What is AMH?
Written By: Dr. Nathalie Burnier, ND
What is it and what does it mean for your fertility?
Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) is a hormone produced by the granulosa cells in the immature follicles in your ovary. It tends to be highest around age 25 then begins to decline after the age of 30. AMH is a measure of ovarian reserve – giving you an idea of your egg count, but it does not give you an idea of the quality of the eggs that are left. Therefore, it doesn’t tell you the whole story.
The hormone can be tested at any time in your cycle via a blood test, but it can change and is impacted by the number of primordial follicles in the ovary, which can fluctuate between cycles. While a low AMH for your age range can indicate diminished ovarian reserve or a low egg count, decisions are usually made based on this one number – to continue trying naturally, to try IVF, or to use donor eggs. It’s important to remember that AMH alone cannot predict your fertility success.
If you have a low AMH, it doesn’t mean you won’t be able to get pregnant and doesn’t mean that medicated cycles, IUI, or IVF won’t be successful. The next steps are to look at further testing, particularly looking at your AFC (antral follicle count) to actually see how many mature follicles are present at the ovaries. The best and most accurate measure for determining ovarian reserve is to combine your age, AMH, and antral follicle count (AFC) via ultrasound. You’ll likely also want to have your other hormones tested, especially Day 3 FSH, which will be higher with lower ovarian reserve.
If your AMH is high, it could be an indication of PCOS. However, even if your AMH is high, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have PCOS. The next steps here are to have further testing done to see if you do have PCOS.
If you have low AMH, the first thing to do is to get testing done – AFC, bloodwork, and get your partner tested as well.
The next step is to support egg quality – making sure the eggs you have left are of good quality. You just need one good egg that releases and need good sperm quality for a good sperm to meet with that good egg. Not smoking and maintaining a healthy weight are essential in supporting egg quality. Having a strong foundation in place to help support egg quality includes eating well, enough, and anti-inflammatory foods, drinking enough water, sleeping well, managing stress, and having a positive mindset. Improving egg quality takes time, and everything started today will improve the egg quality of your eggs being released in three months’ time.
In conclusion, while AMH is an important marker of ovarian reserve, it is not the only factor in predicting fertility success. It is important to have a holistic approach to fertility, including testing, lifestyle changes, and personalized protocols to improve egg quality. Remember that you are not alone, and there is support available to help you achieve your fertility goals.
If you’re ready to dig deep and finally have the plan you deserve, book a free discovery call with Dr. Nathalie HERE