Ovulation is a phase in the menstrual cycle. It is the process in which a mature egg is released from the ovary. This occurs for most people once a month where a woman gets one egg release during each cycle.
During ovulation the FSH, follicle-stimulating hormone, stimulates follicle growth. After that the FSH levels start to fall and only the dominant follicle survives. The dominant follicle starts to release estradiol which is a hormone that makes luteinizing hormone, which then leads to an egg. When there are more FSH levels released or the FSH levels don’t decrease this can lead to more than one follicle, which can result in more than one egg. This is called hyperovulation.
Hyperovulation occurs when one ovary releases more than one egg, or both ovaries release eggs. This is also called multiple ovulation. Two ovulations happen. Either one egg from each ovary, or two eggs from a single ovary. This can happen simultaneously or occur 2-3 days apart. It is the most common reason for fraternal twins. Fraternal twins are when two separate eggs are fertilized. Identical twins happen when one egg is fertilized and splits into two fetuses.
Signs & Symptoms of Hyperovulation
You cannot know if you have hyperovulation unless you are checked with an ultrasound. Some women though state that they experience more vaginal discharge that is white, and stretchy than usual. Increased pain has also been a noted symptom of hyperovulation.
You cannot predict if you will hyperovulate or not. In one study it was shown that 31% of women have had at least one occurrence of hyperovulation. It is hard to track how common it is though, since there are no signs unless you are checked by an ultrasound.
Causes of Hyperovulation
There are multiple causes of hyperovulation.
Genetics can play a part. This is why fraternal twins tend to run in families.
Some women may have naturally higher levels of FSH, which can lead to hyperovulation.
Being over the age of 30 can also play a role. As you age your FSH levels rise.
Having PCOS, poly cystic ovarian syndrome, can also cause hyperovulation. PCOS can cause you to miss a period. Then the next month your ovaries may hyperovulate to make up for the missed period.
Being on fertility medication can also raise the chance of hyperovulation. That is why it is so common for people who take IVF to have multiples.
Natural remedies such as cassava, a starchy-root vegetable native to South America, have also been shown to increase chances of hyperovulation.
Other foods that can boost ovulation or cause the body to release more than one egg are tofu, soy isoflavones, whole grains, and whole wheat.
Some women who have miscarried have a higher likelihood of hyperovulating, and can get pregnant within 2 weeks of miscarrying.
Stopping hormonal birth control can also cause hyperovulation. Some hormonal birth control medications stop ovulation from occurring, so coming off of that can cause your body to produce more of the hormones.
Hyperovulation Complications
Hyperovulation can lead to multiple pregnancies. Multiple pregnancies have some complications that can occur with them. They can be straining on the mother and babies. Multiple pregnancies can lead to premature labor and birth. This can be hard on the babies because they are born before all their organs are developed.
Multiple pregnancies can also cause gestational hypertension and anemia in the mother. Gestational hypertension increases the blood pressure in the mom, and can raise the risk of placenta abruption.
Vanishing twin syndrome is also a complication of hyperovulation. This is when two fetuses are detected, but one of them vanishes in the first trimester. Bleeding doesn’t always occur with this syndrome.
Takeaway
Hyperovulation can occur due to genetics, PCOS, IVF, or coming off of hormonal birth control. When hyperovulation occurs it can lead to multiple pregnancies. It is the most common reason for fraternal twins. Though it is not the only way that twins can be conceived. Hyperovulation occurs when both ovaries release an egg or more than one egg is released by a single ovary in a 2-3 day period.
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Hyperovulation can lead to multiple pregnancies! It is the most common reason for fraternal twins. #HealthSurgeon
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Sources:
https://www.icliniq.com/articles/womens-health/multiple-ovulation-or-hyperovulation
https://www.pristyncare.com/blog/what-to-do-to-have-twin-pregnancy-pc0101/#:~:text=Hyperovulation%2Dstimulating%20foods%3A%20There%20are,whole%20grains%2C%20and%20whole%20wheat.
https://www.naturalcycles.com/cyclematters/what-is-ovulation-and-when-will-i-ovulate#:~:text=What%20is%20hyperovulation%3F,being%20released%20from%20the%20ovaries.
https://flo.health/getting-pregnant/trying-to-conceive/fertility/hyperovulation
https://www.miracare.com/blog/can-you-ovulate-twice-in-the-same-cycle/
https://trimestertalk.com/signs-hyperovulation/
https://www.mybump2baby.com/symptoms-of-hyperovulation/