Anti-mullerian hormone or AMH is a hormone reflective of your ovarian reserve. It is produced by granulosa cells in ovarian follicles. The Anti-Mullerian hormone level test is a blood examination that determines the number of eggs in your ovary. However, it gives no information about the quality of the eggs, which is why it cannot be considered a fertility test. A woman is born with the maximum number of eggs in her ovarian reserve, which starts to decline over time. So it is completely natural for every woman to experience a decline in AMH as they age. By menopause, the AMH levels are extremely low, and they become undetectable.
What Is A Normal AMH Level?
AMH levels can be tested by examining a serum sample which can be collected by a simple finger prick to draw blood. The normal AMH level is determined based on age and the assay used. With normal levels of AMH, a woman likely has a favourable response to IVF medications as well. If a woman is found to have high AMH levels, it means that she has a higher number of eggs than expected. Unfortunately, higher is not always a positive in this case. Women with high AMH levels are often suffering from Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome(PCOS). A normal AMH level is between 1.0 ng/mL to 3.0 ng/mL.
Does A Low AMH Level Mean Low Fertility?
Low levels of AMH are typically associated with premature menopause, low ovarian reserve, and unpredictable response to IVF medications. It is essential to consult a fertility specialist if you are diagnosed with low AMH levels. Even though the AMH level test is not related to infertility, it does give information about whether the woman will lose all of her eggs prematurely and fail to reproduce anymore.
What Are The Causes Of Low AMH Levels?
The most prominent cause of low AMH levels is age. Genetic factors such as specific karyotype abnormalities can also decrease AMH levels. Ovarian surgery, polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS), medications, and other environmental factors can also lead to low AMH levels.
Can I Increase My Low AMH Level?
Dr. Shruti Singh, Fertility consultant at Nova IVF Fertility, Ranchi tells us about the ways to increase AMH level.
Vitamin D
Women with low Vitamin D levels are more likely to have lower AMH levels. It is proven that vitamin D plays a significant role in eggs growth and survival. So eating food such as salmon and eggs and consuming direct sunlight for 10 to 30 minus will help to increase your Vitamin D and AMH levels.
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Eat A Nutritious Diet
A nutrient-rich diet can help increase AMH levels. When the body consumes nutrients and vitamins, it also improves its reproductive function, including the low AMH level. It is recommended that all women, whether they have a high or low AMH level, should eat a healthy and rich diet.
Lose Weight
Many medical conditions stem from being overweight, especially if it's related to fertility. Women who are overweight also have a low success rate at the IVF treatment. Therefore, losing weight can also help to increase your AMH levels. However, you must make sure that you continue to have a nutritious diet
Exercise Consistently
Staying fit and active is highly recommended for women who are overweight or are suffering from PCOS. Exercising, doing yoga, or even walking outside can help you become fit and improve your AMH levels.
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Avoid Smoking
Smoking cigarettes lower AMH levels. It also directly causes ovarian aging with low AMH levels. While everyone should stop smoking, this is another reason to quit the bad habit, especially if you are trying to conceive.
Takeaways
Although AMH tests do not tell you about your fertility, infertility, or odds of getting pregnant. Instead, they tell you if you have the expected egg reserve based on your age. Experiencing low AMH levels is a common occurrence in women, and it is recommended that you consult with a qualified fertility specialist to get the necessary guidance.
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