Anovulatory Cycles — Diagnosis and Treatment

Anovulatory cycles are a symptom and not a disease. Polycystic ovary syndrome, pituitary microadenoma, impaired GnRH release, and hypothyroidism are common etiologies for anovulation and should be excluded. Patients can present with amenorrhea which needs etiology-specific treatment or with acute dysfunctional uterine bleeding which might need emergency treatment. Emergency treatment can be either medical with estrogen or surgical with dilation and curettage. Oral contraceptive pills can be used in an attempt to make the menstrual cycle more regular before trying more specific treatments.