Ovarian Reserve Testing

Review
In: Endotext [Internet]. South Dartmouth (MA): MDText.com, Inc.; 2000.
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Excerpt

The ovaries affect far more than reproductive health. Estrogen affects cardiovascular, skeletal, mental health, and numerous other aspects of wellness. Additionally, ovarian dysfunction can reflect disequilibrium relating to multiple conditions. Efficient and effective ovarian testing can give women valuable answers about their fertility, time to menopause, and other conditions and symptoms they may face. Though no test is perfect, antral follicle count (AFC) and anti- Müllerian hormone (AMH) provide more sensitive and specific results that allow for the continuum of ovarian function, and have advantages over classic tests such as follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol, the clomiphene citrate challenge test (CCCT), and others. This chapter explores these and additional ovarian assays, their underlying mechanisms, and limitations that may favor one test over another depending on circumstances. Particular emphasis is given to evaluating perimenopausal status, procreation, and etiologies for amenorrhea. For complete coverage of all related areas of Endocrinology, please visit our on-line FREE web-text, WWW.ENDOTEXT.ORG.

Publication types

  • Review