Understanding AMH: Exploring its impact on female fertility
Written in association with:When embarking on the journey to parenthood, the world of fertility can seem like a labyrinth of perplexing terminology. What exactly is LH? What does AMH mean? Well, Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) is a critical concept you should grasp. This essential hormone plays a pivotal role in the process of conceiving a child, and if you're facing challenges in becoming pregnant or you're over 25, it's wise to have your AMH levels assessed. In her latest online article, Dr Anu Chawla demystifies AMH and explores its influence on fertility.
Understanding AMH: Its role in female fertility
Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) is a vital sex hormone with distinct functions that vary by age and gender. In this context, we will delve into AMH's role in a woman's fertility after puberty.
Females are born with a finite number of eggs, typically around 1-2 million. From the first menstrual cycle to the last, a woman's body assembles a group of follicles, which are small fluid-filled sacs that house and support immature eggs. These follicles have the potential to respond to hormones, develop, and ultimately release an egg for ovulation. Usually, only one egg is selected for ovulation each month, while the remaining eggs disintegrate. If pregnancy doesn't occur, the cycle repeats.
So, where does AMH fit into this process? AMH is a hormone released by the granulosa cells surrounding the developing eggs in a woman's ovaries. Within the ovaries, AMH plays a crucial role in the early stages of follicle growth. The more follicles present, the more AMH is secreted. Consequently, measuring AMH levels through a blood sample serves as a valuable tool for doctors to gauge your ovarian reserve – the number of eggs remaining in your ovaries. Furthermore, AMH levels guide fertility specialists in designing appropriate treatment plans, including IVF.
Deciphering high and low AMH levels
Low AMH levels may signify a diminished pool of remaining eggs, potentially making conception more challenging. Conversely, high AMH levels generally indicate a surplus of eggs, making it easier to become pregnant or yield eggs for fertilisation during fertility treatment.
However, it's essential to remember that AMH is just one piece of the fertility puzzle. Numerous other factors play a role. Additionally, a very high AMH level could suggest a condition such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
Can you naturally boost your AMH levels?
AMH is a hormone, and the body's hormonal balance is intricately linked to overall health and well-being. While maintaining a healthy lifestyle doesn't guarantee optimal AMH levels, it can certainly help. Age is a significant factor since AMH levels decline over time. Nonetheless, the following lifestyle habits may contribute positively:
- Maintain a healthy BMI and weight
- Consume a nutrient-rich diet comprising whole foods
- Engage in regular exercise
Regarding supplements, some evidence suggests that vitamin D may influence AMH levels. Studies have shown that vitamin D supplementation can lead to increased AMH levels in certain cases. However, the data is limited for other supplements that claim to boost AMH production. If you're considering supplements, consult with your healthcare provider to ensure safety and check for any contraindications.
What constitutes a normal AMH level?
In adult women, AMH decreases with age, so what's considered a "normal AMH level" depends on your age. When evaluating AMH levels, it's more useful to consider your remaining "ovarian fertility potential."
Nonetheless, it's crucial not to view AMH levels in isolation. Dr Anu Chawla, emphasises that while AMH testing provides insights into ovarian fertility potential, a lower egg count does not necessarily imply poor egg quality. Fertility is a multifaceted equation, not a binary fertile or infertile state. Low AMH does not rule out the possibility of getting pregnant, and high AMH may be indicative of issues like PCOS. Ultimately, an AMH test alone is insufficient for a comprehensive understanding of your fertility, and at-home AMH tests can be misleading. Timeliness is key when assessing fertility, and both partners should undergo proper fertility screening since male factor infertility accounts for approximately 30% of cases.
Dr Anu Chawla is a highly regarded senior fertility specialist with over 15 years of experience. You can book an appointment with Dr Chawla on her Top Doctors profile.
