How do I know if my egg quality is low?

Irregular periods, early miscarriages, or trouble conceiving could point to poor egg quality. A fertility doctor may also suggest tests like AMH, FSH, or antral follicle count to assess your egg health more closely.

Can I get pregnant with low egg quality?

Yes, it’s still possible to get pregnant with low egg quality, but it might take longer or need medical help. Some people may need fertility treatments like IVF.

Signs of Poor Egg Quality Every Woman Should Notice

When you’re dreaming of starting a family, learning about poor egg quality can feel overwhelming. It’s like planting a seed and hoping it grows, only to find it struggles to take root. You may start questioning yourself, why is it taking so long? Is something wrong with me? What can I do differently? These thoughts can quietly creep in and stay with you, especially when every month brings more waiting and more guessing. But don’t lose heart, knowing the signs of poor egg quality can guide you toward the right steps.

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What is Poor Egg Quality?

Egg quality refers to how viable an egg is for fertilisation and developing into a healthy embryo. Every month, your ovaries release one or two eggs during ovulation. If an egg has good quality, it has the right genetic makeup and structure to fertilise and grow into a baby.

Poor egg quality means the egg may have issues, like chromosomal abnormalities, that make it harder to carry a pregnancy to term. Your egg quality isn’t something you can see or feel directly, but your body may be sending you subtle signs.

Signs of Poor Egg Quality

Detecting the symptoms of poor egg quality early can help you seek support sooner:

Difficulty conceiving: Poor egg quality might be a factor if you’re under 35 and have been trying to conceive for a year without success, or over 35 and trying for six months.
Recurrent miscarriages: Repeated pregnancy losses can suggest poor egg quality. Eggs with genetic issues often struggle to develop into healthy embryos, which may lead to miscarriage.
Irregular periods: Your menstrual cycle is like a monthly report from your body. If your periods are coming too early, too late, or skipping months, it could mean your hormones are out of balance. This may affect your egg quality too.
Low AMH levels: Anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) shows how many eggs you have left, also called your ovarian reserve. Low AMH levels can suggest fewer eggs, which often ties to lower quality.
High FSH levels: Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) helps your ovaries produce eggs. If your FSH levels are high, it means your ovaries are working harder to produce eggs. This can point to poor egg quality.
Low oestradiol levels: Oestradiol, a type of oestrogen, helps eggs mature and prepares the uterus for pregnancy. If levels are too low, it might indicate eggs aren’t developing well.
Low follicle count on ultrasound: An ultrasound can count the number of follicles (egg sacs) in your ovaries. Fewer follicles often mean fewer eggs, and that can reduce the chances of having high-quality ones.
Chromosomal abnormalities: Poor-quality eggs can sometimes lead to embryos with genetic issues, like Down Syndrome.

Why Poor Egg Quality Affects Fertility

Poor egg quality can make it harder for an egg to fertilise or develop into a healthy embryo. Think of it like trying to bake a cake with ingredients that aren’t fresh. Even if you follow the recipe, the result might not turn out as expected. Low-quality eggs may fail to implant in the uterus, lead to early pregnancy loss, or, in rare cases, result in a baby with genetic conditions. It doesn’t mean you can’t get pregnant, but it lowers the chances of a successful pregnancy without help.

Causes of Poor Egg Quality

Knowing what leads to poor egg quality can help you make better choices:

Age: As you age, egg quality naturally declines. By 40, it can drop significantly.
Lifestyle choices: Smoking, excessive drinking, or eating a diet high in processed foods can harm egg health. These habits disrupt the hormonal balance needed for healthy eggs.
Environmental toxins: Exposure to pesticides, industrial chemicals, or heavy metals can damage eggs over time.
Health conditions: Issues like endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or autoimmune disorders can interfere with egg development.
Genetic factors: Some people may have inherited conditions or chromosomal issues that impact egg quality.
Obesity: Being overweight can disrupt hormones, making it harder for eggs to mature properly.
Stress: Chronic stress can throw off your body’s hormonal signals, which may weaken egg quality over time.

How to Diagnose Poor Egg Quality

You can’t directly test egg quality, but doctors use specific tests to get a sense of it. These tests look at your ovarian reserve and hormone levels:

AMH test: This blood test measures your anti-müllerian hormone levels. Low AMH suggests a smaller egg supply.
FSH test: Done early in your menstrual cycle (days 1 to 5), this blood test checks follicle-stimulating hormone levels. High FSH can mean your ovaries are struggling to produce good eggs.
Oestradiol test: Also done early in your cycle, this measures oestrogen levels. Low oestradiol can signal poor egg development.
Antral follicle count (AFC): An ultrasound scan counts the follicles in your ovaries. A low count indicates fewer eggs.

How to Improve Egg Quality?

You can create better conditions for healthier egg development by:

Lifestyle changes: Eating a balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins supports your body. Regular exercise, quitting smoking, cutting back on alcohol and managing stress can help.
Supplements: Certain supplements may help support egg health. These include coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, inositol, DHEA, resveratrol, and leucine. But always check with your doctor before starting any supplement.
Healthy weight: Maintaining a healthy weight can balance hormones and help egg maturation.

Fertility Treatments for Poor Egg Quality

If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, fertility treatments can offer hope:

In vitro fertilisation (IVF): Eggs are retrieved and fertilised in a lab, allowing doctors to select the best embryos for transfer.
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI): A single sperm is injected directly into an egg to improve fertilisation chances.
Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT): Tests embryos for chromosomal abnormalities before transfer.
Egg donation: If your eggs aren’t viable, using donor eggs from a younger individual can be an option.
Egg freezing: Freezing eggs at a younger age preserves their quality for future use.

Paying attention to the signs of poor egg quality can make a big difference when you're trying to get pregnant. It’s not always easy to spot, and it’s completely normal to feel confused or even frustrated. But knowing what to look for gives you a starting point. If anything feels off or you're unsure, talk to your doctor.

Whether you’re trying to conceive or navigating IVF, you’re not alone. Join our supportive communities to connect, share, and find strength with others on the same journey.

FAQs on Signs of Poor Egg Quality Every Woman Should Know

How do I know if my egg quality is low?
Irregular periods, early miscarriages, or trouble conceiving could point to poor egg quality. A fertility doctor may also suggest tests like AMH, FSH, or antral follicle count to assess your egg health more closely.
Can I get pregnant with low egg quality?
Yes, it’s still possible to get pregnant with low egg quality, but it might take longer or need medical help. Some people may need fertility treatments like IVF.