Contributed – Healthians Team
What is the AMH test?
A woman is born with a finite number of eggs, approximately one to two million follicles (immature eggs). AMH, the short name for Anti Mullerian Hormone, is a protein hormone secreted by cells inside the follicles. It serves as a proxy for the amount of eggs we have left. Measuring the amount of AMH in the blood gives a rough idea of the number of eggs left in the ovaries as ‘the ovarian reserve’ — eggs left available to be released.
Age is the primary factor that impacts the AMH level. A number of other factors such as psychological stress, smoking, improper nutrition, vitamin deficiency, severe endometriosis, prior ovarian surgery, and cancer treatments can cause diminished ovarian reserve. However, sometimes there is no apparent cause of this condition.
Who should get an AMH test?
An AMH test indicates the ovarian reserve as compared to other females of equivalent age. So the test is important for a woman when she is planning to have a baby so that she knows what her ovarian reserve is.
Talking about the symptoms of low AMH levels, there aren’t many apparent symptoms of diminished ovarian reserve. The majority of the women having ‘less number of eggs’ don’t even know that they are suffering from it. However, those with the condition might experience difficulty getting pregnant. Irregular or heavy periods or shorter menstrual cycles than average and miscarriage/s are other indications. That said, these symptoms aren’t always present.
Why is the AMH test needed?
AMH is a clinically useful measure of the ovarian reserve and a crucial piece of the fertility puzzle. An AMH test is normally one of the preliminary tests prescribed to diagnose infertility. AMH levels along with factors such as age, lifestyle, and BMI are essential for proactive treatment and planning in assisted conception. Doctors also take the help of this test to investigate other potential conditions, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, risk of early menopause, and certain types of ovarian tumors.
What does an AMH test result mean?
AMH levels decline with age. Thus, a low AMH indicates a declining level of reproductive potential. The normal level for every age is variable. Typically, the AMH level of 1.0 – 3.0 ng/ml is considered ‘normal’ for a fertile woman. A count of less than 1.0 ng/ml indicates a reduced ovarian reserve. A very low AMH count is commonly associated in women approaching menopause.
How is the AMH test done?
For assessing the AMH level in a woman’s body, a simple blood test is required. The test requires a blood sample which is usually drawn from the vein located on the inside of the elbow. The blood sample is then sent for further evaluation. This can be done at any time of the month – even when taking oral contraception.
