How can anovulatory cycles be detected?
A. Symptoms of anovulation: Anovulation is usually associated with specific symptoms. However, it is important to note that they are not necessarily all displayed simultaneously. • Absence of menstruation (or amenorrhea) occurs in about 20% of women with ovulatory dysfunction. • Infrequent and light menstruations occur in about 40% of women with ovulatory dysfunction. • Irregular menstruations i.e. 5 menstrual cycles a year are 5 days shorter or longer than the length of the average cycle. • Absence of breast pain or tenderness (this occurs in about 20% of women with ovulatory problems). • Increased body and facial hair (this is relatively easy to treat, and is often associated with PCOS, or polycystic ovarian syndrome). B. Ovulation tests and BBT charting There are various tests which can detect when, and if, ovulation is occurring. Some detect the increase in LH levels that happens just before ovulation, others use body basal temperature (BBT) charts. Some women naturally have a low
