The normal functioning of the ovaries affects the menstrual cycle. If there are failures in its course, then you need to pay attention to this body and check for the presence of sluggish diseases. They may not give themselves away and leak for a long time. Therefore, it is so important for a woman to monitor the duration and nature of menstruation.
Definition
When a disorder of the hormonal system occurs, it does not bypass the reproductive organs, including the ovaries. When a woman first hears a diagnosis, the question most often arises: what is ovarian dysfunction? This is a disease that can be triggered by an inflammatory process, an untreated infectious disease, a malfunction of the endocrine system and other factors. The problem is identified most often with unsuccessful attempts to become pregnant, constant unpleasant sensations in the lower abdomen, malfunctions in the menstrual cycle, when a woman comes to see a gynecologist, and he appoints an examination.
Causes of Dysfunction
According to the International Classification of Diseases (E28.9 - ICD-10 code), ovarian dysfunction belongs to the category of diseases of the endocrine system. The reason for its development may lie in several factors:
- hypersecretions of ovarian androgens;
- excess estrogen;
- ovarian hyperfunction;
- low estrogen content, which leads to primary ovarian failure, as a result, premature menopause may occur;
- polycystic ovary syndrome (Stein-Leventhal);
- previous radiation or chemotherapy;
- genetic diseases;
- the presence of antibodies to the tissues of their own ovaries (they are called ovarian antibodies);
- violation of the normal functioning of the hormones of the adrenal glands and thyroid gland;
- lack of body weight, but subject to a lag of more than 10%;
- nervous strain, frequent stress, overwork.
Do not overlook the likelihood of other diseases, as well as the onset of menopause, which can lead to ovarian dysfunction. The reproductive period may still continue. This is the complexity of diagnosing and treating the disease, that symptoms can indicate the development of a completely different pathology. And the treatment in this regard may be chosen incorrectly.
During the identification of the cause, the doctor can clarify whether there have been any recent cases of head injuries in the woman. This is important to know, since in the presence of damage to the pituitary gland, hormone production is disrupted, which is responsible for the formation of ovules in the ovaries. It was noted that girls are more susceptible to this disease, women who are very impressionable, have a fine mental organization, tend to idealize everything that surrounds them.
Symptoms
A clear symptom may be a change in the duration of the menstrual cycle with ovarian dysfunction. At the same time, the reproductive period continues, that is, by age a woman can become a mother, she should have menstruation. Menstruation can come less than once every 35 days (opsomenorrhea) or earlier than a period of 21 days (promenomenorrhea). In this case, the woman observes heavy bleeding, which can go beyond the usual. This phenomenon in medical practice is called polymenorrhea.
Also, this includes the painful course of menstruation, luteal phase insufficiency, hypomenorrhea. Uterine bleeding can occur both in the case of hormonal dysfunction of the ovaries, and during the period when menopause occurs, or in girls during puberty and the formation of the menstrual cycle. However, it is worth keeping the situation under control if the problem becomes long-term.
There may be problems with pregnancy with ovarian dysfunction, which is usually associated with a violation of the production of gonadotropins. This leads to the absence of ovulation during the cycle, and without ovulation, natural conception is impossible.
Diagnosis of dysfunction
Getting to the doctor, a woman usually voices what is bothering her. But a visual examination is not enough to make a diagnosis. If the gynecologist puts forward a preliminary version of the diagnosis of "ovarian dysfunction", and what this does not explain, she has to look for an answer to her own question. However, there is no exact explanation anywhere, which leads to a failure. Therefore, doctors can not definitely answer, which affects the violation of the normal course of the cycle.
In order to identify the causes of ovarian dysfunction on ultrasound, not only the pelvic organs are diagnosed, but also the adrenal glands and the thyroid gland. To determine the likelihood of ovulation, folliculometry is performed. Blood tests are also taken to determine the level of hormones (prolactin, FSH, progesterone, LH, cortisone, T3, T4, TSH). Deviation from the norms can say that it causes a violation, this will help in the future to choose the appropriate treatment regimen.
