Lack of adequate ovulation may be responsible for up to 40% of women with infertility

Ovulation occurs on a regular basis in women that menstruate at intervals between twenty-three and thirty-four days, says UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown, who specialises in pre-conceptual care, fertility and pregnancy.

Any menstrual cycle length below or above this range is frequently associated with anovulation (i.e lack of ovulation). There are various conditions that can result in anovulation in women including polycystic ovarian disease (PCOS), advanced reproductive age, hypo or hyperthyroidism, elevated levels of the hormone prolactin production, physical and emotional stress, the use of certain medications, in particular medications associated with an increase in Prolactin production and neurotransmitter alteration.

Altering your diet can help with anovulation in many cases by balancing hormone levels, says UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown, and by reducing internal stressors on the body. For example, stress can contribute to high prolactin levels and certain foods or drinks can increase stress such as caffeinated products – coffee, tea, chocolate – eating unrefined carbohydrates such as white rice and bread and insufficient fruit and vegetables (which is very low according to the Foods Standards agency with the vast majority of us not meeting the basic 5 a day principle).

To find out more, contact UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown Dip.ION (mBANT), specialist in pre-conceptual care, fertility and pregnancy care in the city of London, EC2.