Women's Health: Hormones, Fertility & Common Concerns

Missing periods, heavy bleeding, mood swings, or trouble conceiving? Those are common reasons women look for answers—and they usually trace back to hormones, cycles, or infections. This page pulls practical, easy-to-use information about ovulation, PCOS, progesterone, contraception options like Provera, and how STIs can affect fertility. No fluff—just clear steps you can use when talking to your clinician or making daily choices.

Ovulation, Anovulatory Cycles and PCOS

Ovulation is more than a fertility signal: it affects bone health, mood, and long-term heart risk. Not ovulating (anovulation) can be caused by stress, extreme dieting, thyroid problems, or conditions like PCOS. With PCOS you’ll often see irregular cycles, acne, and weight issues tied to insulin resistance. Simple checks to start: track your cycle for three months, note basal body temperature or ovulation test results, and bring this log to your provider.

If insulin resistance is involved, small changes help: aim for steady carbs, include protein and fiber at meals, and add moderate exercise like brisk walking 3–5 times weekly. For many women with PCOS, even a 5–10% weight drop improves cycles. Medical options range from metformin for insulin issues to fertility meds when pregnancy is the goal. Your doctor will tailor choices to your symptoms and plans.

Hormones, Meds and Sexual Health

Progesterone matters. It balances estrogen, supports the luteal phase after ovulation, and helps prepare the uterus for pregnancy. Low progesterone can cause spotting, short luteal phase, or difficulty keeping a pregnancy. Testing mid-luteal progesterone or discussing symptoms with your clinician gives clear next steps. Hormone replacement or short-term progesterone courses are options in some cases.

Provera (medroxyprogesterone) is commonly used to regulate periods, treat abnormal bleeding, or as part of contraception plans. It can stop heavy bleeding quickly and reset a cycle, but some women notice mood changes, bloating, or spotting. Ask about duration, side effects, and alternatives—like combined oral contraceptives—if you want a different balance between bleeding control and side effects.

Sexual health ties directly to fertility. Untreated STIs such as chlamydia or gonorrhea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and scar the fallopian tubes. That raises the risk of infertility. Get regular screening if you're sexually active with new or multiple partners, use condoms, and consider HPV vaccination if you haven’t had it. Early treatment prevents long-term problems.

Practical next steps: keep a cycle diary, get basic hormone and STI tests if symptoms exist, ask your clinician about insulin testing for PCOS, and discuss contraceptive choices if bleeding or pregnancy timing matters. Small, specific actions give you control—and better conversations with your healthcare team.