Diagnosing Ovulatory Abnormalities

04:41 15th July 2013 | Ovulatory Disorders

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Ultrasound Examination Ovulatory Abnormalities FSH LH Menstrual Cycle Oestrogen Progesterone Ovarian Axis Hypothalamic Pituitary TSH Serum Prolactin Thyroid Gland Blood Testoterone Excessive Androgen Adrenal Glands Tomography Scan Brain Tumour Autoimmune Disorders Excessive Prolactin

Women with ovulatory abnormalities may have infrequent or cessation of their periods, although there are some women with seemingly normal periods that are not ovulating such as the very rare luteinized unruptured follicle syndrome.
History of strenuous exercise or athletic performance, previous cancer treatment and use of certain hormonal contraceptive medications may be suggestive of possible causes of ovulatory disorders. Women who are suffering from dietary disorders tend to be very thin and have low body fat.
Women who have polycystic ovarian syndrome may be obese, have oily skin, excessive acne and body hair; these are signs of excess androgens and are associated polycystic ovarian syndrome. Ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs may show polycystic ovaries.
Blood tests can also be used in diagnosing ovulatory abnormalities. Blood tests such as follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) between the second to fifth days of the menstrual cycle; oestrogen and mid luteal phase progesterone (progesterone measurement done a week before the next period) in women who still have monthly periods should be done to assess the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary –ovarian axis.
Serum prolactin and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) measurement will help to assess the functions of the thyroid gland while blood testosterone and dehydroepiandosterone sulphate (DHEA-S) rule out excessive androgen secretions and assess the functioning of the adrenal glands.
Other tests are computed tomography scan (CT scan) of the brain in case of excessive prolactin secretion to exclude a brain tumour and antibody tests may be useful to exclude autoimmune disorders.