What is Diminished Ovarian Reserve?
Think of your ovaries as a bank account for eggs. Over time, withdrawals happen naturally, but when the balance drops too low too soon, it’s called Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR). This means a woman has fewer eggs left, and their quality might not be ideal, making conception trickier than usual.
Who Can Have Diminished Ovarian Reserve?
DOR typically affects women in their late 30s and 40s, but here’s the twist—it can happen earlier too! Certain medical conditions, lifestyle factors, or treatments like chemotherapy can fast-track ovarian aging, leading to a lower egg count even in younger women.
Types of Diminished Ovarian Reserve
Not all DOR cases are the same. Here are the three main types:
- Primary DOR: The natural decline of egg quantity and quality due to aging.
- Secondary DOR: Triggered by external factors like surgeries, chemotherapy, or radiation that damage ovarian function.
- Occult DOR: A silent player—menstrual cycles seem normal, but fertility tests reveal a low ovarian reserve.
What Causes Diminished Ovarian Reserve?
Several factors can contribute to the premature depletion of egg reserves:
- Aging: The number one reason! As women age, their ovarian reserve naturally decreases.
- Genetics: Some women are simply born with fewer eggs or have a genetic tendency for early ovarian aging.
- Medical Treatments: Chemotherapy, radiation, and ovarian surgeries can harm egg production.
- Autoimmune Disorders: The body mistakenly attacks ovarian tissue, reducing egg count.
- Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, excessive alcohol, and drug use speed up egg depletion.
- Environmental Toxins: Exposure to certain chemicals and pollutants may contribute to ovarian aging.
Symptoms of Diminished Ovarian Reserve
DOR can be a sneaky condition, showing no obvious symptoms at first. But as it progresses, some signs might appear:
- Irregular or shorter menstrual cycles
- Difficulty getting pregnant
- Weaker premenstrual symptoms (like less bloating or mood swings)
- Poor response to fertility treatments like IVF
Does Diminished Ovarian Reserve Affect Fertility?
Unfortunately, yes. With fewer eggs available, the chances of natural conception drop. Egg quality also plays a huge role, and a lower reserve increases the likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities, which can lead to miscarriages or failed pregnancies.
How is Diminished Ovarian Reserve Diagnosed?
If you’re struggling to conceive, fertility specialists may run tests to check your ovarian reserve, including:
- Hormone Testing: Blood tests to measure FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone), LH, Estradiol, and AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) levels.
- Antral Follicle Count (AFC): An ultrasound scan to count the small follicles in your ovaries—fewer follicles mean a lower reserve.
- Ovarian Reserve Assessment: Evaluating menstrual cycle patterns and levels of Inhibin B, a hormone that indicates ovarian function.
Treatment Options for Diminished Ovarian Reserve
While there’s no magic pill to restore egg count, several treatments can boost your chances of conception:
- In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): Stimulates the ovaries to retrieve multiple eggs for fertilization and implantation.
- Egg Donation: Using eggs from a younger, healthy donor significantly increases pregnancy success rates.
- Pre-implantation Genetic Testing (PGT): Screens embryos for chromosomal abnormalities before implantation to improve pregnancy success.
- Ovarian Rejuvenation (Experimental): Cutting-edge techniques are being researched to improve ovarian function, though results are still inconclusive.
Final Thoughts
Diminished Ovarian Reserve can be a challenging and emotional hurdle for women trying to conceive. But with the right medical guidance and fertility treatments, there’s still hope! If you suspect DOR or are planning for pregnancy, consulting a fertility specialist early can help you explore your best options. 💕