AMH - Anti-Műllerian Hormone
Anti-Műllerian Hormone is secreted by maturing follicles, so its levels begin to rise in puberty. About 40 – 100 follicles begin maturation during the menstrual cycle, but only one completes it. The rest dies. Additionally, about a thousand non-maturing follicles die monthly. Because a woman is born with a finite number of follicles, their reserves get depleted over time, and along them, the AMH blood levels drop. The higher the age of a woman, the greater is the drop in AMH.
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Why Examine AMH Levels?
At 25, the likelihood of pregnancy is greatest – about 25%. After that, fertility in a woman drops slowly. After 30, the drop escalates and after the age of 35, chances at conceiving are only 15% a decrease significantly with each passing year. However, these numbers are individual and examining AMH levels will help you find out how many reserves you have and whether you are not at risk of premature menopause. One examination is enough to determine your follicular reserves, but if you take a second examination a couple of months after the first one, you will be able to detect the rate of AMH drop.
If you plan to take assisted reproduction, AMH levels helps to determine your chances of reacting to hormonal stimulation. Examination is also recommended if you have been trying to conceive for a year without success, and if you underwent ovary surgery or chemotherapy.
How Is It Done?
Doctor uses blood samples to calculate the AMH levels. The blood can be drawn in any phase of the cycle, because AMH is constant. Elevated levels can indicate polycystic ovaries, which produce more male hormones, and so complicate conceiving. Levels between 3 and 1 ng/ml are normal, between 0,9 and 0,7 are sub-normal and levels below 0,7 indicate that reserves are very limited. You will get the results within a week and a doctor is going to explain them to you.
