VM Medical Park Ankara Hospital Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist Prof. Dr. İkbal Kaygusuz made statements about the ovarian reserve. Defining the ovarian reserve, Prof. Dr. Kaygusuz said, “Ovarian reserve; It refers to the numerical quantity and quality of follicles (eggs) in a woman's ovaries. From the beginning of fertility, there is a constant loss of egg cells every month. However, after the age of 35, this condition progresses more rapidly. Over the years, with the end of the eggs, the menopause process begins.
Referring to how the ovarian reserve can be evaluated, Prof. Dr. İkbal Kaygusuz shared the following information:
“FSH and E2 testing in the blood, also known as hormone analysis on the 3nd or 2rd day of menstruation, are the oldest known egg reserve tests. If the FSH value is greater than 10, it indicates decreased ovarian reserve.
Our other blood test that accurately shows the egg reserve, regardless of the day of the menstrual cycle, is the AMH test. Between 1,1 and 3 is considered normal.
Egg counting by vaginal ultrasound is the best and most accurate method of showing ovarian reserve. If the number of eggs in both ovaries is less than 8, it means that the ovarian reserve is reduced.”
Talking about low ovarian reserve, Prof. Dr. Kaygusuz, “Decreased ovarian reserve; a condition that reduces fertility. It reduces women's chances of conceiving spontaneously or with treatment. Most women with low reserves have regular periods. Tests cannot accurately predict when productivity will end, but women with abnormal values may be advised to avoid postponing pregnancy plans too far if they have one. Infertility research can be started. In addition, depending on the results of this evaluation, important information can be obtained about the method to be applied for infertility treatment and the person's chance of becoming pregnant.
Emphasizing that the most important factor determining the egg reserve is our genetic predisposition, Prof. Dr. İkbal Kaygusuz said, “The number of eggs in our ovaries at the beginning, that is, in the mother's womb (intrauterine life), is the most determining factor. However, conditions such as smoking, alcohol, caffeine consumption, poor diet, stress and overweight can accelerate the consumption of ovarian reserve. In this case, although we cannot increase the ovarian reserve, we should not smoke, drink alcohol, eat Mediterranean-type diet, take supplements if we have vitamin D deficiency, and stay away from stress in order to reduce consumption.