Advancing age, which is ultimately accompanied by reduced ovarian reserve, is a common cause of infertility. As eggs “age” they loose their capacity to fertilize and develop, which results in low estrogen levels and irregular or no ovulation.
The menopause occurs when there are few if any viable eggs left within the ovary. These women must use
egg donors to conceive. Unfortunately, some women enter the menopause or perimenopause much earlier in their reproductive lives.
Elevated day three FSH levels are an indication of diminishing ovarian reserve. The Clomid challenge test is also sometimes used to predict a woman’s response to ovulation induction in an in
vitro fertilization cycle. If your cycle day 3 FSH level is above 15-16 or your Clomid challenge test is abnormal, you may be encouraged to use an egg donor.
Society’s values have changed dramatically over the last fifty years, and more women are opting to enter the work force. In the past, it was common for married women in their early twenties to start families. Now, many couples choose to delay childbearing until their careers are established and they are financially secure, oftentimes until their mid thirties.
Unfortunately, the social and biological clocks do not coincide and older women are often faced with reduced fertility and the need for
assisted reproductive technologies such as IVF. Studies have demonstrated that women in their thirties can experience a rapid decline in their fertility, making “time” their biggest enemy.
If you are in your thirties, are having regular intercourse and are not pregnant after 6-12 months, you are strongly urged to seek care from a reproductive endocrinologist. Our specialists conduct a thorough diagnostic evaluation and rapidly implement the treatments most likely to result in pregnancy.