Ovarian Reserve Tests
Hormone tests and ultrasound
- Antimullerian Hormone (AMH) level – Studies have demonstrated a gradual decrease in AMH levels as a woman gets older. This decline has been attributed to a decreasing number of eggs within the ovary. A low level of AMH suggests that the ovary may be depleted of eggs, and is predictive of low egg production (poor response) during In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). Low AMH levels are typically seen in older women, and in women with history of ovarian surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and/or endometriosis. Patients with endometriosis who undergo surgery to remove ovarian endometriosis cysts experience significant reduction in their AMH levels.
- Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) level – FSH is an important hormone that regulates the recruitment and development of your eggs. The FSH level is less predictive of ovarian reserve status than the AMH level. In general, a low FSH level is reassuring, and indicates that you probably have good quality eggs. A high FSH level suggests that there is a reduction in both the number and quality of eggs remaining in your ovaries (Diminished Ovarian Reserve). The most reliable indicator of egg quality, however, is your age. So if you are 44 years old and you have a normal FSH level, you can not assume that the quality of your eggs is good. In fact, your chance of conceiving with IVF is less than 5%. Likewise, young women with high FSH may have fewer eggs remaining but their egg quality may still be good yielding satisfactory IVF pregnancy rates. Generally speaking, FSH levels below 10miu/ml are reassuring. Women with FSH levels over 20miu/ml rarely benefit from treatment utilizing their own eggs and they should be encouraged to consider donor egg IVF or adoption.
- Estradiol (E2) level – High estrogen level on day 3 of your menstrual cycle is indicative of Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR) even if the FSH level is completely normal. It is very important to measure both day 3 FSH and estrogen (E2) levels since an elevation in one or both tests may be equally predictive of decreased egg number and lower egg quality. Ideally, day 3 estrogen levels should be less than 50pg/ml. Day 3 estrogen level greater than 100pg/ml is considered abnormal.
- Antral Follicle Count (AFC) – This is an ultrasound examination to determine the number of antral follicles (immature eggs smaller than 10mm) present within the ovary.
A low number of antral follicles is suggestive of Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR) and may correlate with poorer IVF outcome. Patients with low egg numbers may consider IVF treatment as soon as possible. The egg count can also help the doctor determine which IVF stimulation protocol may be best for you.
Fig. 1 GOOD OVARIAN RESERVE
Fig. 2 POOR OVARIAN RESERVE
Experience
A pioneering and successful fertility center since 1982, Boca Fertility was the first IVF center in Palm Beach County to accomplish a successful pregnancy and delivery of a baby conceived through IVF. Countless numbers of infertile couples are now parents thanks to the care they received at Boca Fertility.
Success
Our IVF program consistently achieves high success rates (SART Clinic Summary Report - Sartcorsonline.com), utilizing state of the art techniques such as IntraCytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE), Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD), egg and embryo freezing, gestational surrogacy and donor egg IVF.
Personalized Care
Boca Fertility is physician-owned, so you can expect to receive unparalleled individualized and compassionate care. You will be cared for by only one doctor, and you will find our staff to be truly supportive. You will be pleased by the relaxed atmosphere and the very personal attention you receive at Boca Fertility.