Diminished Ovarian Reserve
Understanding and planning around a reduced egg reserve.
Decreased ovarian reserve is a condition where a woman's ovaries contain fewer eggs than expected for her age, or the remaining eggs are of lower quality. This can make conceiving naturally more difficult and raises the likelihood of needing assisted reproduction. It typically occurs with age, but can also result from certain medical treatments such as chemotherapy, or from underlying health conditions. Early detection through hormone testing and ovarian reserve assessment helps clarify fertility potential and treatment options.
Symptoms
Irregular menstrual cycles
Difficulty conceiving
Increased FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) levels
Decreased AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) levels
Poor response to ovarian stimulation during fertility treatment
Premature-menopause-like symptoms (hot flashes, mood swings) at a younger age
Fewer visible follicles on ultrasound
Common Fears & Concerns
It's natural to have questions and concerns. Here are some our patients often share with us:
Difficulty conceiving naturally
Concern about the quality of remaining eggs and miscarriage risk
Pressure around a shrinking reproductive timeline
Emotional stress and anxiety around uncertain fertility
Financial strain from possible multiple treatment cycles
Difficult decisions around timing or egg freezing
Strain on relationships
Broader worry about what a diminished reserve signals for overall health
Related Treatments
IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation)
Fertilisation of the egg and sperm outside the body, with the resulting embryo transferred to the uterus.
Egg Freezing
Cryopreservation of unfertilised eggs for future use.