In women over the age of 35, the majority of physicians routinely perform tests for ovarian reserve if you are attempting to conceive. Blood tests include an AMH or anti mullerian hormone test, which can be taken at any time in the menstrual cycle and even if you are on birth control pills. Anti mullerian hormone is made by the cells in the follicles of the ovaries and may be an early way of determining how much reserve is remaining in your ovaries. Interpretation of the results of this test may vary from health care provider to health care provider.
Also, on day 3 of the menstrual cycle (two days after you start your menses), you can obtain a blood test for Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Estradiol. These two tests may be a way of determining waning ovarian function at the beginning of the menstrual cycle when a dominant follicle is being recruited for ovulation. Another test for poor ovarian reserve is an antral follicle count. During this test, a transvaginal ultrasound is used to determine whether the number of follicles that are ready for recruitment on Day 3 of the cycle. More detailed information on ovarian reserve testing can be found at www.reproductivefacts.org