Low Ovarian Reserve
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Low ovarian reserve (LOR), also known as diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), refers to a condition where a woman has a lower-than-expected number of eggs or decreased egg quality compared to others her age. This can make it more challenging to conceive naturally.
• Natural aging: Egg quality and quantity naturally decline with age, starting around the late 20s and accelerating in the 30s and 40s.
• Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions like endometriosis, autoimmune diseases, and previous surgeries on the ovaries can affect ovarian reserve.
• Genetic factors: Some genetic disorders or family history of early menopause can contribute to LOR.
• Irregular or infrequent periods: This can be an early sign of LOR, as the follicles in the ovaries are not maturing and releasing eggs consistently.
• Difficulty getting pregnant: While not everyone with LOR struggles with conception, it can take longer to achieve pregnancy naturally compared to women with normal ovarian reserve.
• Hot flashes and other menopause: like symptoms: In some cases, LOR can lead to early menopause or perimenopause symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness.
• Hormonal tests: Blood tests to measure anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels can indicate remaining egg quantity and quality.
• Pelvic ultrasound: To assess the number of follicles in the ovaries.
• Lifestyle changes: Maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress, and avoiding smoking can improve overall health and potentially impact fertility.
• Ovulation induction medications: These medications can stimulate ovulation and improve egg quality in some cases.
• Intrauterine insemination (IUI): Combining ovulation induction with IUI can increase the chances of sperm reaching the egg for fertilization.
• In vitro fertilization (IVF): IVF bypasses the fallopian tubes by directly fertilizing an egg in the laboratory and then transferring the embryo to the uterus. IVF success rates with own eggs may be lower with LOR, but using donor eggs can offer higher chances of pregnancy.
Receiving a diagnosis of LOR can be emotionally challenging. It's important to remember that many women with LOR still achieve pregnancy, and various options are available to support fertility goals. Seeking support from loved ones, connecting with fertility support groups, and exploring different treatment options can help individuals and couples navigate their journey.