Diminished Ovarian Reserve: Meaning, Symptoms, and Treatments

Posted by Dr. (Mrs.) Manisha Mehta on

Imagine finally finding time and stability for parenthood, only to discover that time might be moving faster than expected in terms of fertility.  For millions of professional women globally, the concept of Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR) is a bitter reality.

For those who don’t know, DOR is a female reproductive health deficiency characterized by fewer eggs in the ovarian follicles than age-appropriate norms. This affects reproduction and increases the degree of difficulty in bearing children. Though the ovarian reserves decline with age naturally, DOR can also affect females in their 20s and 30s. 

Apex Hospital - trusted for IVF treatment in India - decided to write an extensive guide on Diminished Ovarian Reserve and empower women with the right information so that they can access right treatment plans. 

Read on!

Let’s first explore the causes of diminished ovarian reserve!

Causes of Diminished Ovarian Reserve

Diminished ovarian reserve can result from various factors, including:

Age: Women are born with a finite number of eggs, and the same number decreases throughout their lifetime. Egg quality and quantity begin to decline after 35 years of age.

Genetics: Certain genetic disorders like Turner syndrome and Fragile X syndrome are associated with DOR.

Medical Treatments: The ovaries may lose their reserve due to medical treatments like chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or any procedure that may involve the ovaries.

Lifestyle Factors: Habits like smoking, obesity, and alcoholism may also result in a decreased ovarian reserve.

Autoimmune Conditions: Sometimes, the body may attempt to protect itself by initiating an immune response against the ovaries thereby reducing egg quantity and quality.

Now that we are familiar with the main causes of this reproductive condition, let’s talk about the symptoms of diminished ovarian reserve.

Symptoms of diminished ovarian reserve

DOR often remains secret until a woman tries to conceive. However, there are subtle symptoms that may signal a reduced ovarian reserve:

Irregular Menstrual Cycles: Women suffering from diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) may struggle with regular periods as the body fails to consistently release eggs. 

Decreased menstrual Flow: Women with menstrual cycles that are shorter than normal or much lighter than normal should be suspected of DOR.

Difficulty Conceiving: One of the most prominent symptoms, especially in women who are below thirty-five years. Not being able to conceive a baby for more than one year can be a sign of DOR.

Hormonal Imbalances: Fluctuation in estrogen levels could trigger hot flashes, irritability, and night sweats, which are similar to symptoms in the perimenopausal periods. 

It’s important to note that these symptoms can overlap with other conditions. Hence, proper diagnosis by a healthcare provider is essential.

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Diagnosing Diminished Ovarian Reserve

Healthcare providers use several tests to diagnose Diminished Ovarian Reserve, including:

Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) Test: AMH is a hormone known to be secreted by the ovarian follicles and lower levels of this hormone indicate reduced ovarian reserve.

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Test: Increased levels of FSH especially on the third day of the menstrual cycle is often associated with reduced egg quality and quantity.

Antral Follicle Count (AFC): An ultrasound is used to count the number of small follicles present in the ovary, giving an idea of ovarian reserve. 

Estradiol Levels: The level of estrogen (estradiol levels) are measured together with FSH levels to evaluate the ovarian reserve.

These tests give doctors a comprehensive view of ovarian function, helping them recommend appropriate treatments.

Treatment Options for Diminished Ovarian Reserve

While there is no way to increase the number of eggs a woman has, several treatments can help manage DOR and improve the chances of conception:

Lifestyle Modifications

Diet and Exercise: A balanced diet rich in antioxidants can improve overall health, and subsequently boost the quality of eggs. Broccoli, spinach, carrots, potatoes, wild blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are high in antioxidants. 

Exercise: By improving overall health, a good workout routine can reduce the chances of Diminished Ovarian Reserves. Go to the gym, start running, or play sports for maximum benefits.

Stress management: Modern women live highly stressful lives and the same something impacts their fertility. Indulge in stress management practices like yoga, meditation, and leisurely walks.

Fertility Medications

Ovarian Stimulation: Medications like Clomiphene (Clomid) or injectable gonadotropins stimulate the ovaries to produce several eggs, which may increase the chances of conceiving.

Hormone Therapy: Sometimes, physicians prescribe hormone therapy to help normalize the hormonal levels and the effects of the symptoms caused by DOR.

Supplements and Alternative Therapies

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): Various research claims that CoQ10 might help increase the quality of eggs as well as improve the functionality of mitochondria in the ovaries.

Acupuncture: Although not scientifically proven, acupuncture is believed to facilitate blood circulation to the ovaries and ease stress thereby enhancing fertility.

Herbal Supplements: Some herbal supplements, such as DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), are sometimes prescribed for improving ovarian functionality. 

Note: Always consult a certified fertility specialist before taking any supplement or alternative treatment.

Emotional and Psychological Support

Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR) can be psychologically disturbing due to its effects on women’s reproductive health. Turning towards fertility counselors, attending support networks, and communicating with family and friends are often considered helpful in this phase. 

A lot of women in the West fight the emotional battle of DOR by talking to women who are or have gone through the same situation but in India, similar support networks are missing. 

Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): IVF is often considered one of the most effective treatments for DOR. This process involves retrieving eggs from the ovaries, fertilizing the egg by performing in vitro, and then implanting the embryo into the uterus of women with DOR.  Since DOR patients possess a lower number of reserve eggs, multiple cycles of IVF may be necessary for such patients. 

Egg Donation: In severe cases of DOR, women also opt for egg donation, which is referred to as the fertilization of a healthy donor egg, and implantation of the fertilized embryos in the recipient’s uterus. Apex Hospital has a government-approved facility for egg and sperm donation. Read egg donation FAQs to learn more.

Ovarian rejuvenation: The use of PRP therapy for improving ovarian health is fast gaining popularity. The practices revitalize the ovaries and help them achieve better fertility.   

Why Choose Apex Hospital for IVF Treatment?

Apex Hospital stands out as a leading choice for IVF treatment for DOR in India due to its commitment to quality care, advanced technology, and personalized patient support. Here’s why Apex Hospital is the ideal choice:

Experienced Specialists: Our team of highly skilled fertility specialists brings almost 2 decades of experience in IVF techniques.

Cutting-Edge Technology: Equipped with the most advanced IVF laboratories and the latest medical technology to ensure the best success rates.

Personalized Treatment Plans: We customize each treatment plan based on the unique needs and medical history of our patients.

Transparent Pricing: With clear and affordable pricing, we make IVF treatment accessible without hidden costs.

Proven Success Rates: Apex Hospital has a strong record of successful IVF treatments, making it a trusted choice for hopeful parents.

Diminished Ovarian Reserve: Endnotes

Diminished ovarian reserve requires timely medical attention and emotional support. While this condition is affecting more and more women every year, there are numerous ways to overcome the same. Understanding the symptoms and early diagnosis is key to smooth recovery and parent experience.

In case you plan to become a mother, and are coming across obstacles, we recommend dropping us a message on Whatsapp or calling us at  91680-39000. Our fertility doctors are here to answer all your questions!

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