In some cases, low ovarian reserve (LOR) can mean early menopause.
Ovarian reserve refers to the number of healthy eggs left in the ovaries. As you age, your egg quantity decreases, which can be a natural indication that you are nearing menopause.
As menopause typically occurs between the
However, this isn’t always the case. Having LOR can also be a sign of:
- conditions like endometriosis and hypothyroidism
- autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and systemic lupus erythematosus
- having a history of smoking
- having obesity
- having had ovarian surgery
While LOR can be a risk factor for early menopause, many people with LOR can continue to experience regular menstrual cycles and not reach menopause until later in life.
There are several ways you can assess your ovarian reserve, including:
- undergoing blood tests to check the following hormone levels present in your body:
- anti-müllerian hormone (AMH)
- follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
- estradiol
- getting a transvaginal ultrasound
- monitoring your menstrual cycle
In some cases, healthcare professionals may recommend ovarian reserve testing if you are undergoing IVF or egg freezing, or cancer treatment.
The Office of Women’s Health reports that early menopause occurs in about
Signs that you are going through early menopause include:
- difficulty sleeping
- night sweats
- hot flashes
- low mood
- vaginal dryness
- anxiety
- reduced sex drive
If you think you may be experiencing early menopause, consider speaking with a healthcare professional. They can speak with you about your symptoms and run some tests to confirm this.