If the diagnosis of "ovarian dysfunction" according to the ICD (international classifier) is established by a teenage girl, then it will not be out of place to clarify how often she had nosebleeds. Blood clotting disorders, increased or decreased platelet counts can also lead to dysfunction.
In a woman during reproductive age, when diagnosing, it is necessary to pay attention to the presence in the history of unsuccessful pregnancies, the risk of developing an ectopic pregnancy. During menopause, especially at the beginning of its formation, the doctor may prescribe a histological examination, transvaginal ultrasound imaging, hysteroscopy. If ovarian dysfunction is detected by ultrasound, it is important to confirm the diagnosis with blood tests for hormone levels.
If there are past head injuries, it is recommended to undergo a course of magnetic resonance therapy or computed tomography. This will allow to identify deviations that are associated with the work of the pituitary gland. Depending on the individual characteristics of each patient, the diagnostic scheme may vary. Not all of the above methods are used to establish the cause of dysfunction.
Hormonal disbalance
As a rule, the gynecologist is guided by the generally accepted ICD-10 classifier when making a diagnosis. Ovarian dysfunction (according to the classification) is classified as unspecified. Often it is associated with a violation of the production of thyroid hormones. Therefore, in the presence of deviations from the indicators of at least one hormone, treatment occurs together with the endocrinologist.
In the case of an increase in the level of luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormones with a normal prolactin content, we can talk about resistant ovary syndrome. This leads to the fact that they become not so sensitive to gonadotropic stimulation. The sad consequence of this diagnosis is infertility, secondary amenorrhea.
Such a violation is accompanied by pulling pains in the lower abdomen near the end of the cycle, a woman can observe a change in mood (expressed in tearfulness). In general well-being, weakness, lethargy, and fatigue are also noted. However, you should not immediately perceive these symptoms as a violation of the hormonal background. If we take into account them in particular, then, most likely, the point is simply in the intense rhythm of life. In this case, we are talking about the fact that during the ovarian dysfunction, these symptoms can also be felt.
Conception Problems
If a woman has been trying to get pregnant for a long time, but nothing comes of it, she should know what it is - ovarian dysfunction. Since the development of a full-fledged egg, the onset of ovulation depends on the work of this body, it is necessary to check its condition. If the reason lies in the lack of production of hormones that stimulate the growth and maturation of follicles, then the doctor may prescribe hormone therapy. For example, taking chorionic gonadotropin, progesterone. In the form of medicines, Duphaston is most often prescribed. With ovarian dysfunction, it helps the body fulfill its functions, supplementing the missing hormones.
It happens that with a delay in menstrual bleeding, a woman does an express pregnancy test, and it turns out to be positive. However, when visiting a doctor, it turns out that he was false. This occurs when there are cysts in the ovaries. The nature of their development may be benign or relate to cancer.
Knowing what the ovarian dysfunction leads to does not exclude the risk of developing an ectopic pregnancy. This can happen even in a healthy woman who does not have any deviations. At an early stage, without ultrasound diagnostics, it is not possible to establish the location of a fertilized egg. Therefore, with a positive test (even if a woman has been given this diagnosis for a long time before), it is necessary to check the location of the fetal egg. If it is fixed correctly, then, under close medical supervision, you should choose an action plan to maintain pregnancy.
Treatment
After identifying the cause that led to the diagnosis according to E28.9 (ICD code - "ovarian dysfunction"), the doctor selects the treatment regimen. It, as a rule, has an integrated approach and is aimed at normalizing the work of the whole organism, improving hormonal levels, and restoring reproductive function. Since it is now known what it is - ovarian dysfunction, the symptoms and causes of its development will tell you what the treatment regimen will be. In order to normalize the body's production of hormones, a course of oral contraceptives, progesterone, estrogen is prescribed. In addition to the above-mentioned "Duphaston", natural progesterone in the form of the drug "Utrozhestan" can be prescribed.
