Diminished Ovarian Reserve (Low AMH) Naturopath in Ottawa
By Dr. Harsimranjeet Singh Bhatia, ND · Last reviewed October 2026
The quick summary: Dr. Harsimranjeet Singh Bhatia, ND is a naturopathic doctor in Ottawa who has focused on fertility for over ten years, including diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) and low AMH. He supports people trying to conceive naturally and people preparing for IUI or IVF and ICSI, with care focused on egg quality, nutrition, evidence informed nutraceuticals, stress and mood support, and the male partner's health, all coordinated with your fertility clinic. Appointments are in person at 2599 Carling Avenue in Ottawa or virtual anywhere in Ontario and Quebec.
Diminished ovarian reserve at a glance
A low AMH predicts how many eggs are likely to be collected in IVF, not whether you can conceive naturally (JAMA, 2017).
Egg quality depends mostly on age, but the final stages of egg development take about three months, which is why preparation is planned over at least 12 weeks.
In Ontario, the Ontario Fertility Program funds one IVF cycle for eligible residents under 43 (Government of Ontario, 2026).
Ovarian PRP, sometimes called ovarian rejuvenation, is not recommended by the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE, 2023) because the evidence is still too limited. Any decision about it is made with your physician, as it is outside the scope of naturopathic doctors.
Sperm quality matters more when egg numbers are low, so both partners should be assessed.
What is diminished ovarian reserve (DOR)?
Diminished ovarian reserve, also called low ovarian reserve, means the ovaries have a lower number of eggs remaining. This happens naturally with age, and it can also happen earlier because of other causes. It is usually identified through a low anti Müllerian hormone (AMH) blood test, a low antral follicle count (AFC) on ultrasound, or a higher follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) early in the cycle.
Being told you have low ovarian reserve can feel overwhelming. Many people leave that appointment with more questions than answers. Here is what it does and does not mean.
Does low AMH mean I can't get pregnant?
No. In a study published in JAMA of women aged 30 to 44 who were trying to conceive naturally, those with low AMH were just as likely to become pregnant within six or twelve months as women with normal AMH. AMH reflects the quantity of eggs, not their quality, and it does not on its own predict natural fertility.
Where AMH matters most is in fertility treatment. It helps your fertility clinic predict how your ovaries will respond to stimulation and how many eggs are likely to be collected, which shapes decisions about timing, IUI and IVF. That is why a low result is a reason to plan carefully, not a reason to give up.
What causes diminished ovarian reserve?
Age is the most common reason. Other contributors include endometriosis and endometriomas (see our endometriosis page), previous ovarian surgery, chemotherapy or radiation, smoking, certain autoimmune and thyroid conditions, and genetic factors. Sometimes no clear cause is found.
When reserve is very low before age 40, it may point to premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). The international POI guideline estimates that POI affects about 3.5% of women and recommends looking for genetic and autoimmune causes. Part of our assessment is reviewing your personal and family medical history to see whether a genetic or underlying condition may be involved, running autoimmune tests when indicated to help identify potential causes, and helping you connect with the right physician for further testing when it is needed.
What testing do you review for low ovarian reserve?
Within our scope, we requisition and review AMH, FSH and estradiol, and, when indicated, screen for autoimmune and reproductive conditions that can lower ovarian reserve. Autoimmune testing may include thyroid antibodies, antinuclear antibodies (ANA), celiac screening and more. We also take a detailed family history to look for patterns that may suggest a genetic cause. Ultrasound findings such as antral follicle count are interpreted by your physician or fertility clinic, and we use their reports to plan your care alongside them.
What can a naturopathic doctor do for diminished ovarian reserve?
We cannot create new eggs, and no supplement can. What we can do is support the conditions that influence egg quality, your response to treatment and your wellbeing, so you go into each attempt as prepared as possible. Care is built around your age, test results, timeline and fertility clinic plan, and may include:
Clinical nutrition and diet and lifestyle support for egg quality, metabolic health, sleep and inflammation
Evidence informed nutraceuticals and botanical medicine, chosen with safety reviews, interaction checks and monitoring
Stress and mood support, including care for anxiety and low mood, and mindfulness based coaching
Fertility acupuncture, which has modest evidence for supporting ovarian function, as well as stress regulation and wellbeing during treatment
Assessment and support for the male partner
Why at least 12 weeks matters
The final stages of egg development take roughly three months, so changes made now influence the eggs available in future cycles. If you are planning IVF or IUI, we usually recommend starting at least 12 weeks before your cycle. If you are already in treatment, a plan can still be tailored to where you are now.
