The Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) is a term you have probably encountered if you have explored topics related to fertility or considered assisted reproduction techniques. However, it is important to clarify that AMH is not a direct marker of fertility. Its true function is to provide information about ovarian reserve, which is crucial for understanding the likelihood of success in fertility treatments.
To understand this, it is important to comprehend: ¿What is the Anti-Müllerian Hormone?
It is important to clarify that the Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) is an indicator of ovarian reserve, not an indicator of fertility, as only one egg is needed to become pregnant. This hormone is produced by the follicles in the ovaries, and its level in the blood provides an estimate of the number of available eggs.
It is often mistakenly assumed that high AMH levels guarantee fertility, while low levels indicate the opposite. But this is not the case. It is a piece of information that must be interpreted alongside a complete and comprehensive clinical picture. By itself, it does not indicate
whether pregnancy is possible or not. This is because AMH does not determine the quality of the eggs, nor does it identify specific problems that might prevent pregnancy.
The role of AMH in ovarian function
The Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) is involved in regulating the number of follicles (small fluid-filled sacs located in the ovary that contain an immature egg). However, its most significant role is during embryonic development, as it is responsible for sex differentiation. In this regard, if the embryo is going to be male, AMH is produced in the testes during weeks 8 and 9 of gestation and prevents the development of the female structures that would otherwise give rise to the uterus and fallopian tubes. Conversely, in the absence of this hormone, the female reproductive system will form.
It is worth noting that in women, the production of AMH begins at puberty and continues throughout the reproductive years. Each month, the ovaries select one egg to mature, while simultaneously, several other potential eggs are eliminated. AMH helps us understand how many eggs are available for this process, which is useful for planning future fertility treatments.
¿What is the usefulness of AMH in assisted reproduction?
Although AMH does not directly measure fertility, its level is a valuable indicator in assisted reproduction techniques and egg cryopreservation. Knowing the AMH level allows specialists to optimize treatment, as it indicates how many eggs can be stimulated and retrieved in a cycle.
In egg freezing, the more eggs we have stored, the greater the chances of success. An ideal number of mature eggs for cryopreservation ranges between 10 and 15. Cryopreserving young eggs improves egg quality and increases the chances of a successful pregnancy in the future. Although the average age for cryopreservation in Spain is 37 years, experts recommend doing it before the age of 35 to achieve better results.
¿How is AMH measured?
The Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) test is simple and effective. It is performed through a blood test that measures AMH levels and provides an estimate of ovarian reserve. According to the Valencian Institute of Infertility (IVI), the normal AMH levels by age are:
• Ages 20-25: 3.3 (3.0-3.9) ng/ml
• Ages 30-34: 2.8 (2.3-3.5) ng/ml
• Ages 35-39: 2.0 (0.3-3.2) ng/ml
• Ages 40-44: 1.1 (0.7-2.1) ng/ml
• Ages 45-50: 0.2 (0.1-0.5) ng/ml
If the AMH level is below 0.6 ng/ml, the ovarian reserve is considered low. It is considered normal if it is between 0.7 and 2.9 ng/ml. The level of this hormone is high if it is above 3 ng/ml.
In summary, the Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) is a powerful tool for understanding ovarian reserve and planning fertility treatments. Although it is not a direct indicator of fertility, its measurement can be crucial for making informed decisions about assisted reproduction and fertility preservation.
If you are considering these options, at Mater Clinic you can consult with our specialists who can interpret your AMH levels and guide you on the best path towards motherhood. If you want more information, you can contact us without any obligation or book an appointment with us. We are on Doctoralia, or you can write to us on our WhatsApp number at 645 096 548 or through your preferred contact method. We will be happy to talk with you!
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