What does my ovarian reserve look like with these test results and one ovary?

Ovarian Reserve Assessment with One Ovary

Your ovarian reserve testing shows normal to adequate ovarian function for a single remaining ovary, with reassuring hormonal parameters that suggest preserved fertility potential despite the surgical removal of your right ovary.

Interpretation of Your Results

Antral Follicle Count (AFC)

• Your follicle count of 11 in a single ovary is within the normal range when accounting for having only one ovary 1
• In women with both ovaries, diminished ovarian reserve is suggested when there are <5 antral follicles total or ovarian volume <3 cm³ 1
• Since you have one ovary, your count of 11 follicles represents adequate ovarian reserve for that remaining ovary 1
• This does not meet criteria for polycystic ovarian morphology, which requires ≥25 follicles in at least one ovary 1

FSH Level

• Your FSH of 5.6 mIU/mL is excellent and within normal range 2
• This low-normal FSH indicates your remaining ovary is functioning well without compensatory elevation 2
• Elevated FSH (typically >10 mIU/mL) would suggest diminished ovarian reserve, which you do not have 1

Estradiol Level

• Your estradiol of 24 pg/mL is appropriate for the early luteal phase 2
• This confirms adequate ovarian function from your remaining ovary

Important Timing Consideration

Critical caveat: Ovarian reserve testing should ideally be performed during the early follicular phase (cycle days 2-5), not the early luteal phase as mentioned in your case 3, 2. Testing during the luteal phase can affect interpretation, though your results still provide useful information about ovarian function.

Clinical Implications

Fertility Potential

• Having one ovary does not necessarily mean you have half the fertility of someone with two ovaries, as the remaining ovary often compensates 2
• Your hormonal parameters suggest your remaining ovary is functioning adequately 1, 2
• However, overall ovarian reserve is reduced compared to having both ovaries, which may affect your reproductive timeline 2

Pregnancy Considerations

• Women with diminished ovarian reserve (which you do not clearly have based on these parameters) may have increased miscarriage risk, particularly when AMH <0.7 ng/ml 1
• Your FSH and follicle count do not suggest severely diminished reserve 1
• You should be counseled that your window of opportunity to conceive may be shorter than for women with both ovaries, and attempting conception sooner rather than later is encouraged 2

Recommended Next Steps

• Repeat testing during the early follicular phase (days 2-5 of menstrual cycle) for more accurate baseline assessment 3, 2
• Consider adding AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone) testing, which is cycle-independent and provides additional information about ovarian reserve 3, 2
• If you are over 35 years old and have not conceived after 6 months of attempting pregnancy, initiate formal infertility evaluation 2
• If under 35 years old, pursue evaluation after 12 months of unsuccessful attempts 2

Key Takeaway

Your current results suggest adequate ovarian function from your remaining ovary, but you should not delay fertility plans unnecessarily given your reduced total ovarian reserve from having only one ovary 2.