Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) means a woman’s ovaries contain fewer eggs or eggs of lower quality than expected. This condition often correlates with age but can also occur in younger women due to various factors.
Diminished Ovarian Reserve at a Glance
What is Diminished Ovarian Reserve? Diminished ovarian reserve refers to a condition where the number or quality of eggs in a woman’s ovaries is lower than expected for her age.
Impact on Fertility It reduces the likelihood of natural conception and may decrease the success rate of fertility treatments like IVF.
Common Causes Aging, genetic factors, medical treatments, and environmental influences.
Diagnostic Tests AMH levels, FSH levels, and antral follicle counts are key tools in assessing ovarian reserve.
Treatment Options Fertility preservation, ovarian stimulation, and advanced reproductive technologies, including IVF with donor eggs.
Key Causes of Diminished Ovarian Reserve
Age
The most common factor.
Genetics
Conditions like Fragile X syndrome or other chromosomal abnormalities.
Medical Treatments
Chemotherapy, radiation, or surgeries that affect ovarian health.
Lifestyle Factors
Smoking and prolonged exposure to environmental toxins.
Health Conditions
Endometriosis or autoimmune disorders.
Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Most women with diminished ovarian reserve may not experience noticeable symptoms until they struggle to conceive. Some may observe:
Irregular or shorter menstrual cycles.
Difficulty conceiving after 6-12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse.
Symptoms of hormonal changes, such as hot flashes or vaginal dryness.
Women over 35 trying to conceive for six months or more without success.
Women with known risk factors like endometriosis or a family history of early menopause.
Younger women with symptoms like irregular periods or unexplained infertility.
Diagnostic Tools for DOR
At Sakalli IVF, we utilize advanced diagnostic methods to evaluate ovarian reserve:
Antral Follicle Count: A transvaginal ultrasound measures the number of follicles in the ovaries at the beginning of the menstrual cycle. Fewer than 10 follicles may indicate diminished reserve.
Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) Test: AMH levels provide a reliable estimate of the number of eggs remaining. Low AMH levels often suggest diminished ovarian reserve.
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Test: High FSH levels on day 3 of the menstrual cycle indicate that the ovaries may be working harder than normal to stimulate egg growth, signaling reduced reserve.
Estradiol Testing: This hormone is measured alongside FSH to provide a clearer picture of ovarian function.
Treatment Options for DOR
At Sakalli IVF, we offer a range of treatments tailored to your unique needs:
Fertility Preservation
Egg Freezing Women diagnosed early with DOR can freeze eggs for future use, preserving fertility when egg quality is better.
Embryo Freezing Couples may opt to create and freeze embryos using IVF for later implantation.
Assisted Reproductive Technologies
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): Stimulates the ovaries to retrieve multiple eggs for fertilization in a lab. For women with severe DOR, donor eggs may be recommended.
Superovulation Enhanced ovulation induction to stimulate the release of multiple eggs in one cycle, increasing the chances of successful IVF.
Lifestyle and Hormonal Support
Lifestyle Changes Maintaining a healthy BMI, quitting smoking, and reducing stress can positively impact ovarian function.
Hormonal Therapies Medications to optimize ovulation and prepare the uterine lining for implantation.
Frequently Asked Questions
While DOR reduces fertility, natural conception is still possible, particularly in mild cases. Early diagnosis and intervention improve the chances.
IVF is often the most effective treatment for DOR. For severe cases, donor eggs may be recommended to optimize success rates.
Egg freezing is a proactive option for preserving fertility. Younger eggs have higher quality, increasing the likelihood of future success.
Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking, managing stress, and reducing exposure to environmental toxins can support ovarian health.
Success Stories
“After years of struggling with infertility due to diminished ovarian reserve, Sakalli IVF helped us find hope. Through personalized care and IVF with donor eggs, we welcomed our beautiful baby girl. The team’s compassion and expertise made all the difference in our journey.”
