What is the ovarian reserve? Why does the Anti-Mullerian hormone study so useful?
What is Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH)?
• AMH levels are an indication of ovarian reserve.
• Understanding AMH levels can help predict how you will respond to IVF treatment.
Since the advent of in vitro fertilization (IVF), the need for tests predictive of patient response to controlled ovarian stimulation has become essential. AMH has been a topic of interest for reproductologists in the recent years.
The Anti-Müllerian hormone, also knows as AMH, is produced by the granulosa cells at the earliest (primordial) stage of ovarian follicle development. Since the number of these primordial cells correlates to the number of follicles that eventually grow into viable eggs, AMH levels are used to assess a woman’s remaining ovarian reserve.
How can AMH hormone levels predict fertility?
As a woman grows older, with each year the number of eggs in her ovarian reserve diminishes. This fact led to investigation into whether AMH can be used as a predictor of remaining reproductive lifespan and age at the menopause. Research shows that the size of the pool of growing follicles is heavily influenced by the size of the pool of remaining primordial follicle. Therefore, AMH blood levels are thought to reflect the size of the remaining egg supply. For women who are struggling to get pregnant, a high AMH level should be very reassuring, as this means there is a greater chance they have plenty of healthy eggs remaining capable of developing into healthy embryos. As for low levels of AMH- they indicate a low ovrian reserve and often predict a not so positive outcome of ovarian stimulation.
What are normal AMH levels?
Usually, it takes about 2 days to obtain the results. The results of this test should immediately be discussed with the doctor and it is important not to make premature conclusions, because only an experienced specialist can properly interpret results and draw conclusions.
AMH can be measured at any time in the menstrual cycle as it is stable throughout the cycle. Understanding your AMH can help to determine the best strategy for IVF treatment, and Intersono IVF Clinic will be happy to help with this journey.