Anti-Mullerian Hormone

There are several factors that determine a woman’s chances at pregnancy through artificial reproductive techniques such as IVF, IUI, ICSI or other fertility treatments. To determine the reproductive potential based on the number and quality of eggs among women, many screenings are conducted. Checking Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) levels in women is one of them.

What is AMH?

Anti-Mullerian Hormone is a hormone expressed by granulosa cells of the ovary during a woman’s reproductive years. Produced by the follicles developing in a woman’s ovaries, Anti-Mullerian Hormone describes the ability of a woman’s ovary to produce eggs that can be fertilized for pregnancy in IVF. AMH is produced in both men and women’s reproductive organs. However, it is only measured in women.

What AMH level suggests you have the best chance at getting pregnant?

AMH <0.5 ng/mL: Difficulty in IVF

AMH <1.0 ng/mL: Limited egg supply

AMH >1.0 ng/mL but <3.5 ng/mL: good response for IVF stimulation

AMH >3.5 ng/mL: Ample egg supply

What does AMH level say about fertility?

If you are planning to go for an IVF treatment, AMH level can help predict your ovarian response. AMH has some association with predicting live birth after IVF. Before starting the IVF treatment, a medical practitioner would typically run a simple blood test to measure a woman’s Anti-Mullerian Hormone level. Your AMH test can be done at any time during your menstrual cycle. AMH levels vary depending on the age and health condition of a woman. Typically, a woman’s AMH level would start increasing during adolescence and peak around 25 years old. Post that age, it shows a natural depreciation. AMH levels gradually decline as women enter their 30s, 40s and 50s, finally becoming undetectable at menopause.

Should you worry about low AMH levels?

At the outset, it must be clarified that your AMH level does not predict your fertility. Several studies have corroborated this fact. There is a near consensus among experts that women showing low levels of AMH must not stress about this finding since it is just a measurement to gauge your chances at pregnancy. Recent studies on the subject show that the quality of oocytes is the same in young women undergoing IVF cycles, irrespective of the level of AMH. Simply put, a low AMH level does not define fertility.  However, an AMH level above the optimum levels indicates you are at a higher risk of developing Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS). Your AMH levels help your doctor identify the best course of treatment for you.

 How to improve AMH levels?

Making dietary changes can be quite effective in improving the AMH levels. Doctors prescribe a nutrition-rich diet, particularly one with a generous supply of Vitamin D, for this purpose.