You may be reading this article because you are wondering about your fertility and future chances of pregnancy. You might be wondering if your ovary reserve is normal for your age and the quality of eggs you have left. A blood test for antimullerian hormone (AMH) will help you answer this question. You can opt for an AMH test alone or in conjunction with an ultrasound.
What is AMH?
Antimullerian hormone (AMH) is a protein hormone that is crucial to female reproductive health. It is primarily produced by the granulosa cells of the ovarian follicles, which are small sacs in the ovaries that house developing eggs. AMH levels can provide valuable information about a woman’s ovarian reserve or the number and quality of eggs she has left.
What does AMH do?
One of the main functions of AMH is to inhibit the development of the Mullerian ducts in male embryos during fetal development. These ducts are responsible for the formation of female reproductive organs such as the fallopian tubes, uterus, and upper vagina. In males, the presence of AMH causes the regression of the Mullerian ducts, leading to the development of male reproductive organs.
Why does my AMH level matter?
In females, AMH levels are highest during childhood and early adulthood, gradually declining as a woman ages. The decline in AMH levels corresponds to the natural depletion of ovarian follicles, which occurs as a woman approaches menopause. Therefore, measuring AMH levels can provide valuable insights into a woman’s ovarian reserve.
Tell me more about the AMH test
AMH testing is commonly used in fertility clinics to assess a woman’s fertility potential. By measuring the levels of AMH in the blood, doctors can estimate the number of remaining follicles and predict how well a woman may respond to fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). Women with low AMH levels may have a reduced fertility potential and may need more aggressive fertility treatments or consider options like egg freezing to preserve their fertility.
AMH testing can also be helpful for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition characterized by hormonal imbalances and the presence of multiple small cysts on the ovaries. Women with PCOS often have elevated levels of AMH due to the increased number of small follicles. High AMH levels in PCOS patients can contribute to irregular menstrual cycles and difficulties conceiving.
Beyond its role in fertility assessment, AMH has also been studied for its potential as a biomarker for certain health conditions. Studies have suggested a possible association between low AMH levels and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. However, more research is needed to understand these connections fully.
In conclusion, the antimullerian hormone is a protein hormone that provides valuable information about a woman’s ovarian reserve and fertility potential. Doctors can assess a woman’s ability to conceive and guide appropriate fertility treatments by measuring AMH levels. Additionally, AMH may have implications beyond reproductive health, potentially serving as a biomarker for various health conditions. As research continues, the understanding of AMH and its applications is expected to grow, further benefiting women’s health.
Our antimullerian hormone test costs £110 with results in just 24 hours. Book online or call today.
