Interpreting Ovarian Reserve Testing Results

What can ovarian reserve test results tell me?

Ovarian reserve is not an indicator of an individual’s fertility. This testing tells you how many eggs you have for the future vs. what’s typical for your age, and helps you understand the possible outcomes of cyropreservation (egg or embryo freezing), or IVF.

Note that the results interpretations below are based on past clinical studies of ovarian reserve markers for patients across age groups. Your laboratory may classify results using different language or reference ranges.

How can I interpret Antral Follicle Count (AFC) results?

What is antral follicle count, or AFC?

Antral follicle count (AFC) is a measure of the number of antral (or “resting”) follicles in each ovary. Each antral follicle contains an immature egg. Counting them allows providers to estimate the number of eggs that might be retrieved with one ovarian stimulation cycle for egg or embryo freezing, or IVF. This is captured via a vaginal ultrasound.

Antral Follicle Count (AFC) results interpretations

How can I interpret Anti Müllerian Hormone (AMH) results?

What is Anti Müllerian Hormone, or AMH?

Anti Müllerian Hormone (AMH) is a protein released by small follicles in your ovaries. Similar to AFC, AMH helps estimate the number of eggs that might be retrieved with one ovarian stimulation cycle for egg or embryo freezing, or IVF. This is captured via a blood test.

Anti Müllerian Hormone (AMH) results interpretation

What decisions can I make with this information?

It’s important to remember that these two indicators of ovarian reserve are not an indicator of your fertility, although lower ovarian reserve can be correlated with earlier menopause.