Let's learn about the AMH hormone that tells about your fertility? (Anti-Mullerian Hormone)

Are you expecting a baby? Or are you a little worried about some irregularity in your menstrual cycle? Maybe your doctor has asked you to do a test called AMH. Many people get a little nervous when they hear this name. What exactly is AMH? Is it dangerous? Let's talk about this very simply, in a way that you can understand.

What exactly is AMH?

AMH is short for Anti-Mullerian hormone. This is a hormone that our bodies produce naturally. Although both men and women produce this hormone, its levels and its function vary depending on age and gender.

Think about it, in the first weeks of a baby's development in the womb, the baby's reproductive organs begin to form. Depending on the baby's genes (XY is male, XX is female), this AMH hormone plays a very important role.

• If it's a boy: A boy has very high AMH levels. This high AMH level causes the baby's female reproductive organs (such as the uterus and ovaries ) to stop developing, and the male reproductive organs develop properly. Sometimes, very rarely, if the AMH level in a boy's body is low enough, some female organs can also develop. In medical terms, this is called ``ambiguous genitalia'' or ``intersex''.
• If it's a girl: A very small amount of AMH is needed to develop a girl's reproductive organs. However, once a girl reaches puberty, meaning she starts producing eggs, this hormone becomes very important.

How does AMH affect a woman's fertility?

The AMH test is often used to assess a woman's fertility . If you are having trouble conceiving, your doctor may recommend this test.

Simply put, AMH levels can give us an idea of ​​the number of eggs left in your ovaries (ovarian reserve) . A woman's ovaries can produce thousands of eggs during her lifetime. As she ages, the number of eggs gradually decreases. AMH levels also naturally decrease with age.

So if you're having trouble conceiving, this AMH test can give your doctor important information about your fertility. But this is just one test. You may need to do more tests to understand the full picture.

What are the reasons for doing an AMH test?

The AMH test is a blood test. It measures the level of AMH in your blood. This test is not a diagnostic test on its own. However, it can help your doctor understand your condition and prescribe the most appropriate treatment. See the table below.

Should I talk to my doctor about an AMH test?

If you have the following symptoms, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor about this:

• If there is a suspicion that there is an irregularity in the menstrual cycle.
• If you have severe acne that does not respond to normal treatments.
• If you are a woman and have unwanted hair growth on your face and body.
• If your breasts become smaller for no reason.
• If you are gaining weight for no apparent reason.
• If you are being treated for ovarian cancer.

How to interpret AMH test results?

This is the biggest question that many people have. Remember, don't try to interpret these results on your own. Your doctor will take into account your age, other medical conditions, and other test results to explain exactly what this means to you.

• Normal level: This means that you have an egg reserve that is appropriate for your age. Your chances of conceiving a child may be good.
• High levels: This could be a sign of PCOS . Your doctor will investigate further and recommend any treatments or lifestyle changes you may need.
• Low Level: This is what scares most people. A low AMH level means that there are few eggs left in your ovaries.

Other factors that can affect AMH levels

Some external factors can also affect the results of your AMH test, so your doctor may ask you about these things as well.

• You or someone in your family has PCOS.
• If you have previously undergone ovarian surgery.
• If you have received chemotherapy for cancer .
• If you are using oral birth control pills.
• Obesity .
• Vitamin D deficiency.
• Having certain genetic mutations that increase the risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer.

This is why I say, don't panic when you get your AMH report. Before you make any decisions based on the numbers, definitely meet with your doctor and talk about it. He or she will explain everything to you and give you the guidance you need.