Hey ladies! Have you ever thought about how much time you have left on your biological clock? A big part of that answer lies in the number of quality eggs you have in your ovaries, which is known as your ovarian reserve. This reserve primarily depends on your age.
When you’re born, you start with around 1,000,000 to 2,000,000 immature eggs, or follicles, in your ovaries. By the time you hit puberty, that number drops to about 400,000. Each menstrual cycle, only one egg matures while approximately 1,000 follicles die off. Fast forward to menopause, which usually occurs between 48 and 55, and many women have no viable follicles left, or any that do cannot mature due to hormonal changes. If you’re curious about preserving your eggs, check out more on egg freezing.
Hitting the Pause Button
You might have heard that egg freezing essentially pauses your biological clock. By freezing high-quality eggs when your ovarian reserve is still robust, you can use those eggs later when your chances of conception might be lower.
For women considering this option, timing is crucial. The ideal age to freeze eggs is typically in your early to mid-30s when your egg quality is still high. While it’s still possible to freeze eggs after that age, it may require more cycles to gather enough mature eggs for a future pregnancy.
In recent years, more younger women are choosing this path. For instance, back in 2012, the average age for women freezing their eggs was 38, but now it’s dropped to 36, and the trend continues downward.
Find Out How Much Time You Have: Ovarian Reserve Testing
If you’re interested in freezing your eggs, ovarian reserve testing can give you valuable insights. This testing, which is available to women considering egg freezing, evaluates both the quantity and quality of your eggs. Two main tests can help determine your ovarian reserve:
- Vaginal Ultrasound: This is the best method for counting the number of antral, or resting, follicles in each ovary. These follicles contain immature eggs that could potentially develop in the future. The count from this ultrasound, known as an antral follicle count (AFC), along with your age, is essential for estimating your ovarian reserve and predicting how well you might respond to ovarian stimulation.
- Blood Test: Conducted on day 3 of your menstrual cycle, this test measures various hormones, including follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2), luteinizing hormone (LH), and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH). Each of these hormones plays a key role in your ovaries’ function, the quality of existing follicles, and the potential for egg development.
For just $325, you can get these tests done, and many insurance plans cover diagnostic testing.
Get Your Answers
If you’re considering egg freezing, talking to a patient liaison can help you navigate your options. You can also explore fertility supplements that could boost your chances, as detailed on sites like Make a Mom.
In addition, if you’re interested in other aspects of fertility, Healthline offers excellent resources, including information on in vitro fertilization (IVF). And don’t forget to check out our other post about caffeine and breastfeeding for more insights on navigating motherhood and health.
In summary, understanding your ovarian reserve is key to making informed decisions about your reproductive future. Consider testing your reserve to see if egg freezing is the right choice for you.