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Fertility Glossary

Oligomenorrhoea

Infrequent menstrual periods, usually occurring more than 35 days apart, often reflecting irregular ovulation.

Female fertility

Oligomenorrhoea means infrequent menstrual periods, generally spaced more than about 35 days apart. It is commonly seen with conditions that disrupt regular ovulation, such as PCOS, thyroid disorders, or raised prolactin, and can reduce the number of fertile cycles per year. Evaluation usually includes hormone blood tests and ultrasound to identify an underlying cause, since treatment of oligomenorrhoea in the context of infertility depends on what is driving the irregular cycles.

Also known as: infrequent periods, irregular periods

Sources

  • ICMR Standard Treatment Workflows (icmr.gov.in/standard-treatment-workflows-stws)
  • Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (fogsi.org)

Last reviewed: 9 September 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only — always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.

Related terms

Amenorrhoea

The absence of menstrual periods, which can be a normal life stage or a sign of an underlying condition.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

A common hormonal condition causing irregular ovulation, and often excess androgens and polycystic-appearing ovaries.

Anovulatory infertility

Infertility caused by absent or infrequent ovulation, one of the most common and treatable causes.

Menstrual cycle

The monthly hormonal cycle that prepares the body for pregnancy.

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