Understanding Your Ovarian Reserve: The Data That Guides Your Fertility Decisions
As physicians, we are trained to interpret complex data, but when it comes to our own fertility, however, even the most objective among us can feel overwhelmed by what ovarian reserve markers mean for our future family-building plans.
Fortunately, Love and Science is here to help you make sense of these tests and the results you may have received. Read below to learn more:
What Is Ovarian Reserve?
Ovarian reserve refers to the number of eggs remaining in our ovaries and their potential responsiveness to stimulation. While it doesn’t predict our chances of natural conception this month, it guides our fertility team’s decisions about treatment timing and IVF strategies.
So, what are some of these key markers?
AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone)
Secreted by granulosa cells in small antral follicles, AMH correlates with the pool of recruitable follicles. It is relatively stable throughout the cycle. Low AMH suggests diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), while higher AMH indicates greater follicular quantity or, in some cases, PCOS.AFC (Antral Follicle Count)
Assessed via transvaginal ultrasound, AFC counts the small 2-10mm follicles visible in both ovaries early in your cycle. It directly informs ovarian responsiveness to stimulation and helps tailor gonadotropin dosing in IVF.FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)
Measured early in the follicular phase, elevated FSH suggests reduced ovarian reserve due to lower inhibin B feedback. However, it varies cycle to cycle and is best interpreted alongside AMH and AFC. Note, an FSH can be falsely suppressed if the Day 2-3 estradiol level is already elevated, which can also indicate diminished ovarian reserve. The two should always be drawn together!
Why These Markers Matter
While these markers cannot assess egg quality – which remains primarily age-related – they help answer practical questions:
How will my ovaries respond to stimulation if I pursue IVF or egg freezing?
Is now the time to act, or can I wait without compromising success rates?
What treatment protocols make sense for me given my goals and physiology?
They are tools to help you make strategic, informed decisions, rather than guesses driven by fear or urgency.
How a Fertility Coach Can Help
Even as physicians, interpreting our own labs can be overwhelming and emotional. Therefore, investing in a fertility coach, especially a double-board certified REI as your coach, can help you bridge the gap between data and mindset.
Dr. Erica Bove is the world’s only double board certified physician fertility coach in the world and her method truly works. When you choose coaching, you will gain:
An evidence-based interpretation of your AMH, AFC, and FSH
Guidance in aligning fertility decisions with your lifetime goals
Help in asking the right questions to your REI team
Emotional support as you navigate a process that can feel deeply personal and vulnerable
Empowerment to move forward with clarity and confidence
Your Next Step
If you’re feeling uncertain about what your ovarian reserve markers mean or how to incorporate them into your long-term plans, Love and Science is here to help. We combine clinical expertise with strategic coaching to help you take the next right step.
Click here to learn more about fertility coaching at Love and Science.
