What is delayed ovulation

A late ovulation is considered an ovulation that occurs after the expected period, after the 21st of the menstrual cycle, delaying menstruation, even in women who usually have a regular menstrual period.

Generally, ovulation occurs in the middle of the menstrual cycle, which is normally 28 days, therefore occurring around the 14th day. However, in some cases, it may occur later due to factors such as stress, thyroid problems or use of some drugs, for example.

Possible causes

Late ovulation can be caused by factors such as:

• Stress, which can have a negative impact on hormonal regulation; Thyroid disease, which influences the pituitary gland, responsible for the release of the hormones LH and FSH, which stimulate ovulation; Polycystic ovary syndrome, in which there is greater testosterone production, the which makes the menstrual cycle irregular; Breastfeeding, in which prolactin is released, which stimulates milk production and can suppress ovulation and menstruation; Medications and drugs, such as certain antipsychotics, prolonged use of some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and consumption of drugs, like marijuana and cocaine.

In some cases, some women may experience late ovulation for no apparent reason.

What symptoms

There are no specific symptoms that prove that the person has a late ovulation, however, there are signs that may indicate that ovulation is occurring and that can be perceived by the person, such as an increase and change in the cervical mucus, which becomes more transparent and elastic, similar to egg white, a slight increase in body temperature and a small abdominal pain on one side, also known as mittelschmerz. Find out what mittelschmerz is.

Does late ovulation make pregnancy difficult?

If ovulation occurs later than normal, this does not mean that it compromises fertility. However, in people with irregular menstrual cycles, it will be more difficult to predict when is the fertile period or when ovulation occurs. In these cases, the woman can use ovulation tests to identify the fertile period. Learn how to calculate the fertile period.

Does late ovulation delay menstruation?

If the person has a late ovulation, they may have a menstruation with more flow, since estrogen is produced in greater quantity before ovulation, which means that it will make the lining of the uterus thicker.

How treatment is done

If a condition is associated with late ovulation, such as polycystic ovaries or hypothyroidism, treating the cause directly can help regulate ovulation. If no cause is determined and the person wants to become pregnant, the doctor may prescribe medication to help regulate the menstrual cycle.