There is no better feeling than having the ability to bring another human being to life. One thing that makes women real-life superheroes is their ability to carry a child inside their bodies for nine months.
While this sounds like no big deal, there is a lot that goes into being able to get pregnant. Compared to men, women have a limited supply of eggs. They are born with several eggs that they exhaust throughout their lifespan.
The immature eggs (oocytes) in women are indicators of getting pregnant. However, the amount of eggs decreases as you age.
If you are wondering if there is anything that can help you keep track of your egg quantity, you are at the right place. Read this article to understand the role of ovarian reserve in your pregnancy.
What is Ovarian Reserve?
Ovarian reserve is the number of eggs inside your ovary. Your ovarian reserve is regulated by a glycoprotein hormone called the anti-mullerian hormone.
The possibility of getting naturally pregnant depends on your ovarian reserve. If you have a poor ovarian reserve (low AMH level), it means you have a lower chance of successfully conceiving. On the other hand, a high ovarian reserve (high AMH level) means you are healthy enough to get pregnant.
But the real question is – how do you get to know your ovarian reserve? Well, a medical test known as the ovarian reserve test measures the number of eggs in your ovary.
What is the Ovarian Reserve Test?
The AMH screening is the best ovarian reserve test. It measures the level of anti-mullerian hormone in your blood. Your ovarian reserve directly influences the levels of AMH. Hence;
- Higher AMH levels indicate good ovarian reserve
- Low AMH levels mean poor ovarian reserve.
When Should I Go for the Ovarian Reserve Test?
There is no specific reason for women to undergo the test. A routine checkup of your reproductive system helps maintain a healthy fertility life. The test measures your ovarian reserve to reveal your pregnancy chance.
An AMH test can be a great option if you have irregular periods, hormonal imbalance, poor diet, no correspondence to pregnancy medications, and early menopause.
Moreover, this test allows you to understand your chances of getting pregnant. You should go for this test if you are;
- Trying to conceive for more than three to six months
- Future family planning
- You are crossing your mid-30s
- Irregular periods
- Exploring fertility options, such as surrogate or IVF etc
- Symptoms of PCOS
- Measuring your menopause timeline
- Hormonal imbalance
- High FSH levels
Tips to Increase Your Ovarian Reserve
The anti-mullerian hormone maintains your ovarian reserve. In easy words, increasing your AMH level will increase your ovarian reserve. Therefore, you will have a higher chance of getting pregnant. Here is a list of some helpful tips to improve your ovarian reserve;
- Daily physical exercise
- Add more Vitamin D to your diet
- Acupuncture
- Eat healthy carbs
- Avoid smoking
- Eat food rich in Omega-3
Conclusion
A poor ovarian reserve before age 35 doesn’t mean you are completely infertile. However, getting pregnant with a poor ovarian reserve can lead to severe health complications.