What is AMH?

What is the clinical significance of AMH testing?

How does AMH reflect ovarian reserve function?

Patients presenting at reproductive medicine centers for fertility evaluation are routinely recommended to undergo basic fertility assessment, which includes the crucial measurement of Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH). What is the relationship between this biomarker and fertility potential?

 

I. What is AMH?

Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) is secreted by the small ovarian follicles and is one of the key biomarkers for assessing ovarian reserve function.  Women are born with a fixed total oocyte reserve. With each menstrual cycle, follicles mature and ovulate, gradually depleting the oocyte inventory until follicular exhaustion occurs. Current clinical understanding posits that serum AMH levels correlate with the ovarian reserve capacity, reflecting the “oocyte inventory”. Thus, AMH testing is essential for women planning to conceive or actively trying to become pregnant, as it provides valuable insight into ovarian reserve status.

II. What is the Normal Range for AMH?

The normal range of AMH decreases with age, and different age groups exhibit varying reference values, making it challenging to establish a single absolute normal value.

Generally, higher ovarian reserves typically correlate with elevated AMH levels, whereas AMH levels decline due to age-related factors or other conditions leading to follicular depletion.

For women of reproductive age, particularly those under 30, an AMH level of 3-4 ng/ml is considered typical. However, elevated AMH levels above this range may be indicative of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition often associated with reduced fertility. In women over 40 who are subfertile, AMH levels frequently fall below 1.1 ng/ml, reflecting reduced ovarian responsiveness, which increases the difficulty of conceiving.

III. Can AMH Levels Be Increased?

AMH levels naturally decline with age, ultimately approaching zero at menopause. Once ovarian function declines, it is irreversible, and AMH cannot be increased with medications or injections.

Although the decline in ovarian function is irreversible, adopting healthy lifestyle habits is essential for supporting ovarian health. Establishing a regular daily routine, avoiding late nights, refraining from smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, managing stress, and adhering to a balanced diet can contribute to slowing the progression of ovarian function decline.

AMH levels predict ovarian reserve and fertility potential. Understanding them helps you seize valuable opportunities for conception!