What Is Oligoovulation?

Find out all you need to know about oligoovulation, including causes, symptoms and treatment options to improve your chances of a successful pregnancy.

Fertility challenges alone can be extremely overwhelming, especially when dealing with conditions like oligoovulation. This common issue, characterised by infrequent or irregular ovulation, affects many women who are trying to conceive. While it may seem daunting, understanding oligoovulation is the first step toward finding effective solutions and staying hopeful.

What exactly is oligoovulation?

Oligoovulation is a condition that causes irregular or infrequent periods. While women with an average menstrual cycle typically have periods every 28 to 32 days, women experiencing oligoovulation generally have eight or fewer periods each year. This happens because the ovaries release eggs less frequently, making it harder to predict when ovulation will occur. As a result, conception can be much more challenging. 

One study has found that ovulation disorders like oligoovulation are the cause of infertility in around 25% of couples, making it a significant factor in female infertility.

What are the causes of oligoovulation?

Oligoovulation can stem from a variety of underlying conditions and lifestyle factors that disrupt the normal ovulation cycle. Below are some of the most common causes of this condition:

PCOS 

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women, affecting between 5% and 15% of the population. It’s a significant cause of infertility, primarily due to its impact on ovulation. 

In women with PCOS, the ovaries produce higher-than-normal levels of androgens (male hormones), which can interfere with the development and release of eggs. This hormonal imbalance often leads to oligoovulation or anovulation (complete lack of ovulation).

As well as its profound effect on ovulation, PCOS can cause other symptoms, including irregular periods, weight gain, excessive hair growth, acne, and insulin resistance. These PCOS symptoms can vary widely among women, making diagnosis challenging. Insulin resistance, commonly associated with PCOS, can also exacerbate hormonal imbalances, leading to further problems with ovulation.

Hormone imbalances  

Hormone imbalances play a significant role in oligoovulation. Your body’s delicate hormonal balance can be disrupted by various factors, leading to irregular ovulation. Essential hormones like oestrogen, progesterone, and luteinising hormone (LH) must be properly balanced for ovulation to occur. When these hormones are out of sync, the ovaries may not release eggs consistently. 

Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, and elevated prolactin levels can throw off your hormonal balance. Stress, extreme weight changes, and certain medications can also impact your hormones. While this may sound concerning, remember that many hormone imbalances are treatable. 

Excessive stress

Trying to conceive can be stressful, but excessive stress itself can contribute to oligoovulation. When you’re under constant pressure, your body releases stress hormones that can interfere with your reproductive cycle. This creates a challenging cycle – fertility issues cause stress, which then impacts ovulation.

One study has even shown that 25% to 60% of individuals dealing with infertility experience increased anxiety and depression. These emotional challenges can affect hormone balance and even reduce engagement with fertility treatments.

It’s important to prioritise your mental wellbeing during this journey. For more information on managing your emotional health while trying to conceive, check out our blog on infertility and mental health.

High or low body weight

Your body weight plays a fundamental role in fertility, and maintaining a healthy balance is key for regular ovulation. Both being overweight or underweight can disrupt your menstrual cycle and lead to oligoovulation. If your body mass index (BMI) is below 19 or above 30, it may be harder to conceive.

According to the NHS, excess weight can cause hormonal imbalances that interfere with ovulation, while being underweight might not provide enough nutrients to support a regular cycle. Even if you’re having regular periods, an unhealthy BMI can still lower your chances of getting pregnant.

The good news is that achieving a healthy weight can often improve ovulation and boost your fertility. Small, sustainable changes to your diet and exercise routine can make a big difference. Remember, every step towards a healthier BMI is a step towards your goal of starting a family.

What are the symptoms of oligoovulation?

The most common sign is irregular menstrual cycles, where periods occur less frequently than every 35 days or vary significantly in length. You might notice unpredictable bleeding patterns or even skip periods altogether.

Women with oligoovulation may also have difficulty detecting signs of ovulation, such as changes in cervical mucus or basal body temperature. These typical fertility indicators might be inconsistent or absent.

Some may experience more subtle symptoms like mood swings, breast tenderness, or mild pelvic pain, but these can be less reliable indicators. It’s important to note that you can still have seemingly regular periods while experiencing oligoovulation, making it challenging to identify without medical help.

If you’re trying to conceive and notice irregular cycles or have trouble pinpointing ovulation, it’s worth discussing with your healthcare provider. They can then help determine whether you are ovulating and guide you towards appropriate next steps.

How does oligoovulation affect fertility?

Oligoovulation significantly impacts fertility by disrupting the regular release of oocytes (eggs) from the ovaries. In a typical menstrual cycle, one oocyte matures and is released monthly, providing an opportunity for fertilisation. 

However, with oligoovulation, this process occurs infrequently or irregularly. This irregular ovulation pattern reduces the frequency of viable eggs available for fertilisation, which, therefore, decreases the chances of conception. Studies have also shown that oligoovulation often coincides with hormonal imbalances that can affect the uterine lining, potentially compromising implantation even if fertilisation occurs.

Can oligoovulation be treated?

Thankfully, there is hope for women experiencing oligoovulation, particularly when it is closely associated with conditions like PCOS. Treatment often involves addressing hormonal imbalances, which can be supported through supplements like Inofolic Alpha and Inofolic Alpha Plus. This scientifically-backed supplement combines myo-inositol and alpha-lactalbumin to promote regular ovulation and improve menstrual cycles. 

Myo-inositol also helps reduce insulin resistance and lower androgen levels, two factors that can interfere with ovulation. By restoring hormonal balance, the Inofolic Alpha range of products enhance fertility and boost the chances of conception.

Understanding your body and the hormonal imbalances at play is the first step. With the right support—be it through lifestyle changes, medical treatments, or supplements like Inofolic Alpha—you can take control, encourage regular ovulation, and improve your chances of starting or growing your family.

References

Cunha, A., & Póvoa, A. M. (2021). Infertility management in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a review. Porto biomedical journal, 6(1), e116. https://doi.org/10.1097/j.pbj.0000000000000116

Rooney, K. L., & Domar, A. D. (2018). The relationship between stress and infertility. Dialogues in clinical neuroscience, 20(1), 41–47. https://doi.org/10.31887/DCNS.2018.20.1/klrooney

Walker MH, Tobler KJ. Female Infertility. [Updated 2022 Dec 19]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556033/