How to Increase Egg Reserve and Quality?

Ovarian reserve is an important term that helps understand a woman’s fertility potential. This concept is used to evaluate women’s reproductive capacity and the amount of eggs in their ovaries.

What is Egg Reserve?

Ovarian reserve describes the number of egg cells in a woman’s body. It is a measure that helps determine women’s fertility potential. The higher the egg reserve, the higher the fertility potential.

Women are born with a certain egg reserve. However, as age progresses, this reserve decreases and the quality of the eggs may be affected. Especially for women over the age of 35, egg reserve begins to decrease and this may negatively affect the chances of pregnancy.

Why Does Egg Reserve Decrease?

Egg reserve may vary between individuals depending on genetic factors. Every month, an egg is naturally released from the woman’s follicles due to the menstrual cycle. But each time more eggs are prepared and fall from the reserve. Therefore, the reserve decreases with age, resulting in a natural decline in reproductive ability. An important indicator of the egg reduction process is Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) levels. AMH is a hormone secreted by the ovaries and is a determinant of egg reserve. As a woman ages, AMH levels begin to decline. This decrease parallels the decrease in egg reserve and reflects the decrease in the woman’s reproductive ability. This condition may manifest itself with some symptoms. These symptoms include irregular menstrual cycles. A condition called anovulation may also occur. This is a condition in which ovulation does not occur and is associated with the process of egg reduction.

Factors That Reduce the Number of Eggs

The process of egg reduction is a natural condition that develops in every woman and is related to the menstrual period. Factors that can cause egg reserve to decrease include:

• Aging: It is one of the most common causes of decreased egg reserve. Women have a certain egg reserve when they are born, and this reserve naturally decreases as they get older. A number of egg cells are lost with each menstrual cycle, and as we age, the number of available eggs decreases. In addition, egg quality decreases over time due to the environmental factors we are exposed to.
• Genetic Factors: Genetic factors such as family history and the fertility level of the mother and grandmother can give an idea about the woman’s egg reserve. Having a family history of conditions such as early menopause may also increase the possibility of a woman’s egg reserve decreasing.
• Environmental Factors: Exposure to environmental toxins and smoking may negatively affect egg reserve. These factors can lead to premature aging of egg cells. Smoking, in particular, can make egg cells more exposed to the effects of oxidative stress.
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is a condition that causes hormonal imbalances and can negatively affect egg production. The formation of numerous small cysts in the ovaries is a distinctive feature of this syndrome. PCOS can cause the body to produce high amounts of androgens, which are male hormones. Excess of these hormones can affect egg maturation and egg reserve. Women with PCOS often experience anovulation (failure to ovulate), which leads to decreased egg reserve.
• Endometriosis: Endometriosis is a condition in which uterine tissue grows outside the uterus. It can cause damage to the ovaries and reduce egg reserve.
• Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy: Cancer treatments can have negative effects on the ovaries and uterus. These treatments can cause decreased egg reserve and even infertility.

How to Understand Egg Quality?

Egg quality is a critical factor that directly affects a woman’s fertility potential and likelihood of sustaining a healthy pregnancy. However, since egg quality is not a visible feature, determining it requires some scientific methods. The method often used to evaluate egg quality is to check certain hormone levels through blood tests. The appropriate time for blood tests to evaluate egg quality and reserve is generally considered to be the 2nd and 3rd days of the menstrual cycle. The hormones checked during this period are:

• Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH): FSH levels are used to evaluate the condition of the ovaries. High FSH levels may indicate decreased egg reserve. FSH means the ovaries have to work harder, which can mean the eggs are of poor quality.
• Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH): AMH levels are a commonly used test to evaluate ovarian reserve. AMH is a hormone that reflects the number and potential of egg follicles. High AMH levels indicate greater egg reserve, while low levels may indicate decreased egg reserve. This test is important for estimating a woman’s fertility potential.
• Estradiol (E2): Estradiol is a hormone that directs egg maturation and intrauterine preparation. High estradiol levels can affect the quality and number of maturing eggs.

E2 and FSH values ​​do not provide direct information. However, it helps to obtain results when other diagnostic methods are used. One of the indicators that help laboratory tests for diagnosis is antral follicles. Antral follicles are developing egg sacs located in a woman’s ovaries. The count performed by ultrasound in the first days of the menstrual cycle provides information about egg reserve and quality. A higher antral follicle count is generally associated with better egg quality. In methods such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) used for individuals receiving infertility treatment, it is important to examine the collected eggs and obtained embryos. This examination is done under a microscope. Eggs and embryos with good morphological characteristics may indicate better quality.

What are the factors affecting egg quality?

Egg quality is a factor that significantly affects a woman’s reproductive capacity and health. Egg quality is related to a number of genetic, environmental, age and health-related factors. Factors affecting egg quality are:

• Genetic Factors: It is an important factor that determines egg quality. Genetic information directs the correct copying and repair of DNA during egg development. Abnormal genetic material can reduce egg quality and increase the risk of miscarriage.
• Age: Age is one of the most critical factors determining egg quality. As a woman ages, egg quality decreases. This becomes especially evident after age 35. Aging can also increase the likelihood of genetic errors and lead to abnormal embryo formation.
• Smoking: Smoking can negatively affect egg quality. These substances can reduce circulation to the ovaries and lead to toxin accumulation. As a result, the health of the eggs may deteriorate.
• Chronic Diseases: Chronic diseases can constantly strain the body and negatively affect ovarian function. Diseases such as diabetes, obesity and thyroid problems can reduce egg quality.
• Environmental Factors: Chemical exposure, radiation, and exposure to toxins can affect egg quality. These toxins can damage the ovaries and cause DNA damage.
• Autoimmune Diseases: Autoimmune diseases cause the body to attack its own tissues and can damage the ovaries.
• Malnutrition: Unhealthy or inadequate nutrition causes the body to not receive the necessary nutrients. Lack of nutrients necessary for egg development can reduce egg quality.

What Should Be Done to Increase Egg Reserve and Quality?

Things that can be done to increase egg reserve and quality are as follows:

• Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle: A healthy lifestyle is the most basic step to increase egg reserve and quality. Adopting a balanced eating habit, exercising regularly and protecting the body from harmful toxins supports egg health. It is also important to avoid smoking.
• Consuming Foods Rich in Antioxidants: Antioxidants protect the body from free radicals and may improve egg quality. It is important to consume foods containing antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene.
• Getting Enough Rest and Avoiding Stress: Lack of sleep and constant stress can affect hormone levels and reduce egg quality. It is important to get enough rest and reduce stress.
• Fertility Support Supplements: Some women may consider taking supplements to increase fertility in consultation with their doctor. In particular, supplements such as folic acid, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids can support egg health.
• Ovarian Stimulation Therapy: This treatment is a method used to increase egg production. Hormonal drugs are used in ovarian stimulation treatment. These medications stimulate the ovaries to produce more eggs. This treatment is often used before egg retrieval for IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) or other reproductive procedures.

Since egg reserve and quality are affected by genetic factors, in some cases it may be completely out of control. However, positive steps can be taken in this regard with healthy lifestyle choices and professional guidance. Every individual is different. It is important not to skip routine checks and to consult a specialist doctor before starting any treatment.