Multifollicular ovaries: causes and treatment

The ovaries are an important organ of the female reproductive system . Any failures in his work lead to dysfunction of the gonads, disruption of the cycle, inability to conceive a child. Therefore, when the initial signs of the disorder appear, it is necessary to immediately begin treatment. One of the serious pathologies requiring close attention from doctors is multifollicular ovary syndrome (MPF). The causes and methods of its treatment will be discussed in today's article.

The idea of ​​the menstrual cycle

The female body has a certain supply of egg embryos. They are formed in the fetus in the embryonic period. The immature reproductive cell is located in a special sac - the follicle. In each menstrual cycle, several such embryos mature. Normally, only 4-7 of them are activated. For a while, they develop simultaneously. Then one or two "leading" cells overtake the rest, slowing down their growth. These are the so-called dominant follicles. One of them will ovulate in the current cycle.

At this point, the walls of the bag are torn. An egg is ready for fertilization from it. For some time, it remains in the abdominal cavity, and then penetrates the fallopian tube. Bursting dominant follicle continues active development. A yellow body forms in its place. This is a temporary endocrine gland that is responsible for controlling the expected pregnancy. If conception does not happen within 2-3 days, the egg dies. The corpus luteum is completely destroyed a few days before the date of the alleged menstruation.

Multifollicular ovaries - what does it mean?

Sometimes, more than eight follicles matures in the ovaries at the same time, and there is no dominant specimen. They have an increased size and are clearly visible during an ultrasound examination, which allows the doctor to make an appropriate diagnosis.

It should be noted that this condition does not always require immediate treatment. Multifollicular ovaries in some periods of the female cycle are a variant of the norm. This is the first phase. At this time, several follicles are activated and simultaneously start to grow at once. By the middle of the cycle, everything is back to normal.

However, a diagnosed pathology requires attention from doctors. Wrong expenditure of childbearing material contributes to the appearance of cystic formations, making it difficult to have children.

MFN and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Patients who have had to deal with infertility are forced to undergo regular examinations by a gynecologist. According to the results of the examination, one doctor can make a diagnosis of polycystic disease, and the other - "MFN". There is a separate category of doctors who are convinced of the identity of these pathologies, so they simply do not share. Such conclusions can disorient the patient and provoke illiterate treatment.

To avoid such situations, it is necessary to choose an ultrasound diagnostician, who is also a gynecologist. As a rule, such specialists are more competent in the matter. What is the difference between the two diagnoses?

If we compare the manifestations of MPF and PCOS, then in the second case, the following distinctive features are observed in the ovaries:

• more than 10 units of follicles;
• bubble sizes exceed 10 mm;
• the capsule is significantly thickened;
• peripheral location;
• an increase in the size of the ovaries themselves.

Polycystic disease is a serious disorder that is accompanied by the formation of multiple cysts. This happens due to a change in the structure of tissues, which becomes denser and does not allow follicles to rupture. However, the bubbles themselves remain in place, are filled with fluid and are transformed into cysts. If MPF therapy is not always required, then polycystic disease must be treated.

Main reasons

Most often, multifollicular ovaries are detected against a background of hormonal imbalance. Many girls in puberty are familiar with such a violation. This phenomenon is considered a variant of the norm.

In adulthood, a hormonal disorder can be due to the following reasons:

• History of frequent abortions.
• Sudden weight loss or weight gain. The presence of an optimal amount of adipose tissue is an important condition for the full secretion of sex hormones. Its deficiency or excess leads to a violation of the concentration of estrogen.
• The use of oral contraceptives. The action of drugs was initially aimed at suppressing natural ovulation. Therefore, whole follicles remain in the ovaries. After the drug is canceled for several months, the situation usually stabilizes.
• The period of pregnancy and lactation. During breastfeeding, an increased production of the hormone prolactin is observed in the body of a woman. It stimulates milk production, but at the same time inhibits ovulation.
• Endocrine pathology. Diseases of the thyroid gland and pancreas cause dysfunction of the gonads.
• Psycho-emotional overload. Stressful situations are often accompanied by hormonal imbalances.

Scientists have found that MFN syndrome has the ability to be inherited. If a woman grows more than 8 follicles every month, the likelihood of a recurrence of the pathology in her daughter is quite high.

Clinical picture

Every fourth lady of childbearing age, during ultrasound diagnostics, doctors identify the multifollicular structure of the ovaries. Follicles of normal size and with an unchanged capsule are clearly visible during the procedure. Their diameter can vary from 4 to 8 mm, and the total number does not exceed 10 units. Pathological changes can affect one or both ovaries. However, only one ultrasound examination is not enough to make a diagnosis and appoint an examination. It is important for the doctor to examine the patient’s history and related complaints.

Signs of multifollicular ovaries are manifested primarily by a violation of the uterine cycle. The physiological symptoms of this condition are listed below:

1. Anovulatory cycles (lack of ovulation up to 5 times a year). The main causes of dysfunction are cystic formations or non-aging of the dominant follicle.
2. Irregular periods with ovarian malfunction. The duration of the first phase of the cycle is from 30 to 40 days instead of the prescribed 12-14. The last or luteal phase is very short. It lasts only 8-10 days instead of 14.
3. Long absence of menstruation.
4. Infertility.