In this case, it is important to understand that any drugs are selected strictly under the supervision of a doctor, you can not take them on someone else's recommendation. In terms of hormone therapy, any self-medication leads to complications or improper dosage of hormones. This is fraught not only with gaining excess weight, but also with a malfunction of the body as a whole.
If the dysfunction is expressed in uterine bleeding, then measures are taken to eliminate it. Of the number of medications, anti-inflammatory, hemostatic can be prescribed. Very rarely, with heavy bleeding, surgical intervention is required. For example, curettage of the inner layer of the uterus with its further histological examination.
In addition to drug treatment, it is important to get rid of nervous tension, stress, perhaps change the situation, go to the sea. A warm marine climate is recommended to everyone who has problems with the reproductive system. If possible, rest is combined with treatment, for example, mud.
Alternative methods of treatment
Since there are nervous disorders among the reasons for the development of dysfunction, it is recommended to include herbal teas in the diet, which will calm and normalize the general condition. It is worth remembering about the healing properties of chamomile flowers, pine forest, coltsfoot, clover and other herbs. It is important to choose the right composition for the decoction, and it is best to contact a phytotherapist. He will recommend a collection that will help solve the cause of the failure, as he knows what it is - ovarian dysfunction.
Do not forget about the fact that each herb has positive and negative properties. If there is heavy bleeding, it is recommended to include in the treatment regimen a uterus, a red brush, a shepherd's bag, knotweed, water pepper.
In addition to decoctions for oral administration, there are recipes for infusions for douching. They may include centaury, melilot, chamomile, wormwood, blueberry leaves. For example, a positive effect is observed when choosing the following composition: oak bark, black elderberry, immortelle. The solution should be at room temperature, it is advisable to carry out procedures before bedtime. It is important not to overdo it with traditional medicine and not give it preference during treatment. It can be perceived only as one of the points of therapy.
It is also worth paying attention to increasing immunity, for which drugs are prescribed that stimulate its work, vitamins and biologically active additives. It helps to increase vitality by adding herbs, fruits, citrus fruits and berries to tea, it is also worth replacing sugar with natural honey. The duration of treatment should not be limited only to improving well-being. As a rule, traditional medicine is designed for a long course, that is, from 3 to 6 months.
Is it possible not to treat?
If you leave the unpleasant symptoms as they are, then you can miss the development of the inflammatory process and its transition to the chronic stage. Untreated sexually transmitted infections provoke diseases of the appendages, the risk of relapse increases.
Over time, hormonal imbalance affects not only the reproductive system, but also the normal functioning of the endocrine system. This chain leads to the development of thyroid diseases, malignant neoplasms.
When planning pregnancy, untreated ovarian dysfunction threatens infertility and problems with bearing it. Even if pregnancy occurs, it is important to control its course, and then you can not do without taking additional medications. It turns out that without treatment it is impossible. Since the complications that occur can affect not only the reproductive system. Unpleasant symptoms can affect the general psycho-emotional state.
Prevention
They say that all diseases are from nerves. In this case, this statement is also relevant. One of the main rules is to normalize the nervous system, sleep, avoid stress, overstrain. Any hypothermia leads to the development of an inflammatory process. It can affect all organs of the small pelvis.
Infection can occur during improper genital hygiene or in the absence of it. Penetrating through the urinary tract, it can reach the ovaries and cause dysfunction. Therefore, any alarming symptoms should alert the woman and make her go to an appointment with a gynecologist. Timely diagnosis helps prevent the complication of any disease.
It will not be superfluous to normalize the duration of sleep, you need to sleep at least 8 hours. To improve its quality, you can take a decoction of soothing herbs, ventilate the room before going to bed, and make frequent walks in the fresh air.
Control over the production of hormones by the body should be regular, twice a year it is important to be examined by a gynecologist, endocrinologist. It is also advisable to visit the pool, engage in moderate physical labor, so that blood stasis does not form. It is not recommended to install an intrauterine device if there were previously problems with the ovaries.