What are the Symptoms of Low Ovarian Reserve?

 What are the Symptoms of Low Ovarian Reserve?

Fertility is closely tied to the number and quality of a woman’s eggs. The term “ovarian reserve” refers to the quantity of eggs a woman still has in her ovaries at a given time. Naturally, ovarian reserve declines with age, but for some women, this decrease happens earlier or faster than expected. This condition is known as low ovarian reserve (LOR).

Understanding its symptoms can help women recognize the signs early and seek timely medical guidance, especially if they’re trying to conceive.

1. Difficulty Getting Pregnant

The most common sign of low ovarian reserve is trouble conceiving. Despite regular, unprotected intercourse, women may notice that pregnancy takes longer than expected. This difficulty often arises because there are fewer healthy eggs available for fertilization.

2. Shorter Menstrual Cycles

A typical menstrual cycle lasts about 28 days. With low ovarian reserve, cycles may become shorter (21–25 days) due to faster recruitment of the limited remaining eggs. This change can be subtle but is an early indicator that egg supply is declining.

3. Irregular Periods

Some women with LOR may notice their periods becoming unpredictable—either arriving late, skipping months, or coming earlier than usual. These irregularities happen because the ovaries are struggling to produce eggs consistently.

4. Lighter or Heavier Periods

Changes in flow can also be a symptom. Some women experience lighter bleeding due to reduced estrogen and thinner uterine lining, while others may have heavier bleeding linked to hormonal imbalance.

5. Symptoms of Estrogen Decline

Since egg production and estrogen are closely linked, low ovarian reserve can trigger signs of reduced estrogen, including:

• Hot flashes

• Night sweats

• Vaginal dryness

• Low libido

• Mood swings

These symptoms may resemble early perimenopause.

6. Family History of Early Menopause

Although not a physical symptom, a family history of premature menopause or fertility issues can be a red flag. If a woman’s mother or sisters experienced early menopause, she may be at higher risk of low ovarian reserve.

7. Poor Response to Fertility Treatments

Sometimes, low ovarian reserve is discovered during fertility treatments like IVF. Women may produce fewer eggs than expected despite stimulation with fertility medications. This poor ovarian response often leads doctors to investigate further.

When to See a Doctor

If you notice any of these signs especially difficulty conceiving or significant menstrual changes, it’s important to consult a gynecologist or fertility specialist. Diagnostic tests such as AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) levels, FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) tests, and antral follicle count via ultrasound can provide a clearer picture of ovarian reserve.

Final Thoughts

Low ovarian reserve doesn’t necessarily mean pregnancy is impossible—it simply means that time and egg supply are more limited. Recognizing the symptoms early allows women to make informed decisions about their fertility, whether through natural conception, assisted reproductive technologies, or egg preservation.

Dr.Ifrah Hassan Hilaac.

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