Predisposing Risk Factors May Aid in Identifying Individuals With Diminished Ovarian Reserve [176]

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate individuals with diminished ovarian reserve to assess if there is an association between identifiable risk factors and premature ovarian decline. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed for 300 patients younger than 35 years of age—151 with premature ovarian decline, defined as an anti-Müllerian hormone level less than 1, and 149 with an anti-Müllerian hormone level of 1 or more. Multiple risk factors were compared. RESULTS: When comparing those with premature ovarian decline, with those without it, those with an anti-Müllerian hormone level less than 1 had a statistically significant higher body mass index (calculated as weight (kg)/[height (m)]2) (mean 26.7 compared with 28.19, P=.021), age of menarche (mean 12.52 compared with 11.82 years, P=.01), higher rates of tobacco use (mean 22 compared with nine, P=.017), gynecologic surgeries (mean 67 compared with 46, P=.020), thyroid disorders (mean 21 compared with eight, P=.020), abnormal Pap smears (mean 20 compared with eight, P=.014), dysmenorrhea (mean 72 compared with 20, P=.001), and less alcoholic drinks per week (mean 0.311 compared with 0.497, P=.039). However, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups regarding age, caffeine intake, history of prior miscarriages, sexually transmitted diseases, prior contraceptive use, or endometriosis. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that there may in fact be predisposing risk factors that increase a female's chance of having early diminished ovarian reserve. Identifying individuals with these risk factors would provide physicians the capability to implement earlier screening and interventions in the hopes of increasing fertility.