Low ovarian reserve: what it means and what options you have

A diagnosis of low ovarian reserve can feel overwhelming.
However, it does not automatically mean pregnancy is impossible—it means fertility care must be timely and personalized.

Modern reproductive medicine offers several options for women with low ovarian reserve.

What is ovarian reserve?

Ovarian reserve refers to the number of eggs remaining in the ovaries at a given time.
Women are born with all the eggs they will ever have, and this number declines naturally over time.

When this decline happens earlier or faster than expected, it is called low ovarian reserve.

How is low ovarian reserve diagnosed?

Diagnosis includes:

• Anti-Müllerian hormone levels

• Antral follicle count via vaginal ultrasound

• FSH and estradiol levels

• Age and medical history

A comprehensive evaluation is essential.

Why does low ovarian reserve happen?

Common causes include:

• Age

• Genetics

• Family history of early menopause

• Ovarian surgery

• Endometriosis

• Chemotherapy or radiation

• Smoking

• Autoimmune conditions

Sometimes, the cause is unknown.

Does low ovarian reserve mean I can’t get pregnant?

Not always.
Low ovarian reserve reflects quantity, not always egg quality.
Many women with low reserve achieve pregnancy with the right treatment and timing.

Treatment options

Depending on each case, options may include:

• Hormonal optimization

• Customized ovarian stimulation

• In vitro fertilization (IVF)

• Egg or embryo accumulation

• Egg donation (in specific cases)

Low ovarian reserve does not define motherhood.
It highlights the importance of early diagnosis, personalized care, and informed decision-making.