Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) plays a critical role in understanding a woman’s reproductive health. It is one of the most reliable markers of ovarian reserve, reflecting the number of eggs present in the ovaries.
While AMH levels indicate the quantity of eggs, they do not provide information about their quality. At puberty, a woman has approximately 100,000 oocytes (immature egg cells), but this number gradually declines over time. By the age of 40, egg production significantly diminishes, reducing the chances of natural conception.
It’s important to note that AMH levels are not a direct predictor of your ability to conceive, either now or in the future. However, specialists often recommend an AMH test before undergoing fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF) or egg freezing. AMH testing also helps identify conditions such as premature menopause, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or diminished ovarian reserve.
Some women with low AMH levels still experience regular menstrual cycles, which indicates ovulation and keeps the possibility of natural conception alive. Let’s explore AMH in detail and what it means for your reproductive health.
AMH Levels Across a Woman’s Life
The AMH test is widely used to assess ovarian reserve and diagnose infertility-related conditions, including premature ovarian failure and hormonal imbalances.
- During infancy and childhood: AMH levels gradually increase.
- Puberty to early adulthood: Levels plateau until around age 25.
- Post 25 years: AMH levels decline with age, making it a reliable marker of ovarian reserve in women older than 25.
Evaluating Ovarian Reserve
Ovarian reserve assessment helps determine whether the number of viable eggs is typical for your age. It can also reveal hormonal imbalances affecting your menstrual cycle or predict potential responses to fertility treatments.
For women with low AMH but regular periods, the ability to conceive remains intact as ovulation typically occurs within a regular cycle (21–35 days). However, women aged 35 or older who cannot conceive after six months of trying may benefit from an ovarian reserve evaluation.
While ovarian reserve tests provide valuable insights, they cannot definitively determine the remaining reproductive years. Low AMH levels may suggest fewer eggs but do not rule out the possibility of natural conception.
Symptoms of Low AMH
Low AMH often has no visible symptoms, making regular testing essential for an accurate diagnosis. However, low AMH levels may result in:
- Shortened reproductive window: A lower AMH level than the norm for your age suggests fewer reproductive years ahead.
- Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR): AMH levels between 0.5 ng/mL and 1.2 ng/mL indicate reduced egg reserve, making conception or fertility preservation treatments like egg freezing more challenging.
- Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI):Undetectable AMH levels in women under 40 suggest POI, which can impact heart and bone health. POI doesn’t always correlate with irregular menstrual cycles.
Can You Conceive with Low AMH and Regular Periods?
Low AMH levels do not eliminate the possibility of natural conception. Pregnancy requires just one healthy egg and sperm. Knowing your AMH level is especially important if you are considering fertility treatments like IVF, IUI, or ICSI.
Although low AMH may limit your reproductive window, it’s still possible to conceive naturally, especially if you have regular menstrual cycles. A fertility evaluation can provide insights into your options and help you plan accordingly.
Fertility Treatment Options for Low AMH
If you have low AMH levels and struggle to conceive naturally, several treatments can enhance your chances of pregnancy:
1.Egg Freezing:
Preserving eggs through freezing ensures that their quality remains unchanged over time. Women with low AMH may require multiple cycles to retrieve a sufficient number of eggs. This option provides flexibility for future family planning.
2.In Vitro Fertilization (IVF):
IVF involves fertilizing eggs with sperm in a laboratory and transferring the resulting embryo to the uterus. Women with low AMH may need more stimulation cycles to retrieve enough eggs, but successful fertilization only requires one healthy embryo for implantation.
Conclusion
Neither high nor low AMH levels alone determine fertility. Comprehensive testing and a proactive approach are essential for addressing reproductive challenges. If you are experiencing difficulty conceiving, Wellspring IVF & Women’s Hospital offers expert fertility care tailored to your unique needs.
Thanks to advancements in medical science, starting a family is possible even with low AMH levels. Contact Wellspring IVF & Women’s Hospital today for expert guidance and personalized solutions to your fertility concerns.