Reasons behind Low AMH Levels and ways to increase it
28 February 2024Reasons behind Low AMH Levels and ways to increase it
What is AMH and its Role in Fertility?
Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) is a key player in the intricate dance of hormones that regulate fertility in women. Produced by the small, developing follicles in the ovaries, AMH serves as a reliable marker of a woman’s ovarian reserve and plays a crucial role in the fertility journey.
In females, it becomes a vital indicator of ovarian function, reflecting the quantity of eggs available for fertilization. As women age, their ovarian reserve naturally declines, and monitoring AMH levels helps assess fertility potential. Normal AMH levels may indicate a higher quantity of eggs and potentially better fertility, while low levels may suggest diminished ovarian reserve.
This information assists both healthcare providers and individuals in making informed decisions about fertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), and helps predict response to ovarian stimulation protocols. Overall, AMH is a valuable tool in assessing and understanding a woman’s reproductive capacity. It’s important to remember that it’s not the only factor influencing fertility.
Why does low AMH occur?
Low Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) levels usually indicate reduced ovarian reserve, which can be caused by several factors. Aging is the most common cause, as ovarian reserve naturally declines over time. Genetic conditions, premature ovarian failure, and medical treatments like chemotherapy can also lower AMH levels. Additionally, autoimmune disorders, certain lifestyle factors, and ovarian surgeries may contribute to decreased AMH. If low AMH is detected, consulting a fertility specialist can help determine the underlying cause and appropriate steps to take.
Reasons for Low AMH
- Age-Related Decline: As a woman ages, the ovarian reserve naturally diminishes. The number of eggs decreases, leading to lower AMH levels. This decline is a natural and expected aspect of the aging process, with fertility gradually decreasing after the age of 30 and more significantly after 35.
- Ovarian Reserve Dynamics: Genetic and environmental factors can influence the rate at which the ovarian reserve declines. Some women may experience a faster reduction in egg quantity due to genetic predispositions or exposure to environmental factors that impact ovarian health.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Women with PCOS, a common hormonal disorder, often exhibit hormonal imbalances. Elevated levels of androgens and insulin resistance associated with PCOS can affect the ovarian follicles. PCOS patients often have high AMH levels. This means there is a higher number of small follicles. However the maturation process is disturbed and these small follicles fail to grow leading to problems in ovulation.
- Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI): Premature ovarian insufficiency occurs when the ovaries cease normal function before the age of 40. This condition results in a more rapid decline of the ovarian reserve, reflected in diminished AMH levels.
- Endometriosis Impact: Endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. This may impact ovarian function and reduce AMH levels. The inflammatory nature of endometriosis can affect the health of ovarian follicles.
- Cancer Treatments: Chemotherapy and radiation therapy, while crucial for treating cancer, can have deleterious effects on ovarian function. These treatments may lead to a decrease in the number of viable eggs and subsequently result in lower AMH levels.
- Underlying Medical Conditions: Certain autoimmune disorders and genetic conditions can influence ovarian function, contributing to lower AMH levels. These conditions may disrupt the normal processes involved in follicular development.
- Ovarian Surgery Effects: Surgical interventions on the ovaries, such as the removal of ovarian cysts, can impact ovarian reserve. While such surgeries may be necessary for various reasons, they may contribute to a reduction in AMH levels.
- Lifestyle Factors: Unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and obesity, can negatively affect ovarian function. These factors may contribute to a decline in AMH levels, influencing overall fertility.
How to increase AMH level ?
One may feel that it will be possible to improve or increase AMH level. However, in reality, our aim is to improve egg number and not just the value of AMH. While below mentioned, changes may help a little, it is most crucial to plan pregnancy early when the AMH levels are low or vert low. If you can’t plan a pregnancy after diagnosis of low AMH soon, you should consider fertility preservation by egg freezing or embryo freezing also.
- Healthy Diet: Ensure a well-balanced diet with a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins,vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids and healthy fats. Consider incorporating foods rich in antioxidants, such as berries, spinach, and nuts.
