Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a protein produced by the developing follicles of a woman’s ovaries. It is an important indication of ovarian reserve, reflecting the amount and quality of eggs that remain. A higher AMH concentration usually indicates a healthy ovarian reserve, whereas lower levels may suggest less reproductive potential.
The typical range for AMH varies, however readings ranging from 1.0 to 4.0 ng/ml are considered normal. However, it is important to remember that interpretation might vary depending on the laboratory and the specific test utilized.
Understanding AMH and its significance
The small follicles in the ovaries create AMH, which is a good predictor of a woman’s remaining egg supply. A higher AMH level implies a greater number of eggs, whereas a lower AMH level indicates a decrease in egg count. AMH levels typically fall with age, but they can also be influenced by genetics, lifestyle, and pre-existing health issues.
Source: Frontiers
What is a low AMH level?
AMH levels below 1.0 ng/mL are often considered low. Specifically, an AMH level of 0.2 ng/mL is extremely low and frequently creates major concern about fertility. However, it is crucial to remember that low AMH does not immediately imply egg quality; rather, it signals a reduction in egg abundance. Women with low AMH levels can still have fertile eggs, resulting in a healthy pregnancy.
Reasons for low AMH:
There can be several reasons for low AMH levels:
1. Age-related decline: As women age, their ovarian reserve gradually declines, resulting in decreasing AMH levels.
2. Ovarian Dysfunction: Conditions including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis can impair ovarian function and contribute to low AMH.
3. Genetic Factors: Genetic predispositions may have a role in low AMH levels, emphasizing the significance of a comprehensive genetic examination.
4. Previous Ovarian Surgery or Treatment: Surgical operations and exposure to certain therapies, such as chemotherapy, can have a negative impact on ovarian reserve and AMH levels.
While no medication can considerably raise AMH levels, several therapies, like gonadotropin injections, may temporarily increase the number of mature eggs produced. However, this does not always improve the total ovarian reserve.
How to Diagnose Low AMH
Low AMH levels may not produce visible symptoms. Women with low AMH, on the other hand, frequently struggle to conceive and may have irregular menstrual periods, which are a crucial signal of possible reproductive concerns.
Low AMH is diagnosed with a simple blood test, which is often performed on the second or third day of the menstrual cycle. The results give critical insights into the ovarian reserve and help reproductive professionals modify treatments.
Options To Get Pregnant With Low AMH
Navigating through pregnancy to parenting with low AMH levels can be difficult, but there are several alternatives to improve your chances of conception. Understanding these choices, from reproductive treatments to lifestyle adjustments, can bring optimism and help to people dealing with low ovarian reserve.
Using Own Eggs – Freezing: Freezing eggs during a woman’s peak reproductive years allows her to preserve a higher quantity of healthier eggs for later use.
Freezing eggs during a woman’s peak reproductive years is a responsible step in preserving a greater number of healthy eggs. This typically happens through a procedure known as oocyte cryopreservation or egg freezing.
The first phase includes utilizing frozen eggs in the first IVF round. The frozen eggs are thawed, fertilized with sperm in the laboratory, and the resulting embryos are transferred to the uterus.
Individuals who choose to freeze their own eggs preserve a biological tie to their prospective future kid. This is frequently an important factor for people who appreciate the genetic connection with their children.
Another benefit of egg freezing is increased flexibility in family planning. Individuals might postpone pregnancy for a number of reasons, including professional advancement or personal circumstances, without compromising the quality of their eggs.
Using Donor Eggs: Egg donation involves using eggs from a younger, fertile donor to increase the chances of successful fertilization. This is a compelling option for those with significantly low AMH.
If attempts with one’s own eggs fail after four IVF rounds, the option of utilizing donor eggs becomes viable. This means using eggs from a younger, viable donor with a better chance of successful fertilization.
Transitioning to the use of donor eggs can be emotionally difficult, and individuals may require time to comprehend and adjust to this new road to parenting. This transition requires two cycles of donor eggs. This comprises fertilizing the donor eggs with sperm, transferring the embryos, and monitoring for a healthy pregnancy.
Donor eggs are related with greater IVF success rates since they are often obtained from young and healthy people. This alternative becomes appealing for people having issues due to substantially low AMH levels.
Chances of Getting Pregnant with Low AMH
Success rates for In vitro fertilization (IVF) with low ovarian reserve can vary. While using one’s own eggs may pose challenges, the success rates for IVF with donor eggs are generally higher. Egg donation provides an opportunity to overcome the limitations associated with low AMH, offering a more favorable chance of conception.
The odds of becoming pregnant with low AMH are determined by a variety of factors, including age, overall health, and the existence of any underlying disorders. While the risk is decreased compared to women with greater AMH levels, it is not zero. Fertility therapies such as IVF or IUI can dramatically improve the odds of conception in women with low AMH.
How to Choose the Best IVF Clinic for Low AMH Pregnancy
Choosing the correct IVF facility is a critical step for those dealing with low anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels. Here are some considerations to consider while searching for a suitable IVF clinic:
- Choose a facility with a track record of successfully addressing cases involving low AMH and skilled fertility specialists.
- Evaluate the credentials and experience of medical specialists, especially reproductive endocrinologists and embryologists.
- Check to see if the clinic uses sophisticated technology such as blastocyst culture, preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), egg freezing, and so on to improve the odds of success in low-risk AMH patients.
- Choose a facility that offers tailored treatment strategies.
- Read patient reviews and testimonials to learn from the experiences of others who have had similar issues.
- Choose a clinic that offers open communication about treatment plans, expenses, and potential results for low AMH patients.
- Select a clinic that is easily accessible.
The decision to use one’s own eggs or consider donor eggs is complex and unique to each individual. Starting with one’s own eggs, attempting many IVF cycles, and then switching to donor eggs if necessary is a planned and planned method.
Understanding the importance of AMH, the causes for its decrease, and the available choices enables individuals to make educated decisions based on their own circumstances and goals. Whether freezing one’s own eggs or exploring the option of egg donation, the ultimate objective is to embrace a road to motherhood that is consistent with each individual’s beliefs and goals.