A test commonly performed in women over the age of thirty-five is the Clomid challenge test. Clomid, or clomiphene citrate (generic name), is a medication that stimulates egg production. The Clomid challenge test assesses whether a woman has adequate “ovarian reserve” (a sufficient number of eggs) and whether her eggs are healthy and capable of fertilization and childbirth.
Age factor
It is important to note that a woman's chances of achieving a successful pregnancy with her own eggs depend greatly on her age. Other lifestyle factors, such as smoking, as well as medical conditions and treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, or sometimes genetic factors, can also affect ovarian reserve. As a woman approaches age forty, the likelihood of a successful pregnancy outcome with her own eggs rapidly diminishes. Unlike men, who can produce sperm throughout their lives after puberty, a woman is born with her lifetime supply of eggs, which decreases over time.
FSH - follicle-stimulating hormone
One of the most important hormones involved in the growth of ovarian follicles and the production of eggs is follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). FSH levels in women fluctuate naturally during the menstrual cycle and typically rise as ovarian reserve declines with age. Elevated FSH levels at the start of the menstrual cycle can indicate reduced ovarian function. Research has shown that women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) with higher FSH levels tend to have lower average pregnancy rates and higher rates of miscarriage compared to those with lower FSH levels.
Procedure
The Clomid challenge test examines FSH levels at two time points during the menstrual cycle. The woman’s hormone levels (estrogen and follicle-stimulating hormone) are checked on approximately day 3 of the menstrual cycle. After taking Clomid, these hormone levels are rechecked. If either the Day 3 FSH level or the Day 10 FSH level in the Clomid challenge test is elevated, it is considered abnormal. A high FSH level is a sign of poor ovarian reserve. While it may be challenging for a woman to conceive using her own eggs, using donor eggs is a viable option to consider.
Comments