Ovarian dysfunction occurs when the ovaries stop functioning normally. Ovulatory dysfunction is a term that describes a group of disorders in which ovulation fails to occur, or occurs on an infrequent or irregular basis. Anovulation (no ovulation) is a disorder in which eggs do not develop properly, or are not released from the follicles of the ovaries.
The most common cause of ovulatory dysfunction is a polycystic ovarian syndrome, PCOS. Other potential causes of irregular or absent ovulation are obesity, too low body weight, extreme exercise, hyperprolactinemia, premature ovarian failure, advanced maternal age, thyroid dysfunction, stress.
Treatment for primary ovarian insufficiency usually focuses on the problems that arise from estrogen deficiency. Your doctor might recommend: Estrogen therapy. Estrogen therapy can help prevent osteoporosis as well as relieve hot flashes and other symptoms of estrogen deficiency.