- The duration of the menstrual cycle is on average 24-35 days, if the menstrual cycle has intervals of 24-25 days or less, it is worth evaluating the ovarian reserve to rule out the possibility of developing a premature decrease/exhaustion of the ovarian reserve of the ovaries.
It is possible to assess your individual egg supply by conducting an ultrasound of the ovaries, determining the level of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and FSH on day 2-4 of the menstrual cycle.
- If the cycle is prolonged (intervals of more than 35 days), in this situation it is worth determining the presence of ovulation, especially if you are planning pregnancy. Determination of the level of progesterone and estrogen in the second phase of the menstrual cycle and ultrasound will help you in this.
- Did you know that the thyroid gland has a significant effect on the menstrual cycle?
It is important to know that it is the thyroid hormone thyroxine (free T4) that regulates the activity of sex hormones in our body. If the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones, then there is a rise in TSH, this hormone is so similar to prolactin that the body often stops ovulation as a result of its influence, or produces too little progesterone, a hormone that is necessary to maintain the regularity of menstruation in women.
- The influence of adipose tissue on the menstrual cycle and female sex hormones has been proven.
Adipose tissue is a separate organ that metabolizes and produces sex hormones. In addition, fat cells produce the hormone leptin and, if there is too much of it (with excess weight), it stimulates the increase in the production of androgens (male sex hormones) in the female body, which in turn disrupts the mechanism of follicle maturation and ovulation.
- It is important to know that taking combined oral contraceptives (COC) does not eliminate the causes of menstrual cycle disturbances, but only leads to imitation of the menstrual cycle.