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Clinical concept · Also: egg supply

Ovarian reserve

An estimate of the quantity of remaining eggs in the ovaries.

An estimate of the quantity of remaining eggs in the ovaries.

Also known as: egg supply

Ovarian reserve refers to the remaining pool of eggs in the ovaries, which declines with age. It is commonly estimated with anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and antral follicle counts.

A lower reserve is associated with the approach of menopause and can affect fertility planning.

Related terms

AMH

A hormone released by small ovarian follicles that reflects remaining ovarian reserve.

FSH

A pituitary hormone that stimulates ovarian follicles and rises as ovarian reserve declines.

POI

Loss of normal ovarian function before age 40, causing irregular periods and low estrogen.

Menopause

The point marked by 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period.

Source

MedlinePlus: Anti-Müllerian Hormone Test

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