What Is Anti-Mullerian Hormone?
Anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) is seen in both males and females with different levels based on gender and age. However, the anti-mullerian hormone has a vital role in women. The hormone can help in determining whether a woman is fertile or not. The AMH can also be used for checking other health conditions such as menopause and polycystic ovarian syndrome.
What does the hormone indicate about fertility?
AMH test is one of the ovarian reserve tests used to check the probability of getting pregnant. A woman makes many eggs during the reproductive years, but the quantity decreases as one gets older. The AMH test determines the number of eggs left in a woman’s ovaries. If the test result is high, this means a woman has a higher chance of conceiving. A low AMH test result means difficulty conceiving.
How is the test performed?
The doctor will draw blood from the vein of your arm which is then taken to the lab for analysis. The test takes a few minutes and there are no preparations required before the test. After the AMH test, one may feel pain at the injection site for some time, which eventually fades.
The reliability
Besides AMH, other ovarian reserve tests include biochemical tests such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol. Also, there are tests such as clomiphene citrate challenge and gonadotropin tests, and antral follicle count that helps determine fertility. Of all the tests, the AMH test is considered the most reliable ovarian reserve test.
When is the blood sample taken?
Other biochemical tests such as FSH and estradiol are drawn out at the start of the menstrual cycle. These hormone blood levels are drawn out from days 1 to 5 of the cycle, but mostly on day 3. However, the anti-mullerian hormone has an advantage over other blood tests. AMH levels can be drawn out and checked at any time during the menstrual cycle period.
Other reasons to do AMH test
The doctor may recommend an AMH test for other reasons. Some reasons include response to in vitro fertilization treatments, menstrual disorder, and excessive body and facial hair. Other reasons also include persistent acne and unreasonable weight gain.
Other meanings of the test
Although a high AMH level means the ability to get pregnant, the result may also mean having polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Similarly, a low AMH level has other interpretations, such as going through menopause. Discussing with a healthcare provider the results is imperative to have a better understanding of the body’s condition.
