Choose the content to read
- What is Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH)?
- AMH and Fertility
- AMH value interpretation
- Summary
- Note from MedPark’s Doctors
Anti-Mullerian Hormone Test
An anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) test measures the level of AMH in your blood to evaluate ovarian function and reserve. Typically, both men and women can make AMH, but an AMH test is primarily for assessing female reproductive health.
What is Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH)?
Anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) is released by ovarian cells during the female reproductive years. It is an indicator of ovarian reserve. The AMH levels gradually increase in girls from birth and peak at around age 25. After that, AMH levels decline as the primordial follicle pool diminishes with age and becomes undetectable at menopause.
Studies indicate a correlation between AMH levels and the number of retrieved oocytes during an ovarian stimulation cycle, aiding in predicting ovarian response for individuals undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF).
AMH also plays a role in indicating the timing of menopause. Research suggests that AMH becomes very low or undetectable approximately five years before the onset of menopause.
However, AMH is not an indicator of successful conception because pregnancy involves various factors, such as the quality of the egg, ovaries, sperm, and womb.
AMH and Fertility
As AMH serves as the earliest indicator of ovarian function, it can help predict your response to fertility treatment. In addition to AMH, several tests may be necessary to examine various markers, including day 2-3 FSH (follicle stimulating hormone), day 2-3 estradiol, antral follicle count, etc.
How often should AMH levels be tested?
According to a study, AMH levels should be assessed ≤ once every three months. This test can help indicate the need for supplementary diagnosis and predict the success of conception.
AMH value interpretation
- AMH <0.5 ng/mL: Lower egg count than average. Such a result anticipates challenges in achieving more than three follicles during IVF. The low opportunity of conception
- AMH <1.0 ng/mL: Limited ovarian reserve and reduced chance of conception.
- AMH >1.0 ng/mL but <3.5 ng/mL: Favorable response to IVF stimulation.
- AMH >3.5 ng/mL: Adequate egg supply. Monitor to avoid ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), which is a response to excess hormones or medications prescribed for IVF.
Usually, a woman of reproductive age will have normal AMH levels falling between 1.0 and 4.0 ng/mL. And the most favorable AMH level to IVF stimulation ranges from 1.0 to 3.5 ng/mL. AMH levels provide insight into the remaining quantity of eggs in the ovary, whether your ovaries might be aging at an accelerated rate, and how effectively you respond to injectable fertility drugs. However, it cannot predict a successful pregnancy. Other factors must also be considered, such as age, sperm count and motility, smoking, preexisting medical conditions, or other health problems, such as irregular ovulation, blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, pelvic scarring, and so on.
Summary
- AMH is a hormone released from the ovaries, which can estimate the remaining egg count.
- Research indicates that AMH levels are associated with the number of eggs retrieved during stimulation, aiding in predicting ovarian response for individuals undergoing IVF.
- AMH does not serve as an indicator of the likelihood of getting pregnant. Various factors must also be considered, such as egg quality, ovarian health, male fertility, and womb health.
- Typically, women with an AMH level in the 1.0-3.5 ng/mL range exhibit the best response to IVF stimulation.
- AMH levels naturally decline with age. This decline is beyond our control. It is advisable not to be overly stressed about AMH levels and instead focus on maintaining overall health when trying to conceive.
FAQ
- How is an AMH test conducted?
A small blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm and sent to a lab to measure AMH levels. - Is it possible to take an AMH test during menstruation?
You can undergo the AMH test at any time of your menstrual cycle, even while you are menstruating. Unlike some other reproductive hormones, AMH shows minimal fluctuations during the period. - What preparations are necessary for an AMH test?
There is no specific preparation needed for the AMH test.
Note from MedPark’s Doctors
Measuring AMH hormone levels does not serve as an overall fertility success indicator; rather, it only indicates a specific step in predicting the number of eggs that may be retrievable through ovarian stimulation. Success in achieving pregnancy depends on several other factors. Individuals seeking to conceive or wanting to assess their fertility readiness should seek counseling and evaluation from fertility medical experts.
