Low Ovarian Reserve

You may have often heard the term Low ovarian reserve or Poor ovarian reserve, but what does it mean? Let’s dive deeper into understanding this important aspect of fertility. Low ovarian reserve as the term demonstrates reduced quantity and quality of eggs in a woman’s ovaries, can impact women’s ability to conceive. Recognizing its signs and symptoms, as well as understanding how it is diagnosed, is crucial for those planning their reproductive journey. Dr Chinmay Pataki, one of the best gynaecologist and IVF specialists in Mumbai at Isha Women’s Hospital shares his expertise to guide individuals navigating this important phase of their lives.

What is a Low Ovarian Reserve?

Low ovarian reserve refers to a condition where the number of eggs in a woman’s ovaries is significantly lower than expected for her age. The ovaries naturally hold a finite number of eggs from birth, and this reserve gradually decreases over time. While it is normal for an ovarian reserve to decline as part of the ageing process, some women experience a more rapid or premature depletion, leading to fertility challenges.
In addition to a reduced egg count, the quality of the eggs also declines, which is critical for achieving a healthy pregnancy. This condition is particularly concerning for women trying to conceive, as both the quantity and quality of eggs play vital roles in successful fertilization and implantation.

Signs of Low Ovarian Reserve

Low ovarian reserve often develops gradually, and while some women may not notice any symptoms, the following signs could indicate the condition:

Irregular or Short Menstrual Cycles: Cycles shorter than 21 days or inconsistent periods can be an early sign.
Difficulty Conceiving: Struggling to conceive despite trying for 6–12 months may point to reduced ovarian function.
Hormonal Changes: Elevated follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) or low anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels detected during fertility tests.
Decreased Menstrual Flow: Lighter or scantier periods than earlier cycles.
Early Menopausal Symptoms: Experiencing hot flashes, night sweats, irritability, or mood swings at a younger age.
Family History of Early Menopause: Previous family history of early menopause or infertility indicates the possibility of low ovarian reserve as a hereditary sign.
Pelvic Pain or History of Medical Conditions: Endometriosis or ovarian surgeries that may have affected ovarian health.

If you notice any of these signs, consulting an expert fertility specialist promptly can help assess your ovarian reserve and guide your next steps. Dr Chinmay Pataki at Isha Women’s Hospital is one of the best fertility specialists and skilled sonologist in Kalyan-Dombivali, equipped with one of the most advanced sonography machines for accurate diagnosis and personalized care.

Causes of Low Ovarian Reserve

The causes of low ovarian reserve can vary, including:

Ageing: The most common cause, as egg quantity and quality naturally decline with age, especially after 35.
Genetic Factors: Conditions like Turner syndrome, fragile X premutation, or a family history of early menopause.
Medical Treatments: Chemotherapy, radiation, or ovarian surgeries can damage ovarian tissue.
Endometriosis: A condition that can affect ovarian health and reduce the number of viable eggs.
Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, obesity, and exposure to environmental toxins can accelerate egg loss.
Idiopathic Causes: In some cases, the cause remains unknown, but the impact on fertility is evident.

Diagnosis:

Accurate diagnosis of low ovarian reserve involves a combination of medical history, physical exams, and specialized tests:

Medical History: Evaluation of menstrual cycle patterns, family history of early menopause, or any prior surgeries or treatments affecting the ovaries.
Blood Tests:
- Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH): Low levels indicate reduced ovarian reserve.
- Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): Elevated FSH levels on day 3 of the menstrual cycle suggest diminished ovarian function.
Antral Follicle Count (AFC): A transvaginal ultrasound counts the small follicles in the ovaries, reflecting the number of remaining eggs.
Ovarian Volume: Ultrasound measurement of the size of the ovaries, as smaller ovaries may correlate with reduced reserve.

Treatment Options

While low ovarian reserve can be challenging, various treatment options are available to improve the chances of conception:

Lifestyle Modifications: Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including balanced nutrition and stress management, can enhance overall fertility.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): IVF remains one of the most effective treatments, especially when combined with advanced techniques like ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection).
Fertility Preservation: Women diagnosed early can opt for egg freezing to preserve their fertility for the future.

Dr. Chinmay Pataki, the best IVF specialist in Thane, strongly advises patients with low ovarian reserve to take immediate action to preserve their fertility. He recommends opting for fertility preservation through either egg freezing or creating embryos and freezing them. For creating embryos, ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) would be the most effective option in such conditions, ensuring the best chances of future conception.

Conclusion

At Isha Women’s Hospital, Dr Chinmay Pataki and his team understand the emotional and physical challenges of fertility issues. The state-of-the-art facilities at Isha Women’s Hospital with advanced diagnostic tools, and personalized care plans ensure that every patient receives the best possible support. Under the guidance of Dr. Chinmay Pataki, we aim to provide hope and solutions tailored to individual needs.
If you suspect low ovarian reserve or are facing difficulties conceiving, don’t wait to seek expert advice.
Contact Isha Women’s Hospital to schedule a consultation and begin your journey toward parenthood.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is low ovarian reserve?
Ans - It means the quantity and quality of a woman’s eggs are lower than expected for her age.
2. What causes it?
Ans - Aging, genetics, surgeries, chemotherapy, endometriosis, or unknown factors.
3. What are the symptoms?
Ans - Often no symptoms, but may include irregular periods or difficulty conceiving.
4. How is it diagnosed?
Ans - With tests like AMH levels, AFC (Antral Follicle Count), and FSH blood test.
5. Can it be treated?
Ans - Yes—IVF, egg stimulation protocols, or egg donation can help improve pregnancy chances.