Low ovarian reserve is a condition that determines women's fertility potential and egg reserve.
Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) is a hormone produced in the ovaries of women. This hormone plays a critical role in determining the quantity and quality of the innate ovarian reserve. High AMH levels indicate a larger egg reserve, while low levels may indicate an issue with ovarian reserve.
The AMH hormone is crucial in assessing women's fertility chance. As women age and their reproductive years pass, AMH levels decrease, and egg reserve diminishes. Therefore, this number is used to predict the likelihood of conception and the success of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. It can be measured from a blood sample at a specific point in the menstrual cycle, regardless of fasting state.
"How is egg reserve assessed?" and "What should be the minimum egg reserve in women?" are frequently asked questions. This is determined by antral follicle count and the size of them, present in a woman's ovaries. These small cysts are easily visible through ultrasound imaging. This examination conducted to assess this count detects the number of follicles in the ovaries and provides essential information about the reserve to fertility specialist.
The normal value of AMH hormone can vary for women based on age and laboratory methods. Generally, a range of 1 to 3.5 ng/mL is expected in women of reproductive age. However, these values can differ between laboratories. Additionally, Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) stimulates the growth and maturation of eggs in the ovaries. The FSH test is conducted by taking a blood sample on the third day of the menstrual cycle. This answers the question of when to assess egg reserve.
If the test result shows high levels, it may indicate a reduced egg reserve or lower quality. Estradiol is also another method for assessing egg reserve. It is an estrogen hormone produced by the ovaries. This measurement is done alongside the FSH levels and assists in evaluating egg reserve. Test results provide information about the patient's fertility potential and play a significant role in assessing the chances of conception.
Age is one of the most significant factors contributing to this issue. As women age, the quantity and quality of eggs in their ovaries decrease. This impacts fertility possibility and reduces the chances of pregnancy. Particularly after the age of 35, the risk of low egg reserve increases, and the likelihood of conception diminishes.
Genetic predisposition can also lead to this problem in some individuals. Women with a family history of early menopause may be at risk of this problem. Genetic factors can negatively affect the quality and quantity of ovarian reserve, thereby impacting fertility. In addition to these, the following ones can also be observed in signs of low ovarian reserve:
Furthermore, environmental factors can play a role in the occurrence of low egg reserves. Smoking, alcohol consumption, being overweight or obese, and exposure to certain chemicals can have a negative impact on egg reserve. Adopting a healthy lifestyle and managing environmental factors are important for preventing this condition. These may be the answer to the question of what causes low ovarian reserve and symptoms of diminished ovarian reserve.
Currently, there is no definitive solution for low ovarian reserve treatment. However, women with this issue can take certain steps to enhance their chances of fertility. This issue can also affect the success of in vitro fertilization (IVF). However, IVF offers a possibility for women with low ovarian reserve to become mothers. This procedure involves transferring fertilized eggs to the uterus and can be a promising option for women with lower chances of conception.
Patients with this condition can take measures to preserve their fertility potential. Firstly, adopting a healthy lifestyle and minimizing environmental factors is crucial. Methods like donation or freezing to preserve ovarian reserve are among the options available to those facing this problem.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) treatment is a regenerative medical technique used to stimulate healing and tissue repair using a patient's own blood. The procedure begins by extracting a small amount of blood from the patient and then processing the blood to separate platelets from other blood components through centrifugation. The resulting PRP solution is rich in growth factors and bioactive proteins that promote tissue regeneration and repair.
In the context of low egg reserve, PRP treatment is being evaluated as an alternative, and ongoing research is being conducted. Its main goal is to rejuvenate ovarian tissue and stimulate the development of healthy eggs. The PRP solution containing high levels of growth factors is carefully injected into the ovaries under ultrasound guidance. The growth factors in PRP help stimulate dormant follicles and aid in their transformation into mature eggs.
During the procedure, around 20-30 milliliters of blood is typically drawn from the patient's arm. The blood is processed in a centrifuge to separate the platelets, and the resulting PRP solution is collected. The patient's ovaries are numbed with local anesthesia, and the PRP solution is carefully injected into various areas of the ovaries using a fine needle under transvaginal ultrasound guidance.
You can visit the clinic of Op. Dr. Nurettin Türktekin, one of Turkey's leading experts in women's health, addresses your concerns safely and comfortably. For detailed information about all procedures and to schedule an appointment, don't hesitate to get in touch with us using the provided contact information.
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs or vesicles seen inside the ovary. Normally, during each menstrual period, a cyst called a follicle, which carries the egg cell and can reach 3 cm in size, forms in the ovaries. Then this cyst cracks and the egg is released. In young girls with ovulation problems, normal or physiological follicle cysts that cannot rupture can grow every month and reach 5-10 cm, while small numbers of 0.5-1 cm in size, which we call polycystic ovaries, can be seen in series. Apart from these functional cysts, benign or malignant ovarian cysts can also be seen in all age groups.
Except for the most common functional ovarian cysts, cysts can be benign or malignant tumoral cysts. In addition, as a result of infection, abscess-shaped cysts may occur, which is usually accompanied by pain and high fever.
No, low ovarian reserve and early menopause are different conditions. First one refers to a decrease in egg reserve, while early menopause is when the fertility period ends prematurely. However, women with low ovarian reserve might be at risk of early menopause.
Women with a low ovarian reserve can still get pregnant, but this condition can impact fertility potential and make the process of conception more challenging.
Yes, women with low ovarian reserve can consider egg donation. This practice involves using young and healthy donor eggs and allows women with this problem to become parents.
