This is the commonest cause of female infertility.

Common Causes

• Polycystic Ovaries
• Excess production of the hormone Prolactin.
• Disturbances involving the thyroid gland and the adrenal glands.
• Recent excessive gain or loss of weight
• Severe stress
• Premature menopause which affects 1-2% of women below the age 40 years.
• Age>38-40 yrs
• Lack of hormones released from the pituitary gland or hypothalamus.
• Tumor (growth).
• Ovaries absent from birth, surgically removed, or damaged by radiotherapy/chemotherapy as treatment for cancer.

This is defined as either a defect of progesterone hormone secretion after ovulation or a defect in the response of the lining of the womb to it. This results in an inadequate preparation of the lining of the womb for embryo implantation. It is estimated that luteal phase defects affect 3-20% of infertile women.