCCRM is here to provide answers, solutions, and compassionate care.

We offer:

  • Tailored treatment plans based on your diagnosis and family-building goals
  • Support for hormone balance and cycle regulation
  • Fertility preservation counseling when ovarian reserve is low
  • Access to IVF, IUI, and egg donor options when appropriate

Next Steps

If you’re experiencing symptoms of an ovarian disorder—or if you’ve had trouble getting pregnant—NCCRM can help you take the next step.

Ovarian Disorders Preventing Pregnacy
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