Anti-Mullerian Hormone, or AMH plays an important role in understanding fertility potential. While important, there is a lot of misunderstanding around AMH. Contrary to popular belief, AMH is not a number set in stone, nor is it a reserve number of eggs that you’re doomed to deplete over time. It is a hormone!
What Affects AMH Levels?
AMH levels aren’t set in stone—they can fluctuate due to a variety of factors, including:
- Age - AMH will typically decline with age, however the rate of decline is very individual.
- Diet & Lifestyle - Smoking, poor nutrition, poor sleep and stress can all impact AMH. Improvements will of course have a positive effect on levels.
- Hormonal Conditions or Imbalances - Conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can elevate AMH levels due to the presence of more follicles, while certain medical conditions or imbalances may lower them.
- Medications - Medications including hormonal contraceptives can reduce AMH levels.
Anti-Mullerian Hormone is a hormone secreted by the small, immature follicles in the ovaries. These follicles house your eggs in their early stages of development. AMH levels serve as an indicator of ovarian reserve at that particular time & are usually used medically to indicate how responsive your body will be to certain fertility medications so they can find the right dose, particularly if you are undergoing IVF. It does not indicate egg quality.
What Do High or Low AMH Levels Mean?
- High AMH: Often seen in conditions like PCOS, high AMH levels may indicate a higher number of follicles. However, this doesn’t guarantee fertility success.
- Low AMH: While low AMH may suggest a reduced ovarian reserve, it doesn’t mean you can’t conceive. Many women with low AMH go on to have healthy pregnancies.
If you’re concerned about AMH or your fertility, speak with one of our naturopaths. A comprehensive assessment, including other tests and lifestyle factors, provides a fuller picture of fertility health.
Your fertility journey is unique, and with the right support and knowledge, you can make sure you are getting all the information needed to support your preconception health!
