World IVF Day: Young women facing rise in infertility risks due to stress, poor lifestyle

A growing number of women in their late 20s and early 30s are being diagnosed with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) —a condition that impacts egg quantity and quality, once primarily seen in older women.

Ovarian reserve, measured by anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels and antral follicle count, indicates a woman’s fertility potential. Low AMH levels signal reduced egg count, increasing risks of difficulty conceiving, poor IVF outcomes and miscarriage.

Speaking to The Tribune on the occasion of World IVF Day, which raises awareness about fertility challenges, Dr Beena Muktesh, an IVF specialist based in Gurugram, said, “We’re seeing women under 30 with alarmingly low AMH levels.”

Studies attribute this early decline to chronic stress, poor diet, sedentary lifestyles and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Exposure to elevated levels of toxic metals can also cause DOR. Complications of declining ovarian reserve include difficulty conceiving naturally.

“Chronic stress, unhealthy diets and toxin exposure are accelerating ovarian ageing. Early fertility assessments, such as AMH tests, can guide proactive steps such as egg freezing or IVF,” she said.

Dr Aakriti Batra, a fertility specialist based in Delhi, said, “Lifestyle factors like crash diets, smoking and poor sleep combined disrupt hormonal balance.” She urged women with irregular periods, PCOS or a family history of early menopause to seek timely evaluations.