What does AMH really mean for my fertility journey?

What is an AMH test?

The AMH test, short for anti-mullerian hormone test, measures the levels of anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) in your blood. Both men and women produce AMH, but it’s predominantly used in women to assess their reproductive health.

Understanding Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH)

During fetal development, AMH plays a crucial role in shaping a baby’s sex organs. Male babies have higher levels of AMH to prevent the development of female reproductive organs, while female babies require only a minimal amount for their own development.

In women, AMH is produced by cells within the follicles of the ovaries, which are small fluid-filled sacs that contain and release eggs.

Interpreting AMH Levels

AMH levels are indicative of ovarian reserve, reflecting the number of eggs a woman has:

• Higher AMH levels signify a larger ovarian reserve and more eggs.
• Lower AMH levels suggest a diminished ovarian reserve and fewer eggs.

Insights from an AMH Test

The results of an AMH test provide information on:

• Remaining egg count and ovarian aging, potentially indicating a shorter fertility window.
• Response to fertility treatments, particularly in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles.

Limitations of the AMH Test

While AMH levels correlate with egg count, they do not predict overall fertility or the onset of menopause. Other factors, such as age, medical conditions, and lifestyle habits, also influence fertility.

It is important to understand that women with PCOS often have elevated AMH levels, likely to be due to the high levels of follicles they have in the early stage of development. This is why AMH needs to be viewed as part of your fertility treatment journey and remember it is JUST an indication of the number of eggs you have and it is not the only factor which affects your fertility journey.

Understanding the significance of AMH levels can provide valuable insights into reproductive health and fertility planning. For personalized guidance, consult with a healthcare professional experienced in fertility assessment.

If you have low AMH and want to understand how nutrition can assist you on your fertility journey please sign up for a FREE discovery call here.

Rachel Hazlett the founder of Women’s Nutrition specialises in Fertility Nutrition and would love to assist you on your journey to conception!