When embarking on your fertility journey—whether you’re looking to conceive or preserve your fertility through egg freezing—your doctor will likely recommend several tests. One such test is designed to assess your ovarian reserve, which indicates the number of eggs remaining in your ovaries. A key measurement in this assessment is your anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) level.
Each egg is contained within a follicle, which is supported by specialized cells known as granulosa cells. These cells produce AMH, which plays a crucial role in recruiting eggs from a dormant pool of resting follicles that are not yet ready for ovulation. The great thing about AMH levels is that they can be measured at any point in your menstrual cycle, as they remain stable regardless of hormonal fluctuations. While your AMH level can give insights into your ovarian reserve, it doesn’t directly reflect the quality of your eggs.
What Does Your AMH Level Indicate?
Research suggests that doctors can use AMH measurements to estimate how many eggs may be retrieved during treatment. Although it doesn’t provide any information on the quality or viability of those eggs, a higher number of retrieved eggs typically correlates with higher chances of pregnancy.
When it comes to egg quality, there isn’t a straightforward test available. As women age, the number of follicles—and thus the quality of eggs—tends to decline, which in turn reduces the likelihood of a healthy pregnancy. It’s also important to note that a woman’s AMH level naturally decreases until it becomes undetectable at menopause.
Your doctor will consider both your AMH level and age when discussing fertility treatment options or assessing your suitability for egg freezing. If you’re curious about how your AMH level might affect your fertility plans, it’s worth discussing with a healthcare professional.
Normal AMH Levels
As for what constitutes a normal AMH level, experts haven’t reached a consensus. However, it’s known that a woman’s ovarian reserve diminishes with age, which is largely determined by genetics and influenced by environmental factors like smoking, which can lead to earlier menopause.
Certain medical conditions can also impact your AMH levels. For instance, women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) often have more early antral follicles, resulting in higher baseline AMH levels. Conversely, older women or those who have undergone chemotherapy or radiation may show lower AMH levels due to reduced egg counts.
Getting Tested
If you’re interested in understanding your AMH level, your primary care physician or a reproductive specialist can help you with the testing. AMH testing can provide early insights into potential fertility issues, often more effectively than traditional methods.
For more insights on AMH testing and egg freezing, check out some handy hints and helpful ideas in our other blog posts. You can also explore resources on pregnancy and home insemination for a comprehensive understanding of your options.
In summary, understanding your AMH level is a crucial step in assessing your ovarian reserve and planning your fertility journey. It can guide your treatment choices and help you make informed decisions about your reproductive health.