Diminished Ovarian Reserve

Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) occurs when a woman’s ovaries lose their reproductive potential, which refers to the quantity and quality of eggs.

Although age is the primary cause of Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), other factors such as genetic abnormalities, injuries, and medical conditions, may have an effect.

Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) is diagnosed by evaluating the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol, and the anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels in a woman’s blood, along with a transvaginal ultrasound.

FSH and estradiol are markers of a woman’s response to ovulation or stimulation

AMH correlates with the quantity of eggs left in a woman’s ovaries

Women with Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) tend to show high FSH and low AMH levels

Abnormal cycles always indicate that there is something wrong with your ovarian reserve

Although the average cycle length is 28 days, cycles can range anywhere from 21 to 35 days in adults. Shorter cycles do not always indicate Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR)

Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) equates to a lower quality of eggs

Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) is diagnosed by evaluating the quantity of eggs left in a woman’s ovaries, whereas the quality of a woman’s eggs is primarily determined by age. Having Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) does not mean that you will not be able to get pregnant naturally or with Assisted Reproductive Treatment.

Although there are no treatments to decrease or slow down reproductive aging, there are treatments to help a woman conceive despite their Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR).

Embryos or eggs can be frozen and preserved earlier in life before a patient is ready to conceive

Medication can help increase the number of eggs produced per cycle (ovarian stimulation)

A woman can achieve pregnancy with the use of donor eggs fertilized by a male’s sperm (her partner or donated sperm) and have the resulting embryo implanted into her uterus.