What does the research show for supplements and egg quality?
Research on nutraceuticals for egg quality is promising but still developing, and results vary from person to person. A 2020 meta-analysis of randomized trials found that women undergoing IVF who took CoQ10 had higher clinical pregnancy rates than those who did not, including women with a poor response to stimulation, although a clear effect on live birth has not yet been shown. Other antioxidants and nutrients have been studied for egg quality, with mixed results. For acupuncture, a 2023 meta-analysis of 13 small randomized trials in women with diminished ovarian reserve found it was associated with improvements in markers of ovarian function, such as lower FSH and a higher antral follicle count, although the trials varied widely and larger studies are needed.
Because quality, form and dose matter, and because some products interact with medications or fertility drugs, every recommendation is individualized and reviewed for safety. This is one of the most common reasons patients book: to stop guessing with supplements bought online.
What about DHEA?
DHEA is often discussed for low ovarian reserve, and it is a prescription medication in Canada. A 2024 Cochrane review found that DHEA before IVF likely makes little or no difference to live birth rates, and ESHRE does not recommend it routinely. Any decision about DHEA or other hormone pretreatment is made with your physician or reproductive endocrinologist (REI), and it is outside our scope as naturopathic doctors.
Can ovarian reserve be restored? What about ovarian PRP?
Ovarian platelet rich plasma (PRP), sometimes marketed as ovarian rejuvenation or ovarian reserve restoration, involves injecting a concentrate of your own platelets into the ovaries. The ESHRE good practice recommendations on add ons do not recommend intraovarian PRP, because current studies are small and inconsistent. PRP is outside our scope. Our focus is on evidence informed nutrition, nutraceuticals and supplements, guided by safety reviews, interaction checks and monitoring, alongside the care your fertility clinic provides.
Why the male partner matters with low ovarian reserve
When egg numbers are limited, every egg counts, and sperm quality becomes even more important. We can requisition a semen analysis and sperm DNA fragmentation testing, and support sperm health through nutrition, lifestyle and evidence informed supplements. A Cochrane review found that antioxidant supplements in men with subfertility may improve live birth rates, although the evidence is still low certainty. Learn more about male fertility support.
How do you support stress and mood during fertility treatment?
A low AMH result and the pressure of time can take a real toll. We support mood and treat anxiety and depressive symptoms as part of fertility care, and coach patients through mindfulness based exercises they can use day to day. A meta-analysis in BMJ Open found that psychological support for people going through fertility treatment, especially cognitive behavioural approaches, reduced distress and was linked to higher pregnancy rates.
"Access to reproductive care is a basic human right. My work is about keeping as many options and doors open as possible for my patients, and helping each person have their best possible chance, whatever path they take."
Dr. Harsimranjeet Singh Bhatia, ND
Low ovarian reserve over 40, egg freezing and donor eggs
We support people over 40, people considering egg freezing, and people weighing donor eggs. Each of these is a personal decision made with your fertility clinic, and our role is to help you feel informed, supported and as healthy as possible at every step, whichever path you choose.
How does naturopathic care fit with IVF, IUI and ICSI?
Supportive care is designed to work alongside your fertility clinic, not replace it. We align your plan with retrieval and transfer timing, check every supplement against your treatment protocol, and, with your consent, can send a written summary letter to your clinic or family doctor on request.
In Ontario, the Ontario Fertility Program funds one IVF cycle for eligible residents under 43 with a valid health card, as well as IUI. Fertility medications are not covered, and funded clinics may have wait lists, so many people use that time to prepare. Supportive care does not replace fertility treatment, and outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
What happens at your first visit, and what does it cost?
Your first visit is 60 minutes. We review your fertility goals and timeline, cycle history, AMH, FSH and other results, fertility clinic notes, medications and supplements, and lifestyle factors, then build a prioritized plan with clear next steps. Your partner is assessed in a separate consultation so their plan is just as personalized. Follow up visits are usually every six to eight weeks, adjusted to your treatment timeline.
Current fees for each appointment type are shown when you choose a time on the online booking page. We do not direct bill, but you receive a receipt to submit to your insurer, and most extended health plans cover visits with a naturopathic doctor. New patient appointments often book several weeks ahead, so it helps to book early.
Where do we see patients?
