If you’re thinking about trying for a baby, considering IVF or natural conception, wondering whether now is the time to think about starting a family, or considering egg freezing, there’s a blood test that could be helpful for you. There are multiple benefits to this blood test, and it is gaining popularity among women of all ages. In fact, it is one of our most popular tests, with over 1,000 women opting for it in 2024.
Introducing anti-mullerian hormone or AMH! This is a fascinating hormone that has been the subject of extensive research in recent years. In women, AMH plays a crucial role in regulating the ovaries and the development of ovarian follicles. Recent research also suggests AMH levels might help indicate male fertility levels.
A Window Into Your Ovarian Reserve
This test is popular because it is considered to give a reliable picture of a woman’s current ovarian reserve – in other words, the number of viable eggs remaining in her ovaries. The number of remaining eggs is very important knowledge for women looking to conceive naturally or via IVF, and the reserve varies significantly from woman to woman.
AMH levels typically decline with age, so monitoring this hormone level can provide a very specific picture of your reproductive health and journey. Some women may have excellent reserves into their 40s, while others may start to decline in their 30s – this is why monitoring is so important.
The changes in egg reserves vary from woman to woman. On average, these statistics from the British Fertility Society are correct:
“At birth, most girls have about 2 million eggs; at adolescence, that number has gone down to about 400,000; at age 37, there remain about 25,000. By age 51, the average age when women have their menopause, they have about 1000 immature eggs, but these are not fertile.”
Ovarian reserve can be affected by many factors, including hormones, metabolites, initial ovarian reserve, environmental problems, diseases, and medications, among others.
Planning for IVF or Egg Freezing? AMH Can Guide You
This test gives a good indication of potential fertility and the success of future fertility treatments. There are, of course, ultrasounds for counting eggs and other fertility screenings available. Still, this simple blood test is favoured by women who are monitoring and considering procedures such as egg freezing or entering into the commitment of IVF. It is also useful for women who are planning their families without fertility treatments – keeping an eye on this can help decide whether now is the right time or whether it is fine to wait.
Recent research has shed light on the many applications of AMH in reproductive health. One of the most significant developments is the use of AMH as a predictor of ovarian response to fertility treatments, such as in IVF.
Women with higher AMH levels tend to have a better ovarian response to fertility medications, resulting in more retrieved eggs and a higher chance of successful embryo transfer. This information can help fertility specialists tailor treatment protocols and set realistic expectations for their patients.
In addition, AMH has been studied as a potential marker for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common hormonal disorder that can affect a woman’s fertility. PCOS is characterised by the presence of numerous small follicles in the ovaries, which can lead to irregular menstrual cycles and difficulty conceiving.
Studies have shown that women with PCOS tend to have higher AMH levels compared to those without the condition, making AMH a valuable tool in the diagnosis and management of PCOS.
Not Just for Women: AMH and Male Fertility
Interestingly, AMH has also been explored in the context of male fertility. Research has indicated that AMH levels in men may be associated with sperm quality and overall reproductive potential. Low AMH levels in men have been linked to decreased sperm count, motility, and morphology, suggesting that AMH could be a useful biomarker for male infertility.
