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Doctor's Assessment Included

Every result includes a professional assessment from a BIG-registered doctor. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

Kidney

eGFR levels: what do they tell you about your kidney function?

eGFR is the primary measure of kidney function and can be affected by hormonal changes throughout a woman's life. Pregnancy significantly increases kidney filtration rate, and hormonal shifts during menopause may gradually affect kidney function, making regular monitoring valuable.

Reference Ranges

Female
ml/min
Low > 60 Normal

Reference ranges may vary between laboratories. When you order a test, a BIG-registered doctor assesses your personal results in context. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

What It Measures

eGFR estimates the volume of blood that your kidneys filter per minute, expressed in millilitres per minute per 1.73 square metres of body surface area. It is calculated using blood creatinine or cystatin C levels, combined with factors such as age and sex.

A normal eGFR is generally above 90 mL/min. Values between 60 and 89 may indicate mildly reduced function, 30 to 59 suggests moderate impairment, 15 to 29 indicates severe reduction, and below 15 may indicate kidney failure.

Why It Matters

eGFR is the most important single measure for assessing overall kidney function. It is used internationally to diagnose chronic kidney disease, determine its stage, and guide treatment decisions.

Regular eGFR monitoring allows early detection of kidney function decline, often before symptoms appear. This is critical because early intervention can significantly slow the progression of kidney disease and reduce the risk of complications such as cardiovascular disease.

When to Test

eGFR is routinely calculated as part of standard blood work whenever creatinine is measured. It is especially important for individuals with risk factors for kidney disease, including diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and a family history of kidney problems.

More frequent monitoring is recommended for those with an established diagnosis of chronic kidney disease, or for individuals taking medications that may affect kidney function.

Symptoms

Low Levels

Fatigue and persistent lack of energy
Swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, or around the eyes
High blood pressure
Nausea or loss of appetite
Difficulty concentrating or mental fogginess

High Levels

High eGFR values are generally not a cause for concern
May reflect normal healthy kidney function
Very high values can occasionally be seen in early diabetes or pregnancy

Recommendations

Female

If Low

Low eGFR indicates reduced kidney function. Consult a nephrologist for evaluation and management.

If High

Normal to high eGFR indicates healthy kidney function. Maintain kidney-healthy habits.

Lifestyle Tips

Protect your kidney function by managing blood pressure and blood sugar levels within healthy ranges. Stay well hydrated and maintain a balanced diet that is not excessively high in sodium or protein.

Engage in regular physical activity, maintain a healthy weight, and avoid smoking. Limit the use of over-the-counter pain medications, particularly NSAIDs, which can damage the kidneys over time. Always discuss medication use with your healthcare provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do the different eGFR stages mean?
eGFR above 90 mL/min is considered normal. Stages of chronic kidney disease are defined as: stage 1 (eGFR 90+, normal but with other signs of kidney damage), stage 2 (60-89, mildly decreased), stage 3a (45-59, mild to moderate decrease), stage 3b (30-44, moderate to severe decrease), stage 4 (15-29, severely decreased), and stage 5 (below 15, kidney failure).
Can eGFR improve once it has declined?
In some cases, eGFR can stabilise or even improve with appropriate treatment and lifestyle changes, especially if the decline was caused by reversible factors such as dehydration, medication effects, or poorly managed blood pressure. However, permanent kidney damage cannot be reversed.
Why does eGFR decrease with age?
It is normal for eGFR to gradually decline with age as the kidneys naturally lose some filtration capacity. A typical decline is about 1 mL/min per year after age 40. However, a rapid decline may indicate kidney disease and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

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