The participant should understand which treatment options are appropriate for which patient. Introduction Oligomenorrhea can be defined as irregular menstrual bleeding which does not fit the strict criteria for amenorrhea. It is typically associated with anovulatory cycles, which may be caused by a variety of clinical conditions. In some regards, oligomenorrhea could be viewed as a preface to amenorrhea and there is certainly overlap in the differential diagnosis for both. If this is the case, oligomenorrhea may also be viewed as sporadic anovulation.
Normal ovulation requires coordination of the reproductive system at all levels.
As with all bodily functions, the central nervous system initiates reproductive function and ultimately the hypothalamus responds with GnRH pulses. The GnRH pulses are delivered through the portal system to the anterior pituitary which responds with gonadotropin secretion. The gonadotropins stimulate ovarian folliculogenesis and steroid production which in turn culminates in ovulation. Ovarian steroid production prepares the endometrium for implantation, and if pregnancy does not occur, then endometrial withdrawal results. In some respects, menses can be viewed as a reproductive failure.