The AMH (anti-mullerian hormone) test is just one of many fertility testing options. But we’re confident you’ll do your homework and learn more about AMH and its levels. So, here’s everything you need to know about low AMH levels, including causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
What Does Low AMH Mean?
The AMH level in a woman can reveal information about the eggs in her ovary. The more eggs you have, the higher your AMH levels are, and the fewer eggs you have, the lower your AMH levels are. With advanced age, the level of AMH naturally decreases. Even if you have a low AMH level at a younger age, you risk premature ovarian failure and a lower chance of naturally conceiving.
What Are the Causes of Low AMH?
The natural cause of low AMH levels in males and females can be related to age or gender. However, there are some other conditions that contribute to a decrease in AMH levels. The following are the most common causes of low AMH:
- Endometriosis: Endometriosis is a painful condition that affects the reproductive system. Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissues normally found inside your uterus (womb) grow outside of it. The inflammation and scar tissue damage the ovaries and fallopian tubes in this case, resulting in low AMH levels.
- Genetics: Changes in genes, such as a positive family history of low AMH, can also affect your AMH level.
- PCOS: PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) is the most common female reproductive disorder. Your ovary produced an abnormal amount of male sex hormone androgens in this case. AMH levels can be affected by the number of small cysts formed in the ovaries.
- Autoimmune diseases: In this condition, your immune system attacks your healthy cells, causing damage to the healthy egg cells and lowering AMH levels.
- Chemotherapy: Having active cancer and undergoing chemotherapy increases the risk of damaging healthy ovarian follicles, resulting in a low number of AMH.
- Lifestyle changes: Some lifestyle factors, such as excessive smoking, environmental pollution, obesity, vitamin D deficiency, and so on, can also affect the level of AMH in your body.
What Are the Symptoms of Low AMH?
As there aren’t many specific symptoms of low AMH in women, general symptoms may include:
- Menstrual bleeding has been reduced.
- Menstrual irregularities
- The menstrual cycle is permanently halted.
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AMH Blood Test
An Anti-Mullerian Hormone Test can detect Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) levels in the blood. This test is used to determine a woman’s ability to produce fertilised eggs for pregnancy. Other objectives of an AMH blood test include:
- The AMH Blood Test can be used to determine the cause of early menopause (permanent stoppage of the menstrual cycle).
- The test can also be used to determine the cause of abnormal menstruation in women, even at a young age.
- It greatly aids in the diagnosis of Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
- The test can also be used to diagnose some types of ovarian cancer.
What Are the Treatments for Low AMH Levels?
There is no complete cure for Low AMH. However, there are ways for a woman to improve her AMH level before considering ART. Yoga and regular exercise, in addition to other treatments, can help to raise AMH levels.
Also Read: Why Couples Should Opt for IVF
A well-balanced diet, acupuncture, and DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) supplements are all recommended. DHEA is primarily a hormone that can improve the quality and quantity of eggs. If you are a young woman who wants to conceive, there are some treatments available to you, such as IVF with low AMH levels and IVF with Donor Egg.
AMH levels are measured to determine your ovarian reserve, or the number of eggs you have at the time of testing. These levels decrease as you age. AMH tests may be ordered by doctors as a diagnostic tool to help initiate a fertility discussion. However, AMH levels cannot predict infertility on their own. If you have any questions about your AMH levels or fertility, speak with your doctor or a reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist.
