Nearly 30% of women track their ovulation and an increasing amount of women are now choosing to learn and gain more knowledge to muster a greater understanding of menstrual cycles and their variations – such as anovulatory cycles.
This is particularly the case when actively trying to conceive. Today, we explore the crucial role that pharmacies can play in this often-complex journey.
The effectiveness of tracking ovulation is roughly 95%. This can either help you to become pregnant, or help you to avoid pregnancy. However, between 14% and 25% of women have irregular menstrual cycles, and this can lead to many physical and emotional challenges. Some conditions, such as anorexia nervosa, can cause the cessation of menstrual periods (amenorrhea). However, experiencing erratic periods, known as ‘anovulatory cycles’, can be caused by a range of factors.
An anovulatory cycle is when an egg is not released from the ovary. There are many reasons that this can happen. The main cause is usually hormonal, such as an imbalance of progesterone and oestrogen. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which affects between 6% and 13% of women worldwide is another reason. Equally, there can be multiple everyday causes such as stress, diet, and even not getting enough sleep. This is one of the reasons why anovulation is not always a cause for panic. Rather, it is usually a warning sign that the body needs a little TLC.
The main symptoms of anovulation are erratic periods or challenges when trying for a pregnancy. This can be very confusing and distressing, as the body may still have a menstrual period even if an egg is not released. As such, it can be helpful to access support networks, and to consider fertility supplements. Various exercises such as meditation and yoga, as well as careful attention to diet, exercise, and rest, can also be useful. For complete awareness, highly accurate testing kits are available to track ovulation.
When the body releases an egg, the luteinizing hormone (LH) is also released. This can be detected in the urine using a highly accurate Suresign dipstick that is similar to a pregnancy test. LH testing can be used to find the optimal time for conception. However, if you are experiencing unusual patterns of bleeding, it can be very helpful to use LH testing before seeking more invasive medical intervention. For instance, if your periods have become unsettled, and you know that you are either under a lot of stress, doing a lot of exercise, or are peri-menopausal, it can be helpful to bring the complete picture to your physician.
Anovulation is an experience that many women will encounter during their lives. Effective Suresign testing can help to put minds at rest or prompt the user to seek professional advice from medical teams who will diagnose the underlying cause. For more information about where to purchase our kits for your own use, or to discover the benefits of being a Suresign stockist in your pharmacy, please click here to send us a message.