Ovarian Reserve: What Can Actually Make It Increase (Scientifically Proven Methods in 2026)

The discovery of a decreased ovarian reserve—most often through AMH testing—frequently causes significant concern among patients:

“Is there a way to increase my ovarian reserve?”

The scientific answer is nuanced: it is currently not possible to create new oocytes or restore a depleted ovarian reserve. However, certain strategies may optimize the function of remaining follicles and improve the chances of pregnancy.

This article provides an up-to-date overview for 2026 of what is truly evidence-based, what is promising, and what remains marketing.

Understanding ovarian reserve and oogenesis in simple terms

Unlike sperm, which are continuously produced throughout life, oocytes are not generated during a woman’s lifetime.

A woman is born with a finite pool of oocytes stored in the ovaries as “dormant” follicles. This reserve gradually decreases over time.

Each month, the following process occurs:

• a group of follicles begins to develop

• usually only one reaches full maturation and ovulates

• the others naturally degenerate through a process called follicular atresia

Thus, most oocytes will never ovulate and are progressively lost throughout reproductive life.

What is actually being targeted in low ovarian reserve?

It is important to clarify a fundamental point:

Current treatments do not aim to create new oocytes.

The objectives are instead:

1. Reduce follicular loss (atresia)

→ maximize the number of follicles reaching maturation

2. Optimize ovarian response

→ improve ovarian sensitivity to hormonal stimulation

3. Improve oocyte quality

→ enhance cell division and embryonic developmental potential

Ovarian quantity vs quality

Two parameters coexist but do not carry the same weight:

• Quantity (AMH, follicle count): reflects ovarian reserve and response potential

• Quality (mainly age-related): determines genetic integrity and embryonic potential

The most important determinant remains age, as it directly affects oocyte quality.

What actually works: current scientific evidence

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

CoQ10 acts on mitochondria, which are essential for oocyte cellular energy production.

Studies show:

• improved ovarian response during stimulation

• possible increase in retrieved oocytes

• improved embryonic development in some cases

Level of evidence: ★★★☆☆

Potentially useful, especially in preparation for IVF.

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)

Some data suggest:

• improvement in AMH

• increased follicle numbers

• sometimes improved pregnancy rates

However, results remain inconsistent across studies.

Possible side effects:

• acne

• increased hair growth (hirsutism)

• hormonal imbalance

Level of evidence: ★★☆☆☆

Should only be considered on a case-by-case basis under medical supervision.

Lifestyle and environment

Even if it does not increase ovarian reserve, it strongly influences oocyte quality:

• smoking cessation

• limiting alcohol consumption

• regular physical activity

• adequate sleep

• balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids

Level of evidence: ★★★★☆

A fundamental pillar of management.

Emerging therapies (still experimental)

Ovarian PRP (platelet-rich plasma)

Injection of platelet-rich plasma into the ovaries.

Results:

• sometimes transient increase in AMH

• a few reported pregnancies

Limitations:

• small studies

• lack of consensus

• highly variable outcomes

Level of evidence: ★☆☆☆☆

Stem cell therapy

Aim: regenerate ovarian tissue.

• promising results in animal studies

• very limited human data

Level of evidence: ★☆☆☆☆

In vitro activation (IVA)

Technique designed to reactivate “dormant” follicles.

• rare reported births worldwide

• highly complex and specialized procedure

Level of evidence: ★☆☆☆☆

What is mostly marketing

Many products claim to “rejuvenate the ovaries” or increase AMH artificially:

• detox cures

• fertility herbal teas

• unvalidated supplements

• unregulated hormonal protocols

To date: there is no solid scientific evidence of efficacy on true ovarian reserve.

Level of evidence: ☆☆☆☆☆

Conclusion

Ovarian reserve naturally declines with time, and no current treatment can reliably restore it.

The most evidence-based strategies in 2026 are:

• lifestyle optimization

• Coenzyme Q10

• DHEA in selected cases

Innovative approaches such as PRP, stem cells, and follicular activation remain experimental.

Beyond biological markers, the key clinical goal remains achieving a healthy, ongoing pregnancy and the birth of a healthy child.

Key message to remember

In reproductive medicine, the goal is not to “increase a number,” but to understand and optimize overall reproductive potential.

Simple biological summary

The ovaries function as a finite pool of follicles present from birth. Each month, some follicles begin to grow, but most are lost through natural atresia.

Current treatments cannot recreate this pool, but aim to:

• better utilize remaining follicles

• improve their biological environment

• optimize their ability to produce viable embryos

Ovarian reserve is therefore not a fully modifiable parameter, but a dynamic reflection of reproductive potential that can be optimized—without ever being fully restored.

Take care of yourself.

Kind regards,

Dr. Sandra Yene Amougui