Multifollicular ovaries should not be taken as a definitive diagnosis. This is just the conclusion of an ultrasound examination. If this condition is not accompanied by a violation of the cycle and the absence of ovulation, it is recognized as the norm. Therefore, it does not require specific therapy. Otherwise, the doctor should prescribe additional tests to clarify the diagnosis.

Is pregnancy possible?

Many women believe that multifollicular ovaries and pregnancy are incompatible things. In fact, everything is not so complicated. If pregnancy has already begun, MFNs do not affect the process of gestation. In this case, correction of the hormonal background with medications is not required.

The main difficulty lies in the process of conception. It is difficult enough to achieve monthly ovulation in order to be able to conceive a baby in each cycle. There is only one way to eliminate this problem - to adjust the hormonal status for the growth of the dominant follicle and endometrium. If this option also turns out to be ineffective, the couple needs to contact a gynecologist-reproductologist. The specialist will prescribe ovulation stimulation. With multifollicular ovaries, this process is carried out through periodic injections of drugs. At the same time, once every two days it is necessary to do an ultrasound diagnosis to evaluate treatment.

When the size of the dominant follicle reaches its peak, the woman is injected with hCG to disrupt the integrity of the capsule. In this case, the egg has the opportunity to exit and penetrate the fallopian tube for subsequent fertilization.

Medical examination

Ultrasound is considered the most informative diagnostic method. A qualified specialist during the examination can easily determine multifollicular ovaries. Signs of pathology are:

• slight increase in ovarian size;
• less echogenicity compared with the uterus;
• the presence of multiple (more than 20) antral follicles and their diffuse location;
• the dominant follicle does not have a thickened capsule.

To clarify the diagnosis, ultrasound is prescribed three times: at the beginning, middle and end of the menstrual cycle. This approach allows us to track the number of maturing follicles in dynamics. To prescribe competent treatment, a blood test for sex hormones may be required.

Therapy Features

Specific treatment of multifollicular ovaries is usually not required. After examination, the endocrinologist-gynecologist may prescribe drugs to correct the hormonal background and provide ripe follicles with the ability to ovulate. Normalization of the female cycle, the possibility of successful conception and bearing a pregnancy are the main goals that therapy pursues with this pathology. Drug treatment of multifollicular ovaries involves taking the following drugs:

1. Combined oral contraceptives with a low estrogen hormone content. This group includes Logest, Jess and Yarina. These drugs reduce the level of androgens in the blood, making the cells less sensitive to their effects. The minimum admission rate is three months. In adolescence, homeopathic medicines are an alternative to COCs. For example, Cyclodinone.
2. Dufaston. The drug is prescribed for deficiency of luteal phase hormones. Duphaston does not affect ovulation, but it contributes to the normalization of the cycle and hormonal status. It is a kind of trigger for certain processes in the endometrium, thereby preparing the uterus for pregnancy. The tool does not affect metabolic processes. Its dosage is determined by the doctor. The course of treatment lasts from 3 to 6 months. At the onset of pregnancy, Duphaston cannot be abruptly canceled, since the likelihood of a miscarriage increases.
3. Vitamin Therapy. Regardless of the cause of multifollicular changes in the ovaries during treatment, it is recommended to take mineral complexes. It is necessary that their composition contains a large amount of vitamins E and B.

If the cause of MFN is stress, you should definitely go through a conversation with a psychologist. In especially serious cases, you may need to take tranquilizers and antidepressants.

Help traditional medicine

Herbs with phytohormones can normalize the health of a woman with multifollicular ovaries. Reviews of the fair sex also suggest that recipes of folk healers help create favorable conditions for the maturation of eggs in the body and increase the chances of conceiving a child. The most popular treatment options are listed below.

1. Abraham tree increases the concentration of luteinizing hormone in the blood. It will take 10 g of dried fruit, pour a glass of boiling water, let it brew. It is recommended to take the product as tea in the mornings and evenings. You can use honey for a bite. The course of admission is 3 months.
2. Backache normalizes the female cycle. You need 5 tablespoons of dry shoots pour 0.5 liters of fortified wine, preheated in a water bath. Then add 2 tablespoons of sugar to the broth and leave it for 3 weeks in a dark place. Take the resulting medicine 25 ml twice a day. In case of gastrointestinal diseases, it is recommended to use it after eating.
3. Hogweed restores the natural process of egg maturation. Approximately 100 grams of herb insist on red wine. After this, a liter of the drink must be brought to a boil, add a few clove inflorescences, a couple of spoons of honey. It is recommended to insist in a dark place, but not more than three days. Take a drug of 50 ml at bedtime. On menstruation, it is better to refuse such treatment.

Alternative medicine recipes, when compared with pharmacy drug therapy, have practically no side effects. However, before treating multifollicular ovaries, it is necessary to consult a gynecologist.

Prevention Methods

The female reproductive system reacts quite sensitively to all changes that occur in the body. Therefore, in the presence of a predisposition to multifollicular changes in the ovary, it is necessary to regularly undergo an ultrasound examination for the timely detection of pathology. In addition, for preventive purposes, doctors recommend:

1. Control body weight. Abrupt weight loss or weight gain can cause hormonal imbalance.
2. Physical activity should be within reasonable limits.
3. You should not use hormonal drugs or oral contraceptives without the appointment of a gynecologist.
4. Any discomfort in the area of ​​the pelvic organs is an occasion to consult a doctor.

Left or right ovary with multifollicular function is considered normal if they do not harm the reproductive system. With this phenomenon, you can fully live without medication.