Therefore women with irregular menses should have their prolactin measured regardless of whether or not they have galactorrhea. Stress, whether that be emotional or physical, can affect ovulation. We now know that the higher brain centers that ultimately control ovarian function can be inhibited by various hormones and neurotransmitters that are released in response to stress. The stress could be due to a recent systemic illness or could be psychologic in origin, i.e. recent death in the family, job change, divorce, etc. The ovulatory dysfunction generally resolves when the stress resolves.
Weight changes can also disrupt ovulation.
This can either be a recent weight gain or weight loss. Women who engage in intense aerobic exercise, i.e. running, can disrupt ovulation by mechanisms that are not clearly understood. The problem usually resolves when the level of exercise is decreased.