A recent study conducted across multiple fertility clinics in Bengaluru has revealed alarming trends in ovarian reserve among women under 35, with up to 50% of patients at some clinics showing Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) levels below 1.2 ng/ml, a marker of diminished ovarian reserve. The findings have raised significant concerns about rising infertility rates in the city.
Key Findings on AMH Levels
According to data compiled from six major fertility centers in Bengaluru, approximately 20% of women in the same age group had AMH levels below 1 ng/ml, indicating severely reduced egg supply. The study, which analyzed records of over 2,000 women aged 25 to 35 who sought fertility consultations between January 2025 and May 2026, showed a consistent decline in ovarian reserve markers compared to data from five years ago.
Dr. Priya Sharma, a reproductive endocrinologist at one of the participating clinics, stated: "We are seeing a worrying trend where women in their late 20s and early 30s have AMH levels typically expected in women over 40. Lifestyle factors and delayed childbearing are major contributors."
Lifestyle and Environmental Factors
Experts attribute the decline to several factors, including high stress levels, poor dietary habits, lack of physical activity, and increasing exposure to environmental toxins. The study noted that women with body mass index (BMI) above 30 or those with irregular menstrual cycles were more likely to have low AMH. Additionally, the average age of first pregnancy in Bengaluru has risen to 31, up from 27 a decade ago.
"The combination of delayed family planning and lifestyle-induced hormonal imbalances is creating a perfect storm for fertility issues," added Dr. Sharma.
Impact on Fertility Treatment
Low AMH levels often necessitate assisted reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilization (IVF), but success rates decline sharply with diminishing ovarian reserve. The study found that women with AMH below 0.5 ng/ml had only a 15% chance of successful egg retrieval per cycle, compared to 40% for those with normal levels. This has led to increased emotional and financial strain on couples.
One patient, a 32-year-old software engineer who wished to remain anonymous, shared: "I was shocked to learn my AMH was 0.8. I had no idea my fertility was declining so fast. Now we are rushing into IVF."
Call for Awareness and Early Testing
Health experts recommend that women consider AMH testing as part of routine health checkups, especially if they plan to delay childbearing. The Indian Society of Assisted Reproduction has urged clinics to offer fertility preservation options like egg freezing to women in their 20s. However, cost remains a barrier, with egg freezing procedures ranging from ₹1.5 to ₹3 lakhs.
The study concludes that public health campaigns are needed to educate women about ovarian reserve and fertility timelines, alongside workplace policies that support early family planning. Without intervention, the trend could worsen, affecting more women in Bengaluru and across India.
