By Dr. Pedro Royo Manero (Gynecologist – License No. 312203918).
Anovulation refers to the absence of ovulation in women, a circumstance that could hinder conception due to the lack of the female gamete. During ovulation, the ovary releases a mature egg to be fertilized. Without ovulation, natural pregnancy is not possible, and menstrual cycle alterations may occur.
Symptoms of anovulation can vary but include:

Anovulation can be caused by various factors, such as abnormal levels of hormones like FSH, LH, estrogen, or progesterone. These hormonal imbalances are often produced by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Chronic stress can also affect the production of hormones necessary for ovulation, and both overweight and underweight can alter ovulation. Additionally, certain chronic diseases like diabetes or thyroid disorders can contribute to anovulation, as well as the use of hormonal contraceptives, which temporarily interfere with the ovulation process.
Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the problem. Sometimes it requires the use of hormonal medications like clomiphene or gonadotropins to induce ovulation, but other times lifestyle changes are sufficient: adjusting body weight, improving diet, or reducing stress.
In this sense, anovulation due to stress is common, as stress can affect the function of the hypothalamus, a region of the brain that regulates the production of reproductive hormones, leading to frequent anovulatory cycles or interruption of the release of hormones related to ovulation.
Hormonal contraceptives intentionally inhibit ovulation as a mechanism of action. After discontinuing them, some women experience temporary anovulatory cycles while the body resumes its natural hormonal rhythm.
Therefore, it is advisable to be patient, as ovulation generally resumes in a few months, and to consult a doctor if anovulatory cycles persist.
The absence of ovulation prevents the release of an egg, making conception impossible. However, many women with anovulation can become pregnant with appropriate treatment, such as ovulation-inducing medications or assisted reproduction techniques.
In vitro fertilization (IVF) with previously frozen own eggs or donated eggs is often an effective alternative in cases where medications are not sufficient or appropriate. In IVF, eggs are obtained directly from the ovaries and fertilized in a laboratory before being transferred to the uterus. It is important to note that these treatments are always personalized based on the characteristics of each patient.
It is possible to have menstruation without ovulating. This occurs when the endometrium sheds due to hormonal imbalances, without ovulation having occurred. These cycles, called anovulatory cycles, are usually irregular and not associated with fertility.
They are typically characterized by very light, irregular, or excessive menstruation.