In person appointments are at NutriChem Clinic, 2599 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, which is easy to reach from Westboro, Carlingwood, Nepean, Kanata, Stittsville, Barrhaven, Orléans and downtown Ottawa. Virtual appointments are available anywhere in Ontario and Quebec, including Toronto, Kingston, Hamilton, London, Kitchener Waterloo, Gatineau and Montreal, and for people working with fertility clinics anywhere in the province.
Frequently asked questions
Can you increase my AMH?
No treatment reliably increases AMH, because it reflects the number of eggs remaining. Our focus is on supporting egg quality, your response to treatment and your overall health.
Can supplements improve egg quality with low ovarian reserve?
Research on individual nutraceuticals for egg quality is still limited, so any supplement is considered on a case by case basis. Each recommendation is checked for interactions against your medications and treatment protocol, with a thorough review of your medical history to ensure safety.
Should I still consider IVF if my ovarian reserve is low?
It depends on your age, goals, test results and your fertility clinic's advice. Some people benefit from moving efficiently toward IVF, while others have more time or other options. We help you prepare and make informed decisions with your medical team.
Do you prescribe DHEA or offer ovarian PRP?
No. DHEA is a prescription medication discussed with your physician or REI, and ovarian PRP is an experimental procedure outside our scope. We focus on evidence informed nutrition, nutraceuticals and supportive care.
Do I need a referral, and is it covered by insurance?
No referral is needed in Ontario. Most extended health plans cover visits with a naturopathic doctor up to a yearly maximum. We do not direct bill, and you receive a receipt to submit to your insurer.
Related reading on low ovarian reserve and egg quality
-
A Hidden Culprit Behind Low Egg Reserve: What Most Tests Miss
-
Understanding Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI): What You Need to Know
-
One Nutrient to Increase IVF Success Rates with Low Egg Reserve
-
Fertility Acupuncture for Low Egg Reserve: Improving Follicle Quality and Count
About Dr. H. Singh, ND
Dr. Harsimranjeet Singh Bhatia, ND is an award winning naturopathic doctor in Ottawa who has focused on reproductive and hormonal health for over ten years. He has presented Grand Rounds to physicians at The Ottawa Hospital's Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Newborn Care and to physicians at the largest fertility clinic in Eastern Ontario, and he works collaboratively with fertility clinics and family physicians. He received the 2026 Emerging Leader Award from the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors and was named Naturopath of the Year by Faces Magazine Ottawa from 2021-2024. He holds a BSc from the University of Guelph and graduated from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine.
Medical disclaimer: This page is for general education and does not replace individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please speak with your physician or a qualified healthcare provider about your own situation before starting or changing any treatment, supplement or medication.
References
Steiner AZ, Pritchard D, Stanczyk FZ, et al. Association between biomarkers of ovarian reserve and infertility among older women of reproductive age. JAMA. 2017;318(14):1367–1376. doi: 10.1001/jama.2017.14588.
Government of Ontario. Get fertility treatments. Updated June 8, 2026. https://www.ontario.ca/page/get-fertility-treatments
ESHRE Add-ons working group, Lundin K, Bentzen JG, et al. Good practice recommendations on add-ons in reproductive medicine. Human Reproduction. 2023;38(11):2062–2104. doi: 10.1093/humrep/dead184.
Panay N, Anderson RA, Bennie A, et al. Evidence-based guideline: premature ovarian insufficiency. Human Reproduction Open. 2024;2024(4):hoae065. doi: 10.1093/hropen/hoae065.
Lin G, Liu X, Cong C, et al. Clinical efficacy of acupuncture for diminished ovarian reserve: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Frontiers in Endocrinology. 2023;14:1136121. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1136121.
Florou P, Anagnostis P, Theocharis P, et al. Does coenzyme Q10 supplementation improve fertility outcomes in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology procedures? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials. Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics. 2020;37(10):2377–2387. doi: 10.1007/s10815-020-01906-3.
Naik S, Lepine S, Nagels HE, et al. Androgens (dehydroepiandrosterone or testosterone) for women undergoing assisted reproduction. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2024;6:CD009749. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD009749.pub3.
de Ligny W, Smits RM, Mackenzie-Proctor R, et al. Antioxidants for male subfertility. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2022;5:CD007411. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD007411.pub5.
Frederiksen Y, Farver-Vestergaard I, Skovgård NG, et al. Efficacy of psychosocial interventions for psychological and pregnancy outcomes in infertile women and men: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open. 2015;5(1):e006592. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2014-006592.