Understand Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) Role and Its Importance

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is an important hormone for women trying to understand their reproductive health. Produced by tiny follicles in the ovaries, AMH levels help determine a woman's ovarian reserve, or the number of remaining eggs she has.

 

While many people focus on other hormones like estrogen or progesterone when discussing fertility, AMH plays a unique role in providing insight into a woman's fertility timeline. Testing AMH levels is a common method used by fertility specialists to evaluate how many years of fertility a woman has remaining.

 

Understanding AMH is important for women who are planning to start a family, especially as they get older or are considering assisted reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilization (IVF). In this blog, we'll learn what AMH is, how it affects fertility, and why it's important to get it tested.

What is Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH)?

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a protein hormone produced by small, developing follicles in the ovaries. These follicles are responsible for holding and maturing eggs for ovulation. AMH levels provide a direct measure of a woman's ovarian reserve, which refers to the number of eggs left in her ovaries. This hormone is present in both men and women, but it plays an important role in female fertility.

 

In women, AMH levels are highest during the reproductive years and slowly decline as we age. By measuring AMH levels through a blood test, doctors can estimate how many eggs are left in the ovaries and predict how long a woman's fertility may last.

Why is AMH Important for Fertility?

AMH is essential for understanding a woman's reproductive health. It provides important information about ovarian reserve, which is crucial for women who are considering pregnancy, whether naturally or through assisted reproductive technologies such as IVF. The following are the main reasons why AMH is important:

1. Ovarian Reserve Indicator

AMH is a reliable marker for determining a woman's ovarian reserve. Women are born with all of their eggs, and their number decreases with age. By measuring AMH, doctors can assess how many eggs are left, providing information about a woman's fertility.

2. Predicting Response to Fertility Treatment

In fertility treatments such as IVF, AMH levels are used to predict how a woman's ovaries will respond to stimulation. Women with higher AMH levels are likely to produce more eggs during treatment, while women with lower AMH levels may release fewer eggs.

3. Planning for Pregnancy

Knowing your AMH levels can help with family planning. Women with low AMH levels may consider options like starting a family earlier or freezing eggs to preserve fertility. On the other hand, women with high AMH levels may have more flexibility in the timing of their pregnancy plans.

How AMH Levels Are Tested

Testing AMH levels is simple and involves a simple blood test. The best thing about the AMH test is that it can be done at any time during the menstrual cycle, unlike other fertility tests that must be done at specific times. AMH test results are typically expressed in nanograms per millilitre (ng/mL). Here's what different AMH levels may indicate:

 

        • High AMH levels (above 4 ng/mL): This could be a sign of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or high ovarian reserve.

        • Normal AMH levels (1-4 ng/mL): Suggest healthy ovarian reserve.

        • Low AMH levels (below 1 ng/mL): This indicates a decrease in ovarian reserve and a shorter period of fertility.

 

While AMH is a useful marker, it should not be the only factor in fertility decisions. A fertility specialist will also consider other factors such as age, overall health, and lifestyle.

Factors Affecting AMH Levels

AMH levels can vary due to several reasons, and some of the major ones are:

1. Age

As a woman ages, her AMH levels naturally decline. Women in their 20s and 30s typically have higher AMH levels, which gradually decline after age 35, leading to a natural decline in fertility.

2. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Women with PCOS often have higher AMH levels because they have a greater number of small follicles in their ovaries. While high AMH levels in PCOS patients indicate high ovarian reserve, it can also mean irregular ovulation.

3. Lifestyle Factors

Smoking, poor diet, and high-stress levels can negatively affect AMH levels. Women who lead a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, may have higher AMH levels.

How AMH Levels Affect Fertility Treatment

When it comes to fertility treatments, especially IVF, AMH levels help doctors optimize treatment plans. Women with low AMH levels may need more aggressive stimulation during IVF cycles to produce an adequate number of eggs. On the other hand, women with high AMH levels, such as those with PCOS, may need lower doses of fertility drugs to prevent overstimulation.

AMH and Egg Freezing

For women who are not ready to have children but want to preserve their fertility, AMH levels play an important role in determining the success of egg freezing. Women who have higher AMH levels are likely to have more eggs available for freezing, while women with lower levels may need to take steps sooner to preserve their fertility before their egg reserves are further depleted.

Can AMH Levels Be Improved?

Unfortunately, AMH levels cannot be increased significantly, as the number of eggs a woman has is fixed from birth. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing stress, and avoiding smoking can help maintain ovarian health and slow the decline in AMH levels.

When Should You Test Your AMH Levels?

Checking AMH levels is recommended for women in the following situations:

 

        • If you are above 30 years of age and are considering pregnancy in the future.

        • If there is a history of premature menopause in your family.

        • If you have been trying to conceive for more than 6 months and are not having success.

        • If you're thinking about preserving fertility, such as through egg freezing or IVF.

Conclusion: Understanding Your AMH Levels for Future Fertility

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is an essential hormone that provides information about a woman's fertility and ovarian reserve. Testing your AMH levels is a simple and effective way to understand your fertility health and plan for the future. Whether you're thinking about starting a family now or in the future, knowing your AMH levels can help you guide your decisions and prepare for fertility treatments if necessary.

 

For women seeking expert advice and fertility treatment, consultation from a trusted fertility centre like Neelkanth Hospital can provide personalised care and the right treatment options. Neelkanth Hospital offers advanced fertility treatments and expert guidance to help women fulfil their dream of becoming parents. Contact Neelkanth Hospital to schedule your consultation today!