Functional Medicine for Low Ovarian Reserve

What is Ovarian Reserve?

Ovarian reserve is a term used to describe the number of eggs present in a woman’s ovaries. Every woman is born with a finite number of eggs, which gradually decrease until menopause. There is currently no treatment that can increase ovarian reserve.

Causes of Low Ovarian Reserve

The most important cause of low ovarian reserve is age. However, unhealthy lifestyle habits, stress, smoking, chemotherapy or radiotherapy, and surgeries involving the ovaries can also reduce ovarian reserve.

Importance of AMH and FSH Hormones

AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) is secreted by ovarian follicles. An AMH level below 1.1 ng/mL indicates low ovarian reserve.

FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) is secreted by the pituitary gland and stimulates egg development. When egg numbers decrease, estrogen production from the ovaries drops, causing an increase in FSH secretion. An FSH level above 10 mIU/mL suggests low ovarian reserve.

Functional Medicine for Low Ovarian Reserve

To slow the decline of ovarian reserve, adopting a healthy lifestyle, quitting smoking, and managing stress are recommended. In functional medicine, antioxidant supplements that support mitochondrial health are provided. Dietary interventions such as gluten-free and elimination diets are used to regulate gut microbiota.

What is Functional Medicine and Its Purpose?

Functional medicine is a personalized approach that goes beyond standard lab tests. It evaluates inflammatory, enzymatic, and hormonal processes to identify the root cause of health issues and provides tailored treatments.

Functional Medicine Approach to Low Ovarian Reserve

In cases of low ovarian reserve, functional medicine focuses on slowing the decline by encouraging a healthy lifestyle, smoking cessation, stress management, and avoidance of stress triggers. Antioxidant supplements supporting mitochondrial health are administered, and gut microbiota is optimized through elimination diets and gluten-free nutrition.

Oxidative Stress and Cellular Aging

As cells age, antioxidant systems may become insufficient, leading to increased oxidative stress and programmed cell death (apoptosis). Environmental factors such as heavy metals, toxins, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and smoking exacerbate oxidative stress, reducing ovarian reserve.

Mitochondrial Health and Egg Quality

Like all cells, the egg cell relies on mitochondria for energy. Supporting mitochondrial enzymes involved in the Krebs cycle enhances egg quality.

Nutritional Protocols in Functional Medicine

For low ovarian reserve, an elimination diet with an autoimmune focus and a Mediterranean-style diet are recommended.

Antioxidant Supplements and Phytotherapeutics

Antioxidants reduce the effects of oxidative stress that cause cellular aging and death. Commonly used antioxidants include resveratrol, curcumin, astaxanthin, and coenzyme Q10. These are often used not only for low ovarian reserve but also for anti-aging purposes.

Sleep, Circadian Rhythm, and Ovarian Function

Stress and sleep deprivation reduce endorphin levels and increase cortisol, triggering autoimmune and oxidative stress processes while disrupting estrogen levels and egg function.

Can Functional Medicine Be Combined with Traditional Treatments?

Functional medicine supplements for low ovarian reserve can slow the decline by improving mitochondrial energy and countering autoimmune and oxidative processes. However, since ovarian reserve naturally declines over time, egg freezing is recommended for single women or those who plan to delay pregnancy.