Scientists have developed a genetic test that can predict how much time a woman has left to start a family. The test is based on a gene that can predict the rate at which a woman's egg supply declines.

Hence, test can warn women about declining fertility so that they can chose different alternatives like starting a family early or freezing some eggs, which can increase chances of becoming pregnant later.

The recent study was focused on the state of the gene Fragile X that can predict the rate at which a woman's egg supply can decline over the years. Earlier studies have shown link between some versions of Fragile X and early menopause.  

In the study led by Dr. Norbert Gleicher of the Center for Human Reproduction in New York, it was found that this can also indicate if the woman has the risk of early ovarian ageing. Tests conducted on 316 women indicated an eminent link between the Fragile X gene and the number of eggs maturing in the ovaries.

Dr. Gleicher says that by studying the patterns of DNA that make up the gene, crucially the number of times that a particular strand of DNA is repeated in the gene, he can work out the risk of a dwindling egg reserve.