What determines how fertile a woman is? Fertility is a complicated and very personal issue, affected by many different biological factors that can interplay and determine reproductive potential. One marker is the Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH), an important hormone in the extent of ovarian reserve. For those trying to conceive, figuring out what AMH is, and what it does for fertility is important.
What Is Anti-Mullerian Hormone?
AMH is a glycoprotein produced by the granulosa cells of ovarian follicles. It is involved in folliculogenesis and controls early follicular development within the ovary. A woman’s blood levels of the hormone AMH say a lot about her ovarian reserve status, and are critical for reproductive health assessment by fertility experts.
AMH is also known as Mullerian Inhibitory Substance (MIS) since one of its primary functions is the inhibition of the formation of mullerian ducts in the fetal male. But, in the case of females, AMH levels are an indicator of eggs left in the ovary and assist in fertility testing.
The association between AMH and fertility is important as AMH levels are directly proportional to the number of antral follicles in the ovaries. Higher levels of AMH are associated with an increased ovarian reserve, whereas lower levels may reflect a state of reduced fertility potential. As opposed to other markers of fertility, AMH is stable throughout the menstrual cycle and, therefore, it is an excellent indicator of the ovarian response.
The Importance of the AMH Test
The AMH in a blood test is a simple, yet highly effective tool used in reproductive medicine. This test enables women to find out about their fertility potential and also facilitates data on fertility treatments, like in vitro fertilisation (IVF). Some main reasons for recommending an AMH test are:
- Assessing ovarian reserve
- Anticipation of ovarian stimulation response
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) diagnosis
- Predicting onset of menopause
- Assessing the fertility preservation choices
How Is the AMH Test Performed?
The anti-Mullerian hormone test is a simple blood test and only a little blood is needed. The AMH hormone blood test can be performed at any stage of the menstrual cycle as its levels do not vary much. The AMH results from lab test can give alot of information regarding a woman’s reproductive lifespan and how much difficulty she might expect when trying for a baby.
What Does AMH Mean In Terms of Age?
AMH levels decrease with age causing the need to interpret age-specific AMH values to appropriately estimate fertility potential. Here’s an overview of average AMH levels in women at various stages of life:
- 20-25 High AMH – It is high in ovarian egg reserve.
- 25-30 years: Best age to get pregnant
- 30-35 years: Dipped AMH levels
- 35-40 years: Marked reduction in ovarian reserve
- 40s: Low AMH and low fertility potential(headers)
While the numbers give us a general idea, everyone is unique and reproductive endocrinologists consider normal AMH levels in the context of other diagnostic information.
AMH and IVF: How It Impacts Treatment Plans
AMH levels are important in deciding the regimen in those who are undergoing assisted reproductive technologies like IVF. AMH fertility tests support fertility doctors to personalise the best ovarian stimulation plan that stimulates the ovaries to produce the best possible number of eggs to be collected. Elevated AMH levels are commonly associated with better ovarian response, whereas the presence of low AMH levels may call for therapeutic modifications.
AMH and PCOS: The Connection Between AMH and PCOS
Women affected by PCOS have generally high levels of AMH, as a result of higher numbers of small ovarian follicles. The anti-mullerian hormone test is often used to help diagnose PCOS since higher levels of AMH are a trait of PCOS. Understanding the AMH hormone levels in women with PCOS helps doctors develop individualised and appropriate fertility treatment.
AMH and Menopause: A Predictor of Reproductive Lifespan
AMH levels decline naturally as women age, and become undetectable at the time of menopause. AMH monitoring can be used to draw conclusions concerning the menopause chronology, allowing women to make informed decisions concerning fertility preservation. This predictive nature of AMH testing is especially advantageous for individuals who are contemplating egg freezing or other fertility preservation procedures.
When to Test AMH?
Whether or not to test for AMH is a personal judgment, based on a patient’s reproductive goals and previous health history. The test is not used for women who:
- Have irregular menstrual cycles
- Are planning to delay pregnancy
- Have a family history of early menopause
- Are experiencing difficulty conceiving
- Are considering IVF or fertility preservation
Could the Levels of AMH Be Modified?
Although AMH levels decrease naturally with age, some of the lifestyle factors may impact ovarian health. Proper nutrition, stress reduction, and avoidance of smoking and heavy drinking can contribute to good reproductive health in general. Still, no medications have been shown to raise AMH levels to a large degree. Instead, reproductive specialists concentrate on improving egg quality and use assisted reproductive techniques.
The Psychological Consequences of AMH Testing
An AMH hormone blood test: the results can be surprising! Women with an AMH reading of a lower value than expected, may feel anxious, stressed or disappointed. It’s important to remember that AMH is only one aspect of fertility, and low levels don’t mean that conception is out of the question. Pregnancy can result even in low AMH levels when correctly medically supported, in many women. Fertility counselling and expert advice from a reproductive specialist offer peace of mind and professional next steps from the results of AMH.
Common Myths About AMH
Myths abound about AMH testing and what it means. One of the most popular myths is that if AMH levels are high, a woman cannot be infertile. It is important to understand that although higher numbers are associated with contributing an excellent number of eggs, they are not providing information on the quality of the eggs. It is also commonly mistaken that low AMH indicates infertility. Lots of women with low AMH conceive naturally or with assisted reproductive therapies. Knowing the true role of AMH in fertility allows women to make educated decisions rather than hearing myths and misinformation.
AMH and your fertility journey: What to do next
It is important to know what Anti-mullerian hormone is and what role it plays in fertility, particularly for people at different stages of their fertility journey. The Mullerian test offers information about ovarian reserve that can assist women in learning about their fertility choices. From natural conception, where we are monitoring your AMH hormone levels, right through to planning for IVF and beyond, AMH is a key biomarker in reproductive health.
At IVF London, we focus on a high quality fertility appraisal and a personalised treatment offering. An AMH hormone test is a step toward understanding reproductive potential. IVF London specialists offer patients personalised advice and sympathetic support throughout their fertility journey. Those interested in AMH testing can meet with highly skilled professionals to receive direction on what may be next for you in your reproductive journey.
FAQs
- Is it still possible for me to become pregnant with low AMH levels?
Yes, pregnancy can still occur with low levels of AMH, however, fertility drugs may be considered to increase the chances of getting pregnant.
- How regularly should I do an AMH test?
AMH is generally tested once unless having a reason to observe changes over time (for example, while undergoing fertility treatments) is required for medical purposes.
- Is there a relationship between birth control and AMH?
Use of hormonal birth control may cause a slight decrease in AMH levels, however, it is not affected in the long-term.
