When discussing female fertility, antral follicles are one of the most important indicators of ovarian reserve and reproductive potential. Understanding your antral follicle count (AFC) can provide valuable insight into your fertility, especially if you are over the age of 35.
How Can You Check Your Antral Follicle Count?
1. Ultrasound Scan
A transvaginal ultrasound is the most common and accurate way to assess antral follicles. It allows your healthcare provider to evaluate the number, size, and appearance of follicles within the ovaries.
When should you have the scan?
The ideal time is Day 3 to Day 5 of your menstrual cycle, when follicles typically measure around 3–6 mm, providing the most accurate assessment of your ovarian reserve. If your cycle is regular, follow-up scans may be recommended every other day, or daily as ovulation approaches, to monitor follicle development.
A mature follicle usually measures 18–25 mm before ovulation.
2. Blood Hormone Tests
Blood tests can also provide information about ovarian reserve by measuring hormones such as:
- Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
- Estradiol (E2)
These markers help estimate both the quantity and function of your remaining follicles.
What Is a Normal Antral Follicle Count?
In general, each ovary normally contains around 5–12 antral follicles, although the total number naturally declines with age.
Average AFC by age:
|
Age |
Average AFC |
Typical Range |
|
25–34 years |
15 |
3–30 |
|
35–40 years |
9 |
1–25 |
|
41–46 years |
4 |
1–17 |
An AFC of 3–6 follicles is generally considered low and may indicate diminished ovarian reserve.
If you are 35 or older and have been trying to conceive for six months without success, it is recommended to undergo a comprehensive ovarian reserve assessment. This may include:
- Antral Follicle Count (AFC)
- Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH)
- Day 2–3 Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
- Additional markers such as Inhibin B (INH-B), ovarian volume, Estradiol (E2), and Testosterone (T), where appropriate.
What If Your Antral Follicle Count Is Low?
A lower AFC does not necessarily mean poor egg quality, but it does suggest reduced ovarian reserve and may decrease the chances of natural conception.
For women planning pregnancy or undergoing IVF, nutritional support may play a supportive role alongside medical treatment.
Why Consider Shawkea T-1?
For women aged 35 and above, particularly those with reduced ovarian reserve, Shawkea T-1 has gained attention as a fertility support supplement due to its proposed mechanism of action and clinical research.
Targeted Reproductive Support
Unlike ordinary dandelion extracts, Shawkea T-1 contains a specific amino sugar compound discovered by Dr. Hui Shao in 1992. It is designed to support the hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian (HPO) axis, an essential hormonal pathway involved in female reproduction.
Proposed Benefits
Research cited by the manufacturer suggests Shawkea T-1 may:
- Support ovarian responsiveness by increasing FSH receptor (FSHR) expression in granulosa cells.
- Help nourish granulosa cells, promoting their growth while reducing cell apoptosis to create a healthier environment for developing eggs.
- Support hormonal balance by influencing reproductive hormone regulation.
Clinical Evidence
According to an eight-year retrospective study involving 1,014 IVF patients in China, women who used Shawkea T-1 achieved higher blastocyst formation and live birth rates compared with the control group. The reported benefits were observed regardless of age or AMH level.
Additional research from Japan also reported a higher Day 5 blastocyst formation rate among women taking Shawkea T-1.
Safety
Shawkea T-1 has been available in Japan for over 28 years and is recommended by more than 1,400 fertility clinics and pharmacies. The product is manufactured under strict quality control standards, and related research has been published in several medical journals.
Final Thoughts
For women over 35, understanding your ovarian reserve is an important part of fertility planning. Assessing your antral follicle count alongside hormone testing can help provide a clearer picture of your reproductive health. If your ovarian reserve is reduced, early evaluation and appropriate nutritional or medical support may help optimise your fertility journey.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional or fertility specialist for personalised advice and treatment options.