The menstrual cycle is known as a series of changes that a woman's body undergoes each month, with the objective of preparing it for the possibility of a potential pregnancy. In each cycle, an ovulation occurs where one of the ovaries releases an egg, while hormonal changes occur that modify the wall of the uterus in case the egg is fertilized and needs to nest. If the egg is not fertilized, the thickened tissue lining the uterus is expelled through the vagina in what is known as menstruation.
The menstrual cycle is counted from the first day of menstruation up until the first day of the following menstruation period. It can vary within normal parameters: it occurs every 21-35 days and lasts between 2 and 7 days. In the first few years after the onset of menstruation, cycles may be longer, but menstrual cycles become more regular and tend to shorten as menopause approaches.
Ovulatory dysfunction is defined as abnormal ovulation (9 or fewer periods per year), irregular ovulation or lack of ovulation before menopause.
Menstrual irregularities can have many different causes, including the following:
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding. A missed period may be an early sign of pregnancy. Breastfeeding can block menstruation
• Eating disorders, extreme weight loss or excessive exercise.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Premature ovarian failure, when the loss of ovarian function occurs before the age of 40.
In women with ovulatory dysfunction, menstruation may or may not be preceded by the usual symptoms such as breast pain, hypogastric distension or moodiness.
Diagnosis is clinical, through questioning and a gynecologic examination. It can be confirmed by measuring hormonal levels or via a gynecologic ultrasound.
Treatment usually consists of inducing ovulation by administering hormones.
