Ovulatory dysfunctions can adversely affect fertility or may even cause Infertility in females, and treatment for this depends upon the cause. Anovulation (absent ovulation) is mostly treated with fertility drugs, but sometimes ovulation is disturbed due to Stress, sickness or a change in daily routine or lifestyle. In such cases, changing one’s lifestyle may help regularize or increase ovulation cycles.

Women finding it tough to get pregnant due to ovulation issues can also try certain natural fertility enhancing options like herbs and home remedies, such as the ones mentioned below. However, there is no concrete research that proves the effectiveness of all such remedies in treating all cases of ovulation. Therefore, it is advisable to use these remedies as complementary treatment alongside medical treatment.

Evening primrose

1) Herbs
Herbs can be taken in the form of capsules, oils, supplements or as teas boiled in water. Some herbs which may be helpful in regulating ovulation and menstrual cycles by balancing hormone production and hormone levels include - evening primrose oil, flaxseed oil, chaste berry or vitex supplements, Unkei-to, green tea and dong quai.

Tips: Herbs may have side-effects. Usage and dose must be discussed with a healthcare professional before use.

2) Diet
Research indicates that diet can adversely affect ovulation. However, proper diet and exercise can effectively solve these issues and benefit women trying to conceive. Below listed are diet tips for women with ovulation problems.

Steer clear from French fries, fried food, margarine, doughnut and other trans-fat high foods.

Avoid refined carbohydrates like white bread / pasta / rice, potatoes. Also foods which are high in sugar like soda or breakfast cereal (with high sugar content).

Consume carbohydrates which get digested slowly, for example, whole grain bread, brown rice, brown pasta etc.

Have more of proteins from vegetables, rather than animal proteins. Example, have more rich lentils and beans and less meat, chicken, turkey etc. Fish and eggs too are a better choice than red meat.

Consume at least 55 mg of iron daily from foods like, raisin bran cereal, kidney beans, chickpeas, tofu, green leafy vegetables, watermelon etc.

Have a daily serving of dairy products (full-fat) like milk, yogurt and cheese.