What is AMH?

The full form of AMH is Anti Mullerian Hormone. AMH is a hormone produced by the ovaries that helps to regulate the growth and development of follicles, which are the sacs that contain eggs. AMH levels can be used to assess a woman’s ovarian reserve, which is the number of eggs that she has left. AMH levels can also be used to help predict a woman’s response to IVF Treatment.

What can AMH measure?

The AMH levels are helpful to measure-

  1. Ovarian reserve: AMH levels can be used to estimate the number of eggs that are left in a woman’s ovaries. This information can be helpful for women who are trying to get pregnant, as it can help them to determine their chances of success with fertility treatments.
  2. Response to fertility treatments: AMH levels can also be used to predict how well a woman may respond to fertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). Women with higher AMH levels tend to respond better to IVF than women with lower AMH levels.
  3. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): AMH levels can be used to diagnose PCOS, a common condition that affects women’s fertility. Women with PCOS typically have higher than normal AMH levels.
  4. Other medical conditions: AMH levels may also be affected by other medical conditions, such as premature ovarian failure and thyroid disorders. If you have a medical condition that may affect your fertility, talk to your doctor about getting an AMH test.

How is AMH used in IVF?

In IVF, AMH levels are used to-

  • Estimating the number of eggs – AMH levels can be used to estimate the number of eggs that a woman has left in her ovaries. This information can be helpful for determining the best course of treatment. For example, women with low AMH levels may need to have their eggs retrieved using a different method, such as a surgical procedure called egg retrieval.
  • Predicting how well a woman will respond to fertility drugs. AMH levels can be used to predict how well a woman will respond to fertility drugs. This information can be helpful for customizing the dosage of fertility drugs. For example, women with high AMH levels may need to take a higher dose of fertility drugs, while women with low AMH levels may need to take a lower dose.
  • Determining the best time to retrieve eggs – AMH levels can be used to determine the best time to retrieve eggs. This is important because retrieving eggs too early or too late can reduce the chances of success. For example, women with high AMH levels may need to have their eggs retrieved earlier in their menstrual cycle, while women with low AMH levels may need to have their eggs retrieved later in their menstrual cycle.
  • Assessing the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) – AMH levels can be used to assess the risk of OHSS. OHSS is a serious condition that can occur after taking fertility drugs. Women with high AMH levels are at an increased risk of developing OHSS. For example, women with high AMH levels may need to take a lower dose of fertility drugs or may need to have their eggs retrieved using a different method.
  • According to research, AMH levels are correlated with the number of oocytes (eggs) retrieved following stimulation and can be used to predict ovarian response in IVF patients. This indicates that although AMH and live birth after IVF are slightly related, the latter’s capacity to properly predict the latter is not very good.   

Overall, AMH is a valuable tool for assessing a woman’s fertility potential and for predicting how well she may respond to fertility treatments.

What is a Good AMH level?

A “good” AMH level for getting pregnant is one that suggests a healthy ovarian reserve, but it’s crucial to view AMH levels as part of a broader fertility assessment rather than an isolated indicator. There really isn’t a “good” AMH level to hope for, because there is so much more that goes into fertility than one test.

Furthermore, AMH levels are just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to fertility, and a comprehensive evaluation of a woman’s reproductive health should consider all relevant factors. 

Average AMH Levels in Women by Age

Here is a table explaining the average AMH levels present in women based on their age-

 

Age Group Average AMH Levels (pmol/l)
20-24 25.0
25-29

20.0

30-34 15.7
35-39 9.7
40-44 4.2
45+ 1.6

AMH levels by age

What is a Good AMH Level for IVF?

  1. AMH levels vary depending on a woman’s age. AMH levels are typically higher in younger women and lower in older women. This is because the number of eggs in a woman’s ovaries decreases with age.
  2. AMH levels above 1.0 ng/mL are considered normal. AMH levels above 1.0 ng/mL are considered normal for women of reproductive age. Women with AMH levels above 1.0 ng/mL are typically considered to have a good ovarian reserve.
  3. AMH levels below 1.0 ng/mL may indicate a low ovarian reserve. AMH levels below 1.0 ng/mL may indicate a low ovarian reserve. Women with AMH levels below 1.0 ng/mL may have a harder time getting pregnant naturally or with fertility treatments.
  4. AMH levels below 0.5 ng/mL may indicate a very low ovarian reserve. AMH levels below 0.5 ng/mL may indicate a very low ovarian reserve. Women with AMH levels below 0.5 ng/mL may have a very difficult time getting pregnant naturally or with fertility treatments.

A Good AMH level for getting pregnant is having AMH levels between 1.0-4.0 ng/ml, which indicates a healthy ovarian reserve, suggesting chances of conceiving naturally but it is important to note that AMH levels are just one factor that can affect a woman’s fertility. Other factors, such as age, lifestyle, and medical history, can also play a role.

What Does AMH Level Mean for IVF Success Rates?

1. Women with higher AMH levels tend to have better IVF success rates.

Women with high AMH levels typically have a larger ovarian reserve and are more likely to produce more eggs during an IVF cycle. This can increase the chances of success. For example, a study published in the journal Fertility and Sterility found that women with AMH levels above 1.5 ng/mL had a 40% chance of pregnancy after one IVF cycle, while women with AMH levels below 1.0 ng/mL had a 20% chance of pregnancy after one IVF cycle.

2. Women with lower AMH levels may still have successful IVF cycles, but they may need more treatment cycles

Women with low AMH levels may still have successful IVF cycles and can also find ways to increase AMH levels naturally but they may need more treatment cycles than women with higher AMH levels. This is because women with lower AMH levels typically have a smaller ovarian reserve and are less likely to produce as many eggs during an IVF cycle.

 

For example, a study published in the journal Human Reproduction found that women with AMH levels below 1.0 ng/mL had a 30% chance of pregnancy after three IVF cycles, while women with AMH levels above 1.5 ng/mL had a 60% chance of pregnancy after three IVF cycles.

Dreaming of a Family?

Iris IVF Centre is Your Partner in Parenthood! Contact us today for a personalized consultation and begin your IVF journey!

Conclusion:

In conclusion, AMH levels can be affected by a number of factors, including age, genetics, and certain medical conditions. AMH levels can be used to help predict a woman’s ovarian reserve, which is the number of eggs that she has left. AMH levels can also be used to help predict a woman’s response to IVF treatment. It is important to note that even women with low AMH levels can have successful IVF cycles. However, women with low AMH levels may need to be more patient and may need to undergo more treatment cycles than women with higher AMH levels.

If you are concerned about your fertility, talk to your Fertility Specialist about getting an AMH test done at your nearest Fertility Centre. The test can be a helpful tool for understanding your fertility potential and for making decisions about Fertility Treatment.