DOR Decreased NOT Depleted Ovarian Reserve

The term 'decreased ovarian reserve' (DOR) is often misunderstood as 'depleted,' but Dr. Amy clarifies it simply means a natural decline in egg quantity over time—something every woman experiences, not a sudden crisis. She dismantles the myth of the 'egg cliff,' emphasizing that fertility declines gradually, not abruptly, and that DOR does not automatically mean donor eggs or infertility. Drawing on real patient stories like Missy, who delayed testing until after marriage and faced a diagnosis at 25, Dr. Amy argues the medical community has failed young women by not advocating for early fertility awareness. She urges women to get tested by age 25, especially since the optimal biological window for pregnancy is between 25 and 29. For those with DOR, she outlines actionable steps: comprehensive testing (FSH, estradiol, AMH, antral follicle count), stress reduction, quitting smoking, and exploring supplements like melatonin, CoQ10, and HGH—though she stresses these must be personalized with a doctor. She also discusses emerging treatments like three-parent IVF and platelet-rich plasma ovarian rejuvenation, cautioning against unproven options while affirming that even women with very high FSH levels (up to 80) can achieve pregnancy. The core message: DOR is not destiny. With the right doctor, mindset, and proactive strategy, pregnancy remains possible—even with low egg counts.