What is the AMH test?
The Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) Test is often recommended as part of infertility treatment for women or medical protocols for planned pregnancy. It provides an insight into the woman’s reproductive health.
The main role of the AMH is in the sexual differentiation of the fetus in the womb during gestation. The gender of an unborn child is determined by the chromosomes it inherits from the parents. Male babies inherit XY chromosomes, while female babies inherit XX chromosomes. Therefore, the development of the appropriate reproductive organs in these babies is affected by various hormones such as the AMH.
In the early weeks of pregnancy, there is no sexual differentiation. Both male and female babies have a set of ducts called the Mullerian Ducts which later develop into the female genitals and the reproductive tract in females.
The AMH is synthesized by Sertoli cells (SC), and as the fetus develops into a male baby, it causes the regression or shrinking of the Mullerian Ducts. The AMH also helps in the development of male sexual organs. After birth, the AMH in boys starts to rise but again starts to decline at about six months of age.
In girls, the AMH remains suppressed till puberty, after which the follicles in the ovaries begin to synthesize AMH. The ovaries release eggs that turn into embryos when fertilized, leading to pregnancy. AMH is thus closely related to the woman’s ovarian reserves or egg reserves. In women, AMH levels start to rise from puberty and reach peak levels by the age of 25. Then they start to decline.
High AMH reserves in a woman of childbearing age can indicate high ovarian reserve. The AMH is also high in cases of PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) or granulosa cell tumors. The test may also be used to diagnose these conditions or monitor treatment for these conditions.
The AMH test
The AMH test to understand the fertility of a woman of childbearing age is usually scheduled during the menstrual cycle. The test is done by a blood draw. A trained phlebotomist will insert a needle into a vein in your forearm and draw a vial of blood and send it to a lab. The needle prick may cause a sting or low-grade pain, but the discomfort is usually minimal. There may be some bruising or soreness in the site of the needle prick for a few days. The test results will be interpreted by your doctor in reference to your age and other physical presentations.
In women, AMH levels usually decline with age. Also, it is important to remember that AMH alone cannot predict fertility or reproductive health. Your ability to conceive may be influenced by several other factors.
Conclusion
Therefore, it is likely that you will need a comprehensive assessment if you are trying to get pregnant. Your doctor may also recommend other tests to check the need for fertility treatments.
Read more:
