A patient who is experiencing trouble becoming pregnant reported that she has only two to three menstrual periods per year. What is an initial explanation for this problem?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer, A, is the initial explanation because irregular menstrual periods suggest infrequent ovulation, making it difficult to predict the fertile window for conception. Lack of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (B) would result in no ovulation at all. Blocked fallopian tubes (C) would prevent the egg from reaching the uterus, causing infertility. If only one ovary is functioning (D), the patient would still ovulate regularly from that ovary.