Anti-mullerian hormone is a protein produced by follicles located in the ovaries. The AMH test shows woman’s quality and number of oocytes that is her ovarian reserve. Women have a definite number of eggs from the birth which define their ovarian reserve and mark their fertility. If they have a good ovarian reserve, there is a higher chance to achieve the pregnancy. Consequently, if the AMH level is high, the female fertility is good.
Previously, the ovarian reserve was measured through an ultrasound scan and a blood hormone analysis. Currently, fertility is also evaluated with AMH blood test by which the information and data are extended and a more detailed diagnosis is obtained.
AMH can be observed in both ovaries and in all follicles. This blood test can be performed within any day of a female menstrual cycle differently from other hormones such as FSH or LH whose levels change depending on the moment in which the test is carried out. High AMH levels indicate greater chances of obtaining good results in assisted reproduction treatments. As time goes by, AMH level diminishes. Low AMH levels can imply a low ovarian reserve even though the ultimate confirmation is obtained through other tests (FSH blood test or transvaginal ultrasound). Even if there are no standard reference values, AMH levels between 0.7 and 4 ng/ml are generally considered as normal, while if they are less than 0.7 ng/mil it may indicate a low ovarian reserve.
Anti-mullerian hormone in assisted reproduction treatments
The fertility specialists take into account some factors such as the age and the ovarian reserve status in order to calculate a pregnancy success rate in assisted reproduction treatments. The ovarian reserve is measured through ultrasound scan and AMH blood test. Anti-mullerian hormone is a marker of fertility and ovarian ageing. AMH values and the response to the ovarian stimulation are strictly connected which is a useful tool used by fertility centres to measure the pregnancy success rate in assisted reproduction treatments and choose the appropriate technique for every patient.
Options to face low ovarian reserve
If a low ovarian reserve arises from the AMH blood test, there are several options to achieve the pregnancy. If the woman is not ready to be a mother, the most efficient option is preserving her fertility by freezing the eggs. Thanks to this fast freezing technique, the eggs maintain the same quality they had when frozen in order to be used in the future once the woman feels ready to have a family.
