Home ovarian reserve test kit at a glance
- Ovarian reserve is the number of healthy immature eggs in a woman’s ovaries, and this reserve declines with age, impacting fertility, particularly after 35.
- Ovarian reserve testing is crucial for assessing reproductive potential and guiding family planning decisions like timing of pregnancy and need for fertility preservation.
- ARMS recommends the at-home IHDLab Anti-Mullerian Hormone Test to help evaluate a woman’s ovarian reserve, as the anti mullerian hormone (AMH) is a marker for ovarian reserve.
- This at-home test is an excellent first step for women who are planning to have a family in the future.
- Results of the at-home test give the woman a reading of her AMH level, which can guide her in next steps toward conception; but the at-home test has limitations and is not a substitute for advanced ovarian reserve testing.
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What is ovarian reserve testing?
Ovarian reserve refers to the quantity of a woman’s remaining eggs in her ovaries. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine notes that quality and quantity of eggs decreases with age. This is especially true after age 35, making it a critical factor for women considering pregnancy later in life. Ovarian reserve directly influences a woman’s fertility, as a higher ovarian reserve generally indicates better reproductive potential and vice versa.
Ovarian reserve testing is a crucial aspect of fertility testing for women, providing valuable insights into reproductive potential. This page explores the at-home IHDLab Anti Mullerian Hormone Test that gives an indicator of fertility potential and our complete ovarian reserve testing methods. Both results have implications for reproductive health and family planning based on ovarian reserve.
Importance of ovarian reserve testing
Testing helps predict a woman’s chances of conceiving naturally or with fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). Results can guide decisions about the timing of pregnancy and whether fertility preservation techniques are advisable, such as freezing eggs at a younger age when they are more healthy for a later pregnancy. Beyond predicting fertility, ovarian reserve testing can also reveal underlying conditions affecting ovarian function, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or premature ovarian insufficiency (POI).
How the IHDLab AMH at-home ovarian reserve test works
We recommend this at-home test as a convenient and affordable first step for women planning on having a family in the future. Our complete ovarian reserve testing can evaluate various hormones important for conception including AMH as well as testing antral follicle count (see below for details).
The IHDLab Anti Mullerian Hormone Test only quantifies AMH levels to evaluate ovarian reserve, offering insights into the quantity of eggs remaining in the ovaries. AMH is considered the best single predictor of the quantity of eggs in a woman’s ovary. This test is valuable for individuals seeking initial insight on their fertility status.
This at-home product is a blood test involving a finger prick for blood sample. The results give the woman’s level of AMH, including a guide indicating if the AMH level is higher or lower than women in the same age range as the person being tested. The IHDLab Anti Mullerian Hormone Test also provides a sense of how successful egg retrieval for IVF will be, as well as if the woman is at risk for PCOS. This can also guide women considering fertility preservation.
Steps in the at-home test for AMH
After ordering the IHDLab Anti Mullerian Hormone Test online, you’ll receive the test kit in the mail. Follow the directions closely including preparation, also shown in videos.
- Prick your finger with the sanitized lancet provided.
- Allow one drop of blood to fall on each of the four circles on the test card.
- Let the card dry for 30 minutes.
- Fill out the card and place it in the specimen collection bag provided.
- Place the bag in the provided mailer box with label and mail it to IHDLab.
- You will receive an email with your test results in a few days.
We encourage women to contact Arizona Reproductive Medicine Specialists if they have any questions about the results and to see if they indicate further ovarian reserve testing is warranted.
ARMS complete ovarian reserve testing
At ARMS we offer a variety of ovarian reserve test options, which will depend on what we learn about the woman from discussion as well as examination. These include blood tests to evaluate follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol and AMH, along with vaginal ultrasound to check antral follicle count, or AFC. These assessments aim to gauge the quantity and quality of remaining eggs. It’s important to note that these tests primarily reflect egg quantity rather than quality, which typically diminishes with age.
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
FSH is considered to be a better predictor of egg quality than an AMH test and is also associated with the number of eggs. As ovarian function declines, the brain increases FSH production to stimulate the ovarian process of maturing eggs. FSH is less predictive of ovarian response to fertility medications but can be useful in situations where the egg count is low.
Estradiol
This is a form of estrogen that is the main reproductive hormone produced by the ovaries. Elevated levels at the beginning of your cycle can indicate diminished ovarian reserve.
Anti mullerian hormone (AMH)
Anti mullerian hormone (AMH) is produced by the follicles in the ovaries, where eggs reside. A higher AMH level suggests a greater estimated number of eggs. As women age, both AMH levels and egg count typically decline. Unlike FSH, AMH can be measured at any point in the menstrual cycle. AMH levels below 2 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) may indicate a decrease in ovarian reserve, but they do not predict your likelihood of getting pregnant.
Antral follicle count (AFC)
A follicle is essentially an egg enclosed by supporting cells. Antral follicles represent eggs in their advanced stages of development and appear as small dark circles within the ovary when visualized on ultrasound.
Interpreting ovarian reserve test results
Interpretation of ovarian reserve tests requires consideration of several factors, including age, medical history and reproductive goals. Generally, lower AMH levels, higher FSH levels and a lower AFC may indicate diminished ovarian reserve. However, these tests provide estimates and do not definitively predict fertility outcomes.
This is why it is important to have a complete fertility evaluation. Many other factors besides ovarian reserve can cause infertility.
What factors affect ovarian reserve?
Ovarian reserve is influenced by numerous factors, with age generally being the most significant. Women are born with a fixed number of eggs, and this varies among individuals. By the time menstruation begins in adolescence, millions of eggs have already been lost.
Throughout a typical menstrual cycle, multiple eggs begin to mature, competing to become the dominant one released during ovulation. While only one egg is usually released monthly, thousands of eggs are lost each year. Healthcare providers also assess egg quality, which pertains to the overall health of eggs, and poor egg quality can cause infertility.
Other factors that can contribute to a decrease in egg count include:
- History of ovarian surgery or issues with one or both ovaries.
- History of endometriosis involving the ovaries.
- Previous chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
- History of severe pelvic infections.
- Family history of early menopause.
- Genetic factors.
Limitations and considerations of ovarian reserve testing
It’s important to note that ovarian reserve testing has the following limitations.
- Variability: Results can vary between individuals and may not always predict fertility outcomes accurately.
- Age dependent: Age remains the most critical factor in fertility decline, despite ovarian reserve testing results.
- Psychological impact: Results can affect emotional well-being, especially if they indicate diminished ovarian reserve.
Studies indicate that after age 35, egg quality also begins to diminish. There are additional fertility factors unrelated to egg count or quality. Healthcare providers conduct ovarian reserve testing as part of fertility assessments to gain a comprehensive understanding of overall fertility status.
In conclusion, ovarian reserve testing plays a crucial role in fertility assessment and family planning. By providing insights into a woman’s reproductive potential, these tests – including the IHDLab Anti Mullerian Hormone Test – empower individuals and healthcare providers to make informed decisions regarding fertility treatments and reproductive health. As research advances, ongoing refinement of these testing methods continues to enhance their clinical utility and accuracy.