Anti-Müllerian hormone, also known as AMH, is a crucial marker for understanding female fertility. Although its name may seem complex, it is a key hormone that allows us to know the ovarian reserve, that is, the number of eggs available in the ovaries. Knowing your levels can be of great help to those who want to plan their reproductive life or are considering fertility treatments.
AMH has the particularity of being constant throughout the menstrual cycle, which makes it a reliable tool for assessing ovarian function at any time. This facilitates decision-making related to fertility, allowing you to better understand the condition of the ovaries and act proactively.
What is anti-Müllerian hormone?
Anti-Müllerian hormone is a protein produced by the cells of ovarian follicles, structures that contain developing eggs. As a woman ages, the number of available follicles decreases, and with it, so do the AMH levels. For this reason, this hormone is a useful reference for estimating the number of eggs left in the ovaries, however, it does not indicate the quality of the ovaries.
It is in female reproductive health where its measurement takes on special relevance, especially in the planning and diagnosis of certain fertility problems.
What do AMH levels indicate?
The AMH test is a simple way to know the ovarian reserve. Generally speaking, high AMH levels suggest that there are a greater number of follicles available, while low levels may indicate that the ovarian reserve is lower. Importantly, the AMH does not provide information on the quality of the eggs, only on their quantity.
AMH levels can influence important decisions. For example, for those considering a pregnancy in the future, a low AMH level might suggest exploring options such as egg preservation. In fertility treatments, AMH helps specialists to personalize the treatment, adjusting the ovarian stimulation to optimize the chances of success.
How is the anti-Müllerian hormone test performed?
The AMH test is carried out by a simple blood draw, which does not require prior preparation or fasting. This allows the test to be performed at any time during the menstrual cycle, which is a great advantage over other hormone tests. The result of the analysis is usually available within a few days, and it is recommended that the interpretation of the results is always done in consultation with a healthcare professional.
This analysis provides essential information, but it is only part of the fertility puzzle. There are other factors that influence the ability to conceive, so it is critical to consider AMH levels in conjunction with other medical tests and clinical evaluations.
AMH in the context of reproductive health
Not only is AMH useful for assessing current fertility, but it can also be an indicator of certain hormonal disorders. For example, elevated AMH levels may be associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition that affects ovulation. On the other hand, low levels could suggest a reduced ovarian reserve or a risk of early menopause.
For those who wish to postpone motherhood, AMH is a tool that can help decide the best time to act. Knowing these levels allows informed decisions to be made about fertility preservation, such as egg freezing, thus optimizing the chances of a pregnancy in the future.
When is it advisable to take the AMH test?
Although the AMH test can be performed at any time in adult life, there are specific situations where it is especially recommended. Those who want to delay motherhood, who have a family history of early menopause, who are having ovarian surgery, or who have experienced difficulties conceiving may benefit from this test.
AMH is also an essential test in the preparation of assisted fertility treatments, as it allows strategies to be adjusted according to individual characteristics, reducing uncertainty and optimising the chances of success.
Knowing the anti-Müllerian hormone is an important step towards understanding fertility. At Fertivida, we are committed to providing clear and accurate information so that each person can make informed decisions on their path to motherhood or in their reproductive health care.
