Women are focusing on their careers, education, and personal development these days. Family planning is given a backseat. One thing that should be remembered is your Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) levels which provides you with an idea of your ovarian reserve. Females are born with about 1 to 2 million immature egg follicles. Only about 400,000 of those eggs remain at menarche. Every period cycle, you lose hundreds of eggs; hence the count decreasing with increasing age. The healthy ones become mature follicles and the rest are absorbed by the body. By the late 30s and 40s, the supply is waning. However, that’s the age when more and more people are attempting to start a family.
What is AMH hormone?
According to Dr. Asha Dalal, Director, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, “AMH- Anti Mullerian Hormone is a hormone produced by the cells in the ovarian follicles. AMH reflects the number of eggs you have remaining in the ovary, that is, It indicates your ovarian reserve.A low AMH level points to low ovarian reserve or low egg count, which is why the hormone is linked to fertility. Serum AMH levels have been shown to strongly correlate with the number of antral follicles.”
Why should one check their AMH levels
Today, the average age of giving birth for the first time is 26.6 years, and has been increasing with recent times when parenthood is postponed. On the contrary for males, they continue to create new sperms for most of their adult lives.
Moreover, a stable AMH value is obtainable throughout the menstrual cycle. Several studies have demonstrated that the AMH level is a better marker of ovarian reserve compared with age alone or other markers described in the literature, such as basal FSH, estradiol, and inhibin
AMH is used to predict the number of eggs that may be produced when stimulated and hence the time it will take to conceive. AMH levels decrease as the age advances- meaning as you age, you have fewer eggs.
AMH and Age
As a general guideline, the following levels represent the lower limit of serum AMH values by age:
25 years old: 3.0 ng/mL
30 years old: 2.5 ng/mL
35 years old: 1.5 ng/ mL
40 years old: 1 ng/mL
45 years old: 0.5 ng/mL
6 reasons why you should get your AMH levels checked
Evalute Ovarian Reserve
AMH values provide you with an estimation of the number of eggs remaining in your ovaries. It particularly holds true for women in 30s and 40s because ovarian reserve diminishes over age. It tells you your reproductive capability rather than whether or not you could conceive naturally.
Empower Family Planning Decisions
Knowing your AMH levels can empower you to make decisions about when you ought to have a family. In case levels are lower than anticipated, your supply of ovation is low and I t might encourage you to advance your pregnancy plans or explore fertility preservation options like egg freezing.
Early Detection of Fertility Issues
According to Dr Nishita Shah, MBBS, DNB, Saifee Hospital, Mumbai, “Low AMH levels may be a sign of reduced ovarian reserve, which may affect your ability to conceive naturally. Early detection allows you to see a doctor and discuss the possibility of using assisted reproductive technologies (ART) if needed. High levels may indicate a PCOS and this too may require medical assistance.”
Tailored Fertility Therapy
In persons undergoing fertility treatment like IVF, the AMH level helps doctors in adapting treatment approaches. Higher AMH levels may signify a better outcome to ovarian stimulation, and smaller values may call for other techniques.
Menopause Timing Insight
AMH levels can provide you with an idea of when you will be entering menopause. While not definitive, such information can assist you in preparing for life adjustment and health risk management at the onset of menopause. It is really your FSH levels that tells you how close you are to menopause.
Check ovarian health
For women experiencing treatment for endometriosis, ovarian cystectomy or chemotherapy, all which can potentially affect fertility, AMH levels help monitor ovarian function. For every woman, AMH levels by age will decrease and there’s nothing much we can do about that; hence measuring the levels around the age of 30s and 40s is important when planning parenthood
Whether you’re planning for a family soon or in the future, knowing your AMH levels can provide clarity and reduce anxiety about your reproductive health.