Age-Related Changes in Antral Follicle Count among Women with and without Polycystic Ovaries

Abstract

Background/Aims: To evaluate follicular phase antral follicle count (AFC) in women of different ages with and without polycystic ovaries (PCO) and to correlate it with early follicular phase serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol, and ovarian volume. Methods: Retrospective analysis of 1,003 patients’ medical records at McGill Reproductive Center. AFC, ovarian volume, serum FSH and estradiol were evaluated and analyzed. Results: The mean numbers of AFC in women without PCO in the age-groups 19–24, 25–29, 30–34, 35–39, 40–44 years were 16, 13, 13, 10, and 6, and in those with MCO 41, 38, 33, 33 and 34 respectively. In women without MCO, AFC was associated with the strongest correlation with age (r: –0.50, p < 0.0001), followed by basal FSH (r: 0.33, p <0.0001). The correlations in women with PCO were less pronounced (AFC, r: –0.24, p < 0.0001; basal FSH, r: 0.17, p < 0.004). Conclusions: Compared to women without PCO, age-related decreases in AFC and changes in ovarian volume and FSH levels in women with PCO are less pronounced.