We often hear a lot about how AMH levels play an important role in fertility, but not everyone is sure about what AMH is all about. Women with low AMH levels often try and know how to increase AMH levels. But before that, let us learn what AMH is.
AMH is the anti-mullerian hormone that is produced in the ovarian follicles by the granulosa cells. AMH is made in the primary follicles first and this is the stage when the follicles are small and cannot even be seen using the ultrasound. The production of AMH is more during the prenatal as well as the small antral stages of follicle development. The production of AHM decreases as the growth of follicle increases. No AMH is produced when the follicles grow over 8mm.
What happens if AMH Level is Low?
A number of women often get into the panic mode when they know that they have low AMH levels and consult their doctor to know about the treatment methods. A number of doctors do believe that a number of other factors can reveal the fertility health picture of a woman. Some of the factors are the lifestyle followed, the menstrual cycle and health ailments if any.
Women with a low AMH can experience infertility due to low egg quantity, but they can still try the IVF methods and still have a good chance to have a healthy pregnancy. Though the quantity of egg is low, the quality can be good which will provide a successful IVF. The good AMH level for IVF is 1.0 to 1.5 ng/ml. Now, this should clear the air about the relation between low AMH and ivf.
Causes of Low AMH
The levels of AMH are always regulated by a hormone called gonadotropin and these are at the maximum during the first stage of follicle development. This is when the follicle is less than 4 mm in size. Once the follicle grows, the production decreases and this is what makes it important to learn about the natural fluctuations of AMH levels as they help understand the role played in fertility.
Low AMH levels can be mostly caused by ageing. Early ageing of the ovary can be caused due to various factors like stress, lifestyle, bad food choices, imbalance of hormones, injury, low circulation of blood to the ovaries, autoimmune disorders and can also occur due to various genetic factors.
Women who are under the age of 35 years and have low AMH levels are at a risk of early menopause. Such women can take immediate treatment to preserve or enhance their fertility.
Low AMH and Pregnancy
There can be many causes of infertility and low AMH cannot be stated as the only reason for the same. It can still act as an indicator of the woman’s ovarian reserve’s state. If the ovarian reserve is getting depleted, it can lead to many problems that show an effect on pregnancy or can cause infertility. If there are less number of eggs in the ovarian reserve or no eggs at all, the pregnancy chances are very mild. This is one of the reasons why women suffering from low AMH levels should seek immediate treatment and this is quite important for women who are in the age group of 35 years to 40 years. Also, there are many cases where a number of younger women with low AMH levels have become pregnant without any issues.
Symptoms of Low AMH
However, it is really hard to self-diagnose if you have been having low AMH levels. Some women have absolutely no symptoms about it what so ever. But, as per the experts, irregular period or no periods for a long time can indicate low AMH levels. This is when the need for a blood test arises.
Anti Mullerian Hormone Test
There is absolutely no right time to take AMH test and it can be taken during your menstrual cycle, anytime. This is when the AMH levels are stable and the ovarian egg reserve status can be assessed well using a blood test.
To receive a more accurate assessment, AMH tests are often combined with an AFC or antral follicle count, which provides the number of follicles present in both the ovaries. AFC is always conducted using a fertility ultrasound scan.
How to Increase AMH Level?
While there are a number of ways to increase AMH levels, the accurate treatment is necessary in situations when the levels are pretty low. A complete diagnosis by a doctor would certainly come in handy in such cases.
Also, there are a number of ways using which you can try and improve the AMH levels. Let us have a look at them.
Regular Exercise and Diet – You can try cutting out some extra calories using a regulated diet and a little exercise. This is one strategy that is scientifically proven and is said to add more life to the human body. So, by boosting your energy levels, you also boost the energy in the eggs and they do turn effective.
Also, by following a diet restricted with calories, you are enhancing the cell metabolism and rejuvenating the eggs. So, this should be your very first corrective measure to improve the AMH levels.
Consume Bone Marrow Soup – As per Chinese history, bone marrow soup was given to those who were suffering from infertility. This soup is said to replenish the quality of the eggs and also improves the uterine lining’s thickness. You can make the stock and can also add fresh veggies to it like carrots or cabbage or can also add chicken or shrimps to the same. The stock can be seasoned with soy sauce and salt.
Take Supplements – You can also take DHEA Supplementation, which in other words, are the hormones which help to regulate fat as well as mineral metabolism and also improve energy levels. These supplements also enhance the functions of the reproductive system. But do make sure to have a word with your doctor before you start using these supplements.
Now that you know how to increase AMH level, start implementing one by one at a time.
As a conclusion, it can be said that low AMH levels are just an indication of the low quality of eggs or less egg reserve, and this can be changed by following a healthy diet and happy lifestyle.
Medically Reviewed By
Maanasi specializes in health topics including diet and nutrition. A mother of an untiring seven year old, she enjoys nurturing her love affair with English. She is often found nestled with a book, plopped against a dozen pillows, smiling away at the brink of finishing yet another book of the many dozens, that adorn the shelves of her Mini Library!
