Doctors used to rely on high FSH levels to measure ovarian reserve in women. But, as it appears, the FSH level isn’t always accurate. As a result, doctors now consider testing the AMH (anti-mullerian hormone), also called MIS (Mullerian-inhibiting substance), to test the egg quantity in women.
Ovarian reserve is the number of eggs in your ovaries. A low anti-mullerian hormone level can make it difficult for women to achieve a natural pregnancy. A medical exam, called the AMH blood test, determines your chances of getting pregnant.
There are many misconceptions among women about low levels of AMH and its role in infertility. So let’s dig deeper to understand if having a low level of AMH means complete infertility.
Amh is a complex and often misunderstood hormone in the body. For many women, it’s not enough to know that high AMH levels mean they are at risk for developing infertility; they need to know that low AMH levels may also be a sign of fertility problems.
Nearly everyone knows that infertility is a problem. But for some couples, trying to get pregnant can be difficult. For example, if one partner has high levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH).
Unfortunately, there is little research on this topic. Even among those who have heard of FSH deficiency as a cause of infertility, most people don’t understand how low FSH levels can cause problems in women who are already infertile. In addition, the science around this topic is still emerging; many doctors and even researchers aren’t sure how much impact the presence or absence of AMH has on fertility. Fortunately, following these simple steps can help you reduce your risk for infertility. We’ll explain what this means for you and your partner. It also clarifies how lowering AMH levels can help you get pregnant. Read on to learn more about this topic.
What is Anti-Mullerian Hormone?
The Anti-Mullerian hormone, also called the Mullerian-Inhibiting hormone is a glycoprotein hormone in women. It is responsible for measuring your chances of getting pregnant.
The AMH (anti-mullerian hormone) is a standard marker for the egg count in ovaries. In medical terms, it maintains the ovarian reserve of the female reproductive system. The ovarian reserve refers to the number of eggs in your ovaries.
What do Different AMH Levels Mean?
The anti-mullerian hormone is responsible for your ovarian reserve. It is wise to remember that the level of your anti-mullerian hormone depends on your age. As a woman crosses her mid-30s, her ovarian reserve starts to decline. You can get an AMH blood test to measure your ovarian reserve any time of the month. Here is a list of anti-mullerian hormone and what does it indicates;
- AMH level below 1ng/mL – Low
- AMH level ranging from 1.2 to 3.5 ng/mL – Average
- AMH level of more than two ng/mL – Healthy
- AMH level from 3.6 to 4.0 ng/mL – High
- AMH level of more than 4.0 ng/mL – Very High
Can I Get Pregnant If I Have Low AMH?
You can get pregnant with a low anti-mullerian hormone level only if you get regular monthly periods. This is because regular periods indicate that your body can mature and ovulate eggs.
However, if you are over 35 and have low levels of AMH, it is nearly impossible to get pregnant. It is because, after age 35, a woman is near to reaching menopause. So, the ovarian reserve is more undersized. But, you can go through some fertility treatment to better your chances of pregnancy.
Downsides of Getting Pregnant with Low Level of AMH
The AMH blood test doesn’t ensure your pregnancy but indicates a higher chance of conceiving. A low level of AMH can lead to multiple complications in your fertility, which is why it is wise to go for an AMH test before trying to get pregnant.
If you get pregnant with a low level of AMH, here are some downsides you may experience;
- Abnormal pregnancy
- Premature delivery
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Short menstrual cycle
- Miscarriage
- Irregular periods
- Premature menopause
- Low fertility rate
- Low to no correspondence to pregnancy medications
- Fewer chances for successful IVF
Conclusion
Understanding your chances of pregnancy through an AMH test allows your doctor to give you a suitable fertility plan.