Age-related changes in ovarian volume, antral follicle counts and basal FSH in women with normal reproductive health
Erdem, A.; Erdem, M.; Biberoglu, K.; Hayit, O.; Arslan, M.; Gursoy, R.
Journal of Reproductive Medicine 47(10): 835-839
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 0024-7758 PMID: 12418067 Document Number: 245468
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relation between ultrasound-based ovarian volume and antral follicle counts and hormonal parameters of ovarian reserve in a group of women with normal reproductive health. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study. One hundred eight women with at least one previous pregnancy reaching term were divided into three age groups (group 1=35-39 years, group 2=40-44 years, and group 3=45-50 years). Basal hormone measurements and transvaginal ultrasonography estimation of ovarian volume and follicle counts were performed in the early follicular phase (day 3) of the menstrual cycle. RESULTS: There were significant differences in FSH (P<.0001) and E2 (P<.002) levels when group I was compared to groups II and III. There was a significant decrease in mean follicle counts (MFC between groups I and III (P<.05). The decrease in mean ovarian volume (MOV) with age was not statistically significant. Age strongly correlated with MFC (r=-.38, P<.001) and weakly with MOV (r=-.29, P<.05). However, basal FSH correlated positively with age (r=.50, P<.001) and negatively with MOV (r=-.590, P<.001) and MFC (r=-.658, P<.001). Basal E2 correlated with MOV (r=.50, P<.001) and MFC (r=.50, P<.001). There was also a strong positive correlation between MFC and MOV (r=.777, P<.001). CONCLUSION: There was a decrease in MOV and MFC with aging coincident with increasing basal FSH levels after age 35 in women with normal reproductive health.