Ovarian reserve refers to the number of eggs a woman has in her ovaries at a given point in her life. When a woman is born, she has a fixed number of eggs that will decrease and lose quality with age, especially after 35 years old, making natural conception more difficult.
If you’ve been trying to conceive for some time without success, you might be wondering what the normal levels of ovarian reserve are and whether it’s possible to increase it to maximize your chances of conceiving, which is the main goal of Ovoclinic, offering Pregnancy and Birth Guarantee Programs. In this article, we explain everything.
What is ovarian reserve?
During fetal development, eggs are formed and stored in the ovaries, a phenomenon known as ‘ovarian reserve.’ Once born, a woman will no longer produce eggs, and with each menstrual cycle, although typically only one egg reaches maturity, several others are lost.
However, ovarian reserve also decreases with age, and the quality of the remaining eggs deteriorates over time, a gradual process that accelerates, especially after 35 years.
What are the normal levels of ovarian reserve?
Knowing our ovarian reserve is essential for determining our reproductive capacity. Several tests and markers exist to measure it, with the most common being Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH), and estradiol levels.
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
FSH regulates the menstrual cycle. Elevated FSH levels may indicate that the ovarian reserve is low, as the body is trying to stimulate the ovaries
- Normal values: less than 6 mIU/ml.
- Acceptable ovarian reserve: between 6 and 9 mIU/ml.
- Moderate reserve: between 9 and 10 mIU/ml.
- Low ovarian reserve: more than 13 mIU/ml.
Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH)
AMH is produced by ovarian follicles and indicates the quantity of eggs a woman has.
- Normal reserve: between 0.7 and 3.5 ng/ml.
- Low ovarian reserve: less than 0.7 ng/ml.
Estradiol
Elevated estradiol levels can indicate greater ovarian activity in a specific cycle. However, they can also complicate the interpretation of FSH levels.
How to improve the quality of ovarian reserve?
To date, there is no scientific evidence that it is possible to increase ovarian reserve. However, it is possible to improve the quality of the available eggs and the conditions favorable to conception by making lifestyle changes and following the advice of fertility specialists. In this regard, some of the most effective strategies for improving the quality of ovarian reserve include:
Hormonal stimulation
Hormonal stimulation is a treatment involving the use of medications such as clomiphene citrate in cases of low ovarian reserve as part of assisted reproduction procedures. This makes it possible to produce several eggs in a single cycle and increase the chances of obtaining higher-quality oocytes.
Dietary changes
Diet also plays a key role in fertility and the quality of ovarian reserve. It is advisable to follow a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients, including legumes, nuts, leafy green vegetables, and fruits
Healthy lifestyle habits
Adopting healthy lifestyle habits is also essential. It is advisable not to smoke, avoid alcohol consumption, engage in moderate exercise, and reduce chronic stress.
Supplements and vitamins
The use of vitamin and antioxidant supplements can help improve egg quality and ovarian function, such as coenzyme Q10, which contributes to improving mitochondrial function in the eggs. However, before taking any supplements, it is recommended to consult with a doctor.
Therefore, although it is not possible to increase ovarian reserve, we can improve its quality to increase the chances of achieving pregnancy. While a healthy lifestyle, balanced diet, and hormonal stimulation can be of great help, it is important to remember that every woman is different, so it is crucial to consult a fertility specialist who can design a personalized plan based on our individual characteristics.
