The AMH test, or the anti-mullerian hormone test, is becoming quite popular in the concept of reproductive health these days. This test is ideally meant to understand your ovarian reserves. However, it does not predict anything related to your fertility. Moreover, it is a simple blood test measuring the levels of anti-mullerian hormones in your body.
Both genders produce these hormones. However, most of the time, the AMH test is only recommended to women to understand their reproductive health. By testing this, your doctor can get a lot of information regarding reproductive disorders and how to treat them. Let us see what it is, how it is diagnosed, and when you need to go for it.
Overview of Anti-mullerian Hormones
These hormones are protein hormones produced by the cells present at the follicular linings of females or testicular linings of males. These hormones contribute to the secondary sexual development of both genders. However, their roles in each gender are different.
Usually, you’ll witness that your AMH levels fluctuate depending on your age and gender. Moreover, these hormones are highly sex-dependent, meaning the levels are different in both genders. These AMHs develop the fetus’s male or female reproductive organs. They are also responsible for regulating women’s monthly menstrual cycle and correlating their hormone levels to their AFCs, or antral follicle count.
Research highlights the significance of the AMH test as a rising ovarian test marker. The hormone produces an inhibitory effect during the selection of follicles and is a good marker or indicator of assisted outcomes of your reproductive health.
Another research study highlights the serum concentration of AMH gaining widespread clinical applicability as a surrogate marker. Currently, the AMH tests find a lot of potential in human fertility counseling, predicting menopause age in women, diagnosing polycystic ovarian syndrome, and predicting response to ovarian stimulation.
When Do You Need an AMH Test?
Your doctor can ask you to go for an AMH test when:
- You are unable to conceive for around more than six months, even after trying hard
- You are overlooking IVFs or other fertility treatments due to poor AMH levels
- You would like to know your probability of getting pregnant
- You are undergoing ovarian cancer treatment
- You are experiencing frequent symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome
What Are Normal AMH Levels?
Your AMH levels vary by age and sex. The levels usually start rising with the onset of puberty and reach their apex by the time you are 25 years of age. After this age, the AMH levels gradually decline until menopause. The usual range of AMH for females is:
- Average – 1.0 ng/mL and 3.0 ng/mL
- Low – 1.0 ng/mL
- Severely Low – below 0.4 ng/mL
Risks Associated with AMH Tests
There are little to no risks associated with your AMH test results.
In this procedure, a phlebotomist will only derive your vein blood. You may experience a slight pain or bruise that eventually subsides.
Conclusion
AMH tests are the best current measures for determining how your reproductive health is functioning. However, there is still a long way to go in understanding the potential prospect of AMH levels in understanding and devising infertility treatments. The future of several ongoing types of research would pave the way to an actual step forward in rendering patient-tailored infertility care and treatment.
If you’re considering the AMH test, discuss it with your healthcare provider to understand what the results might mean for your fertility journey.