Ovulatory disorders Flashcards
How common are conception difficulties?
1 in 7 couples experience difficulty in conception
What percentage of infertility does ovulatory dysfunction cause?
25%
What is anovulation?
Irregular menstrual cycle
What are some early forms of management to increase fertility and decrease anovulation?
- Stabilising weight (18.5 - 35)
- Smoking cessation
- Reduced alcohol consumption
- Folic acid 400ug/5mg daily
- Check presribed drugs
- Cervical smear
- Rubella vaccination
- Semen analysis
What are the 3 classes of ovulatory disorders? (HPO)
- Group I - Hypothalamic pathology leading to pituitary failure (Hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism)
- Group II - Pituitary dysfunction with normal gonad hormones
- Group III - Ovarian failure
(Hypergonadotrophic hypogonadism)
What are some causes of type I ovulatory disorders?
- Kallman’s syndrome
- Drugs (E.g. Steroids, opiates)
- Brain/Pituitary tumours
- Stress
- Head trauma
- Excessive exercise
- Anorexia or low BMI
How will type I ovulatory disorders present?
- Amenorrhoea
- Hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism:
- Low FSH
- Low LH
- Low oestrogen levels
How are type I ovulatory disorders investigated?
Progesterone challenge - Will be negative
FSH, LH and oestrogen levels
What are the 2 main management options in type I (Hypothalamic) ovarian disorders?
- Pulsatile GnRH
- Daily gonadotrophin (FSH+LH) injections
How is pulsatile GnRH given?
Pulsatile GnRH is given via SC or IV pump, which provide a pulsatile administration of GnRH every 90 minutes
What are the advantages of the 2 management options for type I ovulatory disorder?
Daily gonadotrophin injections increase pregnancy rate in multiple pregnancies, whereas pulsatile GnRH increases ovulation and single pregnancy by a greater amount
What investigation is required in management of type I ovulatory disorders?
Both require ultrasound monitoring of the response (Follicle tracking)
What are some causes of type II (Pituitary) ovulatory disorders?
- Hyperprolactinaemia
- Tumours (Most commonly prolactinoma)
- Sheehan’s syndrome
How will type II ovulatory disorders present?
- Amenorrhoea
- Low FSH
- Low LH
- Low oestrogen
- Possible ACTH, TSH, GH and prolactin abnormalities
How will prolactinomas affect ovulation?
This will cause amenorrhoea or galactorrhea