Males:

Females:

 

Results in the normal range indicate high fertility and ovarian reserve and a high chance of IVF success.

Results in the low normal range indicate low fertility and ovarian reserve and a reduced but fair chance of IVF success

Results in the very low range indicate a very low ovarian reserve and low chances of reproductive success with IVF.

High AMH levels are usually seen in PCOS and some