eGFR: What It Means for Kidney Health and How to Understand Your Results

When your doctor talks about eGFR, estimated glomerular filtration rate, a measure of how well your kidneys filter waste from your blood. Also known as estimated glomerular filtration rate, it’s one of the most important numbers for checking kidney health. You won’t feel it when your kidneys slow down—but eGFR catches it early. Most people don’t know their eGFR until a routine blood test shows it’s low. That’s when panic starts. But low eGFR doesn’t always mean kidney failure. It could be dehydration, a recent infection, or even just a side effect of a medication you’re taking.

eGFR is calculated using your age, sex, race, and blood creatinine levels. creatinine, a waste product from muscle breakdown that kidneys normally remove builds up when your kidneys aren’t working well. A normal eGFR is above 90. If it drops below 60 for three months or more, it signals chronic kidney disease, a long-term condition where kidney function slowly declines. But many people with mild kidney disease never need dialysis. Lifestyle changes—like controlling blood pressure, cutting back on salt, and avoiding NSAIDs—can slow or even stop the decline.

Some medications can lower eGFR without harming your kidneys. For example, drugs like ACE inhibitors or ARBs—often prescribed for high blood pressure or diabetes—can cause a small, temporary drop in eGFR. That’s actually a good sign: it means they’re protecting your kidneys. But if your eGFR plummets after starting a new antibiotic or painkiller, your doctor needs to act fast. That’s why regular monitoring matters, especially if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney problems.

You’ll find posts here that dig into how eGFR connects to other health issues. One article explains why certain antibiotics can spike creatinine and mess with your numbers. Another breaks down how diabetes and high blood pressure silently damage kidneys over time. There’s even a guide on what to ask your doctor when your eGFR drops—because knowing the right questions can save you from unnecessary tests or panic.

This isn’t about scary numbers. It’s about understanding what your body is telling you. eGFR is a tool—not a verdict. With the right info, you can take control before things get serious. Below, you’ll find real, practical guides that help you make sense of your results, avoid common mistakes, and protect your kidneys for the long haul.