If your cycles are irregular, your app says you’re ovulating but nothing’s happening, or you’ve been told your progesterone is “too low”—you’re not alone. And there’s more you can do beyond fertility treatment.
In today’s episode, Dr. Katie breaks down the real reasons ovulation disorders happen, why they’re so often missed, and how they quietly block conception—even when you’re still getting a period. From PCOS and stress to thyroid issues and nutrient depletion, you’ll discover the true root causes of irregular or missing ovulation—and how to bring your body back into balance.
In this episode, you'll...
-Learn the 5 most common causes of ovulation issues—and what most doctors overlook
-Discover how to read your body’s ovulation signs beyond the tracking app
-Get powerful but simple steps to naturally restore ovulation and boost progesterone
▶️Tune in now to decode what your body’s really saying about ovulation—and how to work with your hormones (not against them) to finally get pregnant.
What is an Ovulation Disorder?
Ovulation disorders occur when ovulation is irregular, absent, or insufficiently stimulating hormonal responses required for conception or implantation. Even if you experience regular periods, you may still experience anovulatory cycles—where bleeding occurs without an egg release.
Common Causes of Ovulation Disorders
1. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Characterized by hormonal imbalances and high levels of androgens, PCOS disrupts egg development. It might not always manifest as cysts or obesity, making diagnosis tricky.
2.Hypothalamic Amenorrhea: Often triggered by chronic stress, excess exercise, or undernutrition, the body conserves energy, inhibiting ovulation.
3.Thyroid Dysfunction: Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can disrupt ovulation, given the thyroid’s role as a key hormonal regulator.
4.Elevated Prolactin Levels: Even in non-nursing women, stress or medication can raise prolactin levels, hindering ovulation.
5.Premature Ovarian Insufficiency: Environmental factors or autoimmune conditions can cause ovaries to erratically respond to hormonal cues, regardless of age.
Recognizing the Signs
If you have cycles longer than 35 days or shorter than 21, experience irregular periods, lack noticeable cervical mucus changes, or don’t see a clear shift in basal body temperature, you might be facing an ovulation disorder. Checking for an LH surge can also offer clues about your ovulatory status.
Steps to Restore Ovulation Naturally
1.Identify the Root Cause: Utilize functional tests to evaluate sex hormones, thyroid, and adrenal functions. Standard medical tests might miss deeper underlying issues.
2.Nutrition as a Foundation: Ensure your body is nourished well enough to thrive rather than just survive. Balance blood sugar, include healthy fats and proteins, and consume sufficient calories.
3.Stress Management: Use breath work, nervous system support, and energetic tools to counteract being in perpetual “on” mode, where continuous activities drive stress.
4.Herbal and Supplemental Support: Tailor these to your specific needs and root causes to bolster ovulation effectively.
5.Seek Professional Support: Working with practitioners who understand your unique cycle and can interpret intricate lab results will save you effort, both mentally and financially.
Conclusion
Understanding and addressing ovulation disorders can feel empowering versus daunting. Ovulation isn’t just about egg release but signals your body's harmonious balance. For those encountering challenges, know that you are not alone—it's one of the most common, yet addressable, blocks to conceiving.
Thank you for joining us in exploring the intricacies of ovulation disorders. Stay tuned for this Thursday's episode, where we will discuss a common fertility saboteur that might be hindering your conception journey. See you there!
Finally Get Pregnant Naturally is your go-to TTC podcast for holistic fertility support to help you get pregnant naturally by addressing the root cause of unexplained infertility, secondary infertility, and recurrent miscarriage. Hosted by Dr. Katie Wood, a pharmacist and holistic fertility practitioner, this show offers natural fertility solutions for those on a fertility journey struggling to conceive, navigating miscarriage, or dealing with endometriosis, PCOS, low sperm count, or failed IUI or failed IVF. Whether you're trying to conceive, increase egg quality, optimizing sperm health, or healing after a miscarriage, each episode delivers practical guidance to support your fertility journey. Learn how to improve fertility, balance hormones, regulate your fertile window, and conceive naturally through root cause healing, emotional wellness, and mind-body tools—because true fertility starts from within.
DISCLAIMER: By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use it as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others. This podcast offers information to help the listener cooperate with physicians, mental health professionals or other healthcare providers in a mutual quest for optimal well-being. We advise listeners to carefully review and understand the ideas presented, and to consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. Under no circumstances shall Pharm to Wellness LLC, any guests or contributors to the Rising into Mindful Motherhood podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of Pharm to Wellness LLC be responsible for damages arising from the use of the podcast. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Hi, I'm Katie
Host of Finally Get Pregnant Naturally Podcast