After three cycles of attempted in vitro fertilization, Ron and Sharon adopted Michael and Melissa. Most reproductive-aged women, ages 15 to 45, have regular monthly menstrual cycles.
Some women have irregular, heavy or unusually painful menstrual periods.
There are several tests that physicians can use to evaluate the condition of the uterus and the ovaries, such as measuring hormone levels, charting basal body temperatures, viewing ultrasound and X-ray studies, or looking directly into the abdominal cavity with laparoscopy or into the uterus through hysteroscopy. An imbalance between male and female hormones can cause an excessive growth of dark, male-type hair over the face, chest, breasts and lower abdomen of a woman. The condition is called hirsutism. Measuring the hormone level helps the physician determine the cause. Treatments vary, but oral contraceptive pills frequently help women who do not want to become pregnant.