What Is Anovulation and How to Force Ovulation Naturally?

Ovulation is a phase in the female menstrual cycle when an ovary releases an egg. The male sperm fertilizes this egg to give birth to a new life, making ovulation an essential step in achieving conception.

However, in some women, ovulation or egg release from the ovary doesn't occur. This condition is called anovulation, and it can occur for several reasons [1]. There are medical ways to induce ovulation, like with the administration of drugs and hormones, but it is not a preferred choice for many women. Women with this condition often look for how to force ovulation naturally.

Importance of Ovulation in the Female Cycle

Ovulation occurs in the middle of the menstrual cycle and can be considered as the most important phase of the cycle. Every month, the ovaries work to develop follicles, which are tiny sacs that contain an immature egg. During ovulation, one of these follicles matures and releases an egg into the fallopian tube [2].

The egg awaits sperm cells in the fallopian tube for fertilization. When a sperm cell fertilizes the egg, the fertilized egg travels to the uterus where it implants into the uterine wall.

If a woman's body doesn't produce a mature egg, she cannot conceive. Additionally, the factors that stop ovulation can also harm her overall reproductive health in other ways.

Anovulation and Its Causes

Anovulation is when the ovaries do not release an egg during a menstrual cycle. It can happen occasionally but can also become a chronic problem in some women. Bleeding can occur during anovulatory cycles, even though there's no ovulation, and this type of bleeding is often called abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) [3].

Here are some common factors that can cause anovulation:

1. Hormonal Imbalances

Different fertility hormones, including estrogen, progesterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), regulate different phases of the female menstrual cycle [4]. Problems with these hormones can disrupt the normal menstrual cycle and lead to anovulation.

2. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Studies show that polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common causes of anovulation [5]. In PCOS, the ovaries produce excess androgens — male hormones, which can interfere with the formation and release of eggs in the ovaries. Women with PCOS may experience irregular or absent periods, which makes conception challenging.

3. Weight Issues

Both being overweight and underweight can disturb the normal menstrual cycle. Excess body fat can lead to increased levels of estrogen and disrupt the cycle. On the other hand, too little body fat can result in a drop in estrogen, which also negatively impacts menstrual regularity and can lead to anovulation.

4. Excessive Exercise

Intense physical activity can put stress on the reproductive system, leading to hormonal imbalances. It can also reduce body fat to a level that interferes with normal hormone production. Through these effects, excessive exercise can contribute to anovulation.

5. Stress

Emotional or physical stress can interfere with the release of hormones that regulate ovulation. Stress triggers the release of the cortisol hormone, which is known to disrupt menstrual regularity.

If you're wondering about the reasons behind having regular periods but not ovulating, you might find our article on "Why Am I Not Ovulating but Having Periods?" a helpful read.

How to Make Yourself Ovulate Naturally?

While there are medical treatments available to restore ovulation, they may not be suitable for everyone. Also, many women prefer natural ways to restore or support ovulation before turning to medical treatments.

Some effective ways for how to make yourself ovulate naturally include:

1. Dietary Improvements

A healthy diet and proper nutrition can support female fertility health and can make a big difference in hormonal balance and ovulation. For example, a fiber-rich diet can help you lose weight and improve conditions like PCOS, both of which are associated with anovulation.

When planning your diet, choose whole grains, fruits, and vegetables over processed foods. These foods are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support hormonal function and overall reproductive health.

2. Consider Natural Supplements

You can take female fertility supplements, like Ovulation Support by Conceive Plus, to complement a healthy diet and lifestyle. These supplements contain a wide range of nutrients that are scientifically proven to be beneficial for improving female fertility and supporting regular ovulation [6].

These nutrients include myoinositol, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and other antioxidants like Coenzyme Q10. However, before starting any supplement, always talk with your healthcare provider to ensure it is right for you.

3. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is critical for a regular menstrual cycle and ovulation. If you are underweight, gaining weight gradually through increased calorie intake can help restore normal ovulation. Make sure you get additional calories from nutritional sources.

On the other hand, if you are overweight, even a loss of 5-10% of body weight can significantly improve fertility health and promote regular ovulation. You can achieve weight loss through moderate exercises and dietary modifications.

4. Avoid Alcohol and Substance Abuse

Avoiding alcohol and substance abuse can improve fertility and help restore ovulation in many ways. Alcohol can disrupt hormone levels, causing problems like anovulation or irregular ovulation. Substance abuse also harms reproductive health and lowers the chances of conception. Quitting these harmful habits helps balance hormones, supports regular menstrual cycles, and improves overall fertility.

5. Manage stress

Chronic stress can negatively impact the hormones needed for ovulation. You can manage stress with relaxation techniques like meditation and deep breathing exercises. Also, getting adequate sleep and consulting a professional can significantly help relieve stress and create a sense of happiness.

If you're curious about effective methods to track your ovulation and pinpoint the best time to conceive, be sure to check out our article on "How Do You Track Ovulation and Find the Best Time to Conceive" for more details.

The Bottom Line

Ovulation is when the female body releases a ready-to-be-fertilized egg. Without ovulation, there is no egg available for fertilization, making conception impossible. There can be several reasons why a female body doesn't produce eggs, including health conditions, poor diet, and an unhealthy lifestyle.

A common question women ask in such cases is how to force ovulation naturally. Improving fertility health can promote regular ovulation in the body. Dietary and lifestyle adjustments are natural ways to boost fertility and restore ovulation, increasing the chances of conception.

Resources Used

1. Hamilton-Fairley, D., & Taylor, A. (2003). Anovulation. BMJ : British Medical Journal, 327(7414), 546. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.327.7414.546 
2. Holesh, J. E., Bass, A. N., & Lord, M. (2023b, May 1). Physiology, ovulation. StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441996/ 
3. Davis, E., & Sparzak, P. B. (2025, January 21). Abnormal uterine bleeding. StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532913/ 
4. Thiyagarajan, D. K., Basit, H., & Jeanmonod, R. (2024, September 27). Physiology, menstrual cycle. StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK500020/ 
5. Balen, A. H., & Rutherford, A. J. (2007). Managing anovulatory infertility and polycystic ovary syndrome. BMJ : British Medical Journal, 335(7621), 663. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.39335.462303.80 
6. Skoracka, K., Ratajczak, A. E., Rychter, A. M., Dobrowolska, A., & Krela-Kaźmierczak, I. (2021b). Female fertility and the nutritional approach: the most essential aspects. Advances in Nutrition, 12(6), 2372–2386. https://doi.org/10.1093/advances/nmab068