- Regular Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity, which can help regulate hormones and improve overall health. Aim for a combination of aerobic exercises and strength training.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Both obesity and being underweight can potentially affect hormonal balance, so maintaining a healthy weight is important.
- Adequate Sleep: Ensure you get enough quality sleep, as lack of sleep can impact hormone production and overall well-being.
- Manage Stress: Chronic stress can negatively impact reproductive hormones. Incorporate stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
- Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption may have a negative impact on fertility, so it’s advisable to avoid or limit these substances.
- Fertility Supplements: Some women may consider fertility supplements under the guidance of a healthcare professional. These might include folic acid, CoQ10, DHEA and certain antioxidants.
- Regular Check-ups: Regularly monitor and manage any underlying health conditions with the help of a healthcare provider.
Conclusion
In summary, AMH is a valuable tool in the realm of fertility, offering insights into ovarian reserve and aiding in the customization of fertility treatments. Understanding AMH levels empowers individuals and their healthcare providers to make informed decisions, paving the way for personalized and effective fertility journeys.
Ready to take the next step in your fertility journey? Contact today at Bavishi Fertility Institute to schedule a consultation.If you’re looking for options outside our location, consider exploring an IVF Center in Mumbai, known for its advanced fertility treatments. Let our experienced team guide you on the path to parenthood. Your future begins now.
Author Bio
Dr. Parth Bavishi
Dr. Parth Bavishi, MD in Obstetrics and Gynecology, brings over 12 years of invaluable work experience to his role as Director of Bavishi Fertility Institute, leading a group of IVF clinics committed to helping couples realise their dreams of parenthood.
Bavishi Fertility Institute is dedicated to providing customised and personalised treatments which are simple, safe , smart and successful. Bavishi Fertility Institute works with success and satisfaction for all at heart. Providing an ideal blend of professional treatment and personalised care.
Dr Parth had special training in infertility at Bavishi fertility Institute, the Diamond Institute, USA, and the HART Institute, Japan.
Dr. Bavishi is a distinguished expert in his field. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Bavishi is the author of the acclaimed book, ‘Your Miracle in Making: A Couple’s Guide to Pregnancy,’ offering invaluable insights to couples navigating the complexities of fertility. He loves to empower patients to make the correct choice by education both online and offline .
His exceptional contributions have earned him the prestigious Rose of Paracelsus award from the European Medical Association. Dr Parth has been an invited faculty at many national and international conferences.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Dr. Bavishi is an avid traveller who finds solace in exploring new destinations. He also enjoys engaging his mind with brainy puzzles, always seeking new challenges and solutions outside of the medical realm.
FAQs
AMH levels are typically stable throughout the menstrual cycle, unlike some other hormones that vary with different phases. This stability makes AMH a reliable marker for assessing ovarian reserve.
AMH levels can vary based on age. For example, levels generally decrease with age, with higher levels seen in younger women and lower levels in older women. Specific reference ranges may vary by lab, but typical values decrease significantly after age 35.
Low AMH levels often indicate a reduced ovarian reserve, which may affect the response to ovarian stimulation during IVF. This can lead to fewer eggs retrieved and potentially lower success rates, but IVF can still be successful depending on other factors.
While AMH levels themselves cannot be significantly increased through treatment, advances in fertility technology and techniques, such as improved ovarian stimulation protocols, may enhance the chances of successful outcomes in women with low AMH.
AMH testing is one of several methods used to assess ovarian reserve, including antral follicle count (AFC) and estradiol levels. Each test provides different insights, and AMH is valued for its stability and ability to reflect the overall quantity of eggs.
While lifestyle changes like a healthy diet and regular exercise can improve overall reproductive health, they are unlikely to reverse low AMH levels. Fertility preservation or assisted reproductive technologies may be necessary for those with significantly low AMH.
Low AMH levels are more indicative of challenges with assisted reproductive technologies like IVF, but they can also impact natural conception. Reduced ovarian reserve may decrease the likelihood of achieving pregnancy without medical assistance.
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