In 30% of cases, infertility is of female origin. This may be due to a morphological abnormality (such as a blocked tubes or a malformation of the uterus) or a endometriosis problem. But the most common causes of female infertility are lack of ovulation (called anovulation) or an ovulation disorder (called dysovulation). In either case, you are not producing a fertilizable oocyte. These disorders can have several origins.
Polycystic ovaries
The syndrome polycystic ovaries affects between 5% and 10% of women. It is characterized by the development of multiple cysts in the ovaries as well as very irregular menstrual cycles, often without ovulation.
The treatment : the gynecologist may prescribe an anti-estrogen-based treatment to promote ovulation. But this treatment requires a lot of precaution not to risk hyperstimulation.
Ovarian failure
Occult ovarian failure is characterized by a complete absence of ovulation, most often permanent. It differs from early menopause which is accompanied by a clinical sign, stopping menstruation. On the contrary, ovarian failure remains hidden as long as the woman does not want a child. It may be due to a chromosomal abnormality or be related to treatment with radiation therapy, chemotherapy or ovarian surgery.
The treatment : in some cases, the gynecologist may suggest a stimulation test with a protocol adapted to poor responders. But the hope of having a baby often passes through egg donation.
Hyperprolactinemia
Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland. Normally, the level of this hormone rises during pregnancy to participate in the development of the mammary gland for breastfeeding. But outside of pregnancy, an excess of prolactin causes dysovulation. This results in long cycles spaced 6 to 8 weeks apart or a total cessation of cycles (called amenorrhea)
Taking certain drugs such as neuroleptics or morphine is often responsible for hyperprolactinemia. In this case, it is enough to stop the treatment for everything to return to normal. But it can also be due to certain diseases such as hypothyroidism, the’chronic renal failure, liver failure or pituitary adenoma (presence of a mass on the pituitary gland).
The treatment : it uses drugs from the family of dopamine agonists (which act on certain receptors in the brain) to inhibit the secretion of prolactin.
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