Anti Mullerian Hormone (AMH): Measurement and Interpretation

Introduction:

Anti Mullerian Hormone (AMH) is a glycoprotein hormone that is produced by small follicles in the ovaries. It is used to assess a woman's ovarian reserve, which refers to the number and quality of eggs remaining in the ovaries. AMH levels can provide information about a woman's fertility potential, her response to fertility treatments, and her likelihood of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). In this article, we will discuss the measurement and interpretation of AMH levels, including what the results mean and how they can be used in fertility treatment.

Measuring AMH levels:

AMH levels can be measured with a simple blood test. The test is typically performed on Day 3 of the menstrual cycle, but it can be performed at any time as AMH levels are relatively stable throughout the menstrual cycle. The test results are reported in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL).

Interpreting AMH levels:

AMH levels vary widely among women, but they tend to decline as a woman ages. A woman with a high AMH level is considered to have a higher ovarian reserve, while a woman with a low AMH level is considered to have a lower ovarian reserve. However, it is important to remember that AMH levels do not provide a complete picture of a woman's fertility potential, as they do not take into account other factors such as age, hormonal imbalances, or chromosomal abnormalities.

High AMH levels:

If a woman has high AMH levels, it may indicate that she has a higher ovarian reserve, and that her ovaries are producing a larger number of follicles. Women with high AMH levels are typically considered to have a higher likelihood of responding well to fertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Low AMH levels:

If a woman has low AMH levels, it may indicate that she has a lower ovarian reserve and that her ovaries are producing fewer follicles. Women with low AMH levels are typically considered to have a lower likelihood of responding well to fertility treatments and a higher likelihood of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI).

Experts' Opinion:

According to Dr. Daniel Shapiro, a reproductive endocrinologist at Reproductive Biology Associates in Atlanta, AMH levels are useful in predicting a woman's response to fertility treatments, but they should not be used as the sole indicator of fertility potential.

"AMH levels are one piece of the puzzle in assessing a woman's fertility potential," says Dr. Shapiro. "While they can provide valuable information about a woman's response to fertility treatments, they should not be used in isolation. Other factors, such as age, hormonal imbalances, and chromosomal abnormalities, should also be taken into account."

Industry Statistics:

According to a recent study by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), the use of AMH levels to assess a woman's fertility potential has become increasingly common in recent years. The study found that the number of AMH tests performed in the US has increased by more than 200% since 2010, with more than 2 million tests being performed in 2018 alone.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Anti Mullerian Hormone (AMH) levels can provide valuable information about a woman's ovarian reserve and her likelihood of responding to fertility treatments. However, it is important to remember that AMH levels should not be used as the sole indicator of fertility potential and that other factors, such as age, hormonal imbalances, and chromosomal abnormalities, should also be taken into account.