Low Ovarian Reserve Support in Ottawa and Ontario
Being told you have low ovarian reserve can feel overwhelming. Many people leave that appointment with more questions than answers, especially if they are trying to understand AMH, AFC, or a higher FSH, and what it means for their chances with natural conception, IUI, or IVF.
Low ovarian reserve refers to a reduced number of remaining follicles in the ovaries. It does not automatically mean you cannot conceive, and it does not define the quality of every egg. It does mean that time, planning, and individualized support matter, particularly if you are considering fertility treatment.
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At our clinic we support patients in-person in Ottawa and through secure virtual care across Ontario, including people working with fertility clinics across Ontario.
Support for Low Ovarian Reserve at a Glance
What this page covers about Low Ovarian Reserve
Clear education on low ovarian reserve and how supportive care can complement your fertility plan
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Who this Information and Service can Benefit
People with low AMH, low antral follicle count, higher FSH, or concerns about response to stimulation, including those preparing for IVF or IUI. Patients with a medical diagnosis of PCOS or endometriosis may also benefit from a personalized plan to help support egg quality if trying to conceive naturally or pursuing assisted reproductive treatment.
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What to Expect when Accessing Support for Low Ovarian Reserve
A personalized plan focused on foundations, timelines, and coordination with your fertility clinic
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How to Schedule an Appointment
Use the Book Now button on this page. Virtual appointments are available across Ontario.
What Low Ovarian Reserve Means
Low ovarian reserve is most commonly identified through:
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AMH Testing
AMH reflects ovarian reserve markers and can help estimate expected response to stimulation. It is not a direct measure of egg quality.
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Antral Follicle Count
AFC is measured by ultrasound and estimates how many recruitable follicles are present at a given time.
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FSH and Estradiol
These can help interpret cycle dynamics, especially when assessed early in the cycle.
These results are useful, but they are not the whole story. Interpretation depends on age, cycle history, medications, contraceptive history, thyroid function, and fertility treatment context. This is another reason a personalized review is more valuable than general online advice.
Why Book a Consult Instead of Relying on Generic Online Guidance?
Low ovarian reserve is one of the most common areas where generic fertility advice becomes confusing or unhelpful. A visit is valuable because:
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Your best next step depends on your timeline and your clinic plan
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Lab results need context, not just a cutoff value
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Over-supplementing or using random online protocols can be costly and sometimes counterproductive
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Support should consider both partners when relevant
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Your plan should be realistic and coordinated with fertility treatment timing when you are pursuing IVF or IUI
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The goal is to help you focus on the highest yield actions and reduce uncertainty.
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Common Questions that can Arise with Low Egg Reserve
People often ask:
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Does low AMH mean I cannot get pregnant?
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Does low ovarian reserve mean poor egg quality?
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What is the best plan if I am considering IVF?
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How can I prepare for retrieval or transfer?
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How do I support my body while waiting for a funded cycle?
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How can I reduce stress while staying proactive?
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This page provides education. Your answers depend on your full picture, which is why individualized assessment matters. Keep reading to see answers to these frequently asked questions below.
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How Supportive Care can fit Alongside Fertility Clinic Treatment
Supportive fertility care can be used before and during fertility treatment to help you build a stronger foundation and feel more prepared. Depending on your situation, your plan may focus on:
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Nutrition and Lifestyle Foundations
Supporting metabolic health, inflammation balance, sleep, and resilience in a way that is realistic and sustainable.
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Clinical Nutrition Planning
When appropriate, a personalized supplement plan can be created based on your history, labs, and treatment timeline, with a focus on safety and quality.
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Fertility Acupuncture Support
Some patients use fertility acupuncture as supportive care for stress regulation and overall wellbeing during treatment.
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Coordination and Timing
Many people benefit from an organized plan that aligns with retrieval or transfer timing, especially when you are trying to use the time before a cycle efficiently.
Supportive care does not replace fertility treatment, and outcomes cannot be guaranteed. The purpose is to support your health, reduce avoidable barriers, and help you feel grounded and prepared as you move forward.
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Timing of Preconception Care is Crucial
If you are planning IVF or IUI, preparation is often most helpful when started in advance. Many people aim for a consistent preparation window of 12 weeks, and sometimes longer depending on the situation and clinic plan.
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If you are already mid process, you can still benefit from a plan that is tailored to where you are right now.
What to Expect if you Access Care at Our Clinic
Your visit is designed to be practical and personalized.
We review:
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Your fertility goals and timeline
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Your cycle history and symptoms
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Your test results including AMH, AFC, and any fertility clinic notes when available
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Your medication and supplement list
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Lifestyle factors such as sleep, stress, nutrition, workload and assessment for much more relevant factors
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Your partner’s history when relevant, a separate consultation is required for the partner to allow us to do a thorough assessment and tailor a personalized treatment plan for them as well
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You receive:
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A prioritized plan focused on the highest yield steps
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Clear guidance on what is worth doing and what is optional
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A strategy that aligns with your fertility clinic timeline when applicable
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A follow up plan that supports consistency without overwhelm
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Many patients benefit from follow ups every 6 to 8 weeks, adjusted to their fertility timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does low AMH mean I cannot get pregnant?
Not necessarily. AMH is one marker used to estimate ovarian reserve and expected response to stimulation. It does not determine whether pregnancy is possible on its own. Your age, ovulation patterns, partner factors, tubal status, and overall reproductive context matter.
Does low ovarian reserve mean poor egg quality?
Ovarian reserve and egg quality are related but not identical. Egg quality is influenced strongly by age and other health factors. Many people with low ovarian reserve can still have healthy eggs and embryos, while others may face a lower response to stimulation. Individual interpretation is crucial.
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Can lifestyle or supplements fix low ovarian reserve?
Supportive care cannot create a new ovarian reserve. What it can do is support overall reproductive health and help optimize the conditions that influence treatment response and wellbeing. The goal is not perfection. The goal is a thoughtful plan that respects time and reduces uncertainty.
Should I still consider IVF if my ovarian reserve is low?
This depends on your goals, your age, your clinic recommendations, and your test results. Some people benefit from moving efficiently toward IVF. Others may have additional options depending on the full picture. A personalized review can help you in making informed decisions with the guidance of your medical team.
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Do you offer virtual care across Ontario?
Yes. Consultations are available in person in Ottawa and virtually for patients across Ontario.
Book an Appointment
Dr. H. Singh, ND is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor in Ontario who focuses on fertility and reproductive health, supporting patients in Ottawa and across Ontario through in person and secure virtual consultations. He was awarded Naturopath of the Year by Faces Magazine in Ottawa for four consecutive years, 2021 to 2024. He is a member of the OAND and the CAND.