Recent studies have highlighted the significance of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) testing as the most reliable measure of a woman’s ovarian reserve—the number of eggs still available in her ovaries. This makes the AMH test a crucial part of fertility assessments and has become a standard practice in reproductive health.
Current research on AMH is expanding our understanding of its role in fertility. Key areas of focus include examining AMH’s influence on ovarian responsiveness, its ability to forecast treatment success, and its correlation with the onset of menopause.
What is AMH?
Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is produced by immature follicles in the ovaries. The level of AMH in the blood reflects the size of the remaining follicle pool. A higher AMH indicates a larger number of immature follicles, while a declining AMH level suggests a decrease in egg quantity as a woman ages. By the time menopause arrives, AMH levels become undetectable.
How is AMH Tested?
A simple blood test is used to measure AMH levels, and one of its advantages is that it can be done at any time during the menstrual cycle since AMH levels remain relatively stable.
What Your AMH Level Indicates
AMH levels provide insight into your egg supply and ovarian function. It can help physicians predict your response to fertility treatments or assess the suitability of egg freezing. Notably, AMH is a more sensitive indicator of diminished ovarian reserve compared to other hormones, such as FSH. This means it can detect potential fertility issues earlier, giving you and your doctor a better understanding of your reproductive health.
Impact on Treatment
AMH levels inform doctors about how a patient might respond to fertility medications. They can indicate whether a woman may have a low or high response to treatment, allowing for tailored protocols that optimize outcomes. For instance, if a patient has elevated AMH levels, the doctor can adjust the medication to prevent an excessive response.
Considerations for Testing While on Contraceptives
Research indicates that women on combined contraceptives may show lower AMH levels. Therefore, it’s recommended to schedule AMH testing during the third day of your menstrual cycle, keeping in mind that the type of birth control used can have varying effects on AMH measurements.
Conditions Affecting AMH Levels
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) often exhibit higher AMH levels due to an increased number of early antral follicles. Your physician might use AMH levels to evaluate the severity of PCOS and its implications for fertility.
Where to Get Your AMH Tested
You can have your AMH levels tested by your primary care physician, OB/GYN, or reproductive endocrinologist, especially if you’re considering egg freezing. Because AMH is a reliable early indicator of diminished ovarian reserve, it provides valuable information for addressing potential fertility challenges.
If you’re interested in learning more about fertility options, check out this informative blog post. For those looking into home insemination, the Cryobaby at-home insemination kit is a great resource. Additionally, Resolve offers excellent information on various family-building choices.
In summary, understanding your AMH levels can be instrumental in navigating your fertility journey. Monitoring this hormone can provide crucial insights into your reproductive health, helping to inform your treatment options and family planning decisions.