Srinagar, July 16: Increasing cases of low ovarian reserve among women below 30 years of age are emerging as a major fertility concern in Jammu and Kashmir, according to gynaecologist and IVF specialist Dr Iram Shafi Akhoon.

Dr Akhoon said doctors are witnessing a growing number of young women with low Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) levels, a key indicator of ovarian reserve that can sometimes lead to premature ovarian failure.
"AMH reflects a woman's egg reserve and can be measured through a blood test on any day of the menstrual cycle. While AMH normally declines with age, reduced levels in women under 30 are becoming increasingly common and are a matter of concern," she said.
She attributed the trend to sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets, chronic stress, poor sleep, excessive screen time and, in some cases, ovarian surgeries. She added that processed foods and exposure to preservatives may also play a role, though research is still evolving.
Dr Akhoon said low AMH often has no obvious symptoms, though some women may experience irregular or light menstrual cycles. She advised women to undergo timely AMH testing for fertility assessment and planning.
She cautioned that a significantly diminished ovarian reserve may reduce the chances of natural conception and affect the success of fertility treatments such as IVF.
The concern comes as Jammu and Kashmir's total fertility rate has declined to around 1.4 children per woman, well below the replacement level of 2.1, raising concerns over long-term demographic and economic implications.