Anti Mullerian Hormone Test

The Anti Mullerian Hormone Test, and its Role in assessing fertility and reproductive health. Learn about the procedure, preparations, and interpretation of results.

By Dr. Heba hegzy Last updated Jun 8, 2023

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The Anti Mullerian Hormone Test is a valuable tool used in reproductive medicine to assess a woman’s ovarian reserve and estimate her fertility potential. In this article, we will provide an overview of the AMH test, explain why it is important, outline what happens during the test, discuss the necessary preparations, and delve into the meaning of its results.

Overview

AntiMullerian Hormone (AMH) is a hormone produced by the ovaries in women and the testicles in men. It helps to regulate the development of the reproductive system and plays a role in fertility. AMH test is a simple blood test that measures the level of anti-mullerian hormone, a hormone that can be used to assess a person’s ovarian reserve, which is the number of eggs that are left in the ovaries.

The levels of AMH in the body differ depending on the individual’s sex and age. By measuring AMH levels, valuable information about various reproductive health conditions can be obtained.

During fetal development, AMH contributes to the formation of reproductive organs in both males and females. The sex of an unborn baby is determined by the chromosomes inherited from the parents. While male babies possess XY chromosomes and female babies have XX chromosomes, the development of their reproductive organs is influenced by hormones, including AMH.

In the early stages of pregnancy, both male and female fetuses have Müllerian ducts, which are a set of tubes. In males, the presence of AMH in their testicular tissue leads to the regression of the Müllerian ducts, allowing for the growth of male reproductive organs. AMH levels in males remain high until puberty, after which they begin to decrease.

Female fetuses, on the other hand, have minimal levels of AMH, which permits the development of the Müllerian ducts into the uterus, fallopian tubes, and upper part of the vagina. AMH levels in females remain low throughout childhood. However, during puberty, the follicles within the ovaries start producing more AMH. Follicles are small sacs in the ovaries that contain immature eggs.

In females of childbearing age, higher AMH levels indicate a larger reserve of eggs in the ovaries. As women age, the number of eggs diminishes, resulting in a decrease in anti mullerian hormone levels. At menopause, when no eggs remain, AMH levels drop to zero.

The (AMH) anti mullerian hormone test may also be referred to by other names such as AMH hormone test, müllerian-inhibiting hormone, MIH, müllerian inhibiting factor, MIF, and müllerian inhibiting substance, MIS.

Why I need the Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) test?

Assessing Ovarian Reserve: The AMH testing is primarily used to evaluate a woman’s ovarian reserve, which refers to the quantity and quality of her remaining eggs. Knowing this information can be crucial for women who are planning to conceive naturally or considering fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Planning Fertility Treatments: The serum anti müllerian hormone test can help fertility specialists determine the optimal approach and dosage for fertility treatments. It aids in predicting the response to ovarian stimulation medications used in IVF cycles and can guide decisions about egg freezing or other fertility preservation options.
Estimating Reproductive Lifespan: By assessing ovarian reserve, the AMH test can provide insights into a woman’s reproductive lifespan. It helps women gain a better understanding of their fertility potential and assists in family planning decisions.

What happens during the Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) test?

Blood Sample Collection: The AMH test involves a simple blood draw performed at a laboratory or fertility clinic. A healthcare professional will collect a small sample of blood from a vein, typically in the arm.
Laboratory Analysis: The blood sample is sent to a specialized laboratory for analysis. The technicians measure the levels of AMH in the blood using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or other validated methods.
Results Delivery: The test results are typically available within a few days. The healthcare provider will discuss the results with the patient and provide appropriate guidance based on the findings.

Preparations before the Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) test?

There are no special preparations needed for an AMH test. However, you should tell your doctor if you are taking any medications, as some medications may affect your AMH levels.

The AMH test can be performed at any time during a woman’s menstrual cycle, as it is not affected by hormonal fluctuations. However, some doctors prefer to conduct the test during the early days of the menstrual cycle.

What do its results mean?

The results of the Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) test provide valuable information about a woman’s ovarian reserve and fertility potential. The interpretation of the test results may vary slightly depending on the laboratory and the specific reference range used. Here are the possible interpretations of the AMH test results:

High AMH Levels

Higher levels of AMH generally indicate a larger number of remaining eggs and a better ovarian reserve.
This suggests a potentially higher chance of success with fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Women with high AMH levels may respond well to ovarian stimulation medications used in fertility treatments.

Normal AMH Levels

Falling within the average range for your age group is typically considered a positive result.
It suggests a satisfactory ovarian reserve and a relatively good fertility potential.
Women with normal AMH levels usually have a reasonable chance of conceiving naturally and responding well to fertility treatments if needed.

Low AMH Levels

Lower levels of AMH may indicate diminished ovarian reserve, suggesting a lower number of remaining eggs.
This can affect natural conception and may require specialized fertility treatments or interventions.
Women with low AMH levels may have a reduced response to ovarian stimulation medications during fertility treatments.

It’s important to note that the interpretation of AMH test results should always be done in consultation with a healthcare provider or fertility specialist who can consider additional factors such as age, medical history, and other fertility test results. They will provide personalized guidance based on your specific circumstances.

Related tests

In addition to the Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) test, there are several other tests that are often conducted to assess fertility and reproductive health. These related tests provide further insights into various aspects of reproductive function. Here are some commonly performed tests:

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Test: This blood test measures the levels of FSH, a hormone that plays a crucial role in the development and maturation of eggs in women and sperm in men. Elevated FSH levels in women may indicate diminished ovarian reserve or ovarian dysfunction, while high levels in men can suggest testicular problems.
Estradiol Test: Estradiol is the primary form of estrogen in women. This blood test measures the levels of estradiol and helps assess ovarian function. Abnormal estradiol levels can indicate issues with ovulation or ovarian dysfunction.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Test: LH is a hormone that triggers ovulation in women and stimulates the production of testosterone in men. Measuring LH levels can help evaluate the timing of ovulation and detect hormonal imbalances that may affect fertility.
Progesterone Test: Progesterone is a hormone produced by the ovaries in women following ovulation. This test measures progesterone levels to confirm whether ovulation has occurred and to assess the quality of the menstrual cycle.
Thyroid Function Tests: Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in reproductive function. Tests such as thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), and triiodothyronine (T3) can assess thyroid function and identify any underlying thyroid disorders that may impact fertility.
Prolactin Test: Prolactin is a hormone responsible for milk production in breastfeeding women. Elevated prolactin levels, unrelated to breastfeeding, can disrupt ovulation and fertility. A prolactin test helps evaluate prolactin levels and identify potential causes of abnormal levels.
Semen Analysis: This test is performed on a semen sample provided by the male partner and assesses various parameters of sperm health, including sperm count, motility, morphology, and other factors that impact male fertility.
Transvaginal Ultrasound: This imaging technique uses an ultrasound probe inserted into the vagina to visualize the ovaries, uterus, and other reproductive structures. It helps evaluate ovarian follicles, measure their size, and assess the thickness of the uterine lining.

An Anti Mullerian Hormone Test is a simple blood test that can be used to assess a person’s ovarian reserve. If you are concerned about your fertility, talk to your doctor about whether an AMH test is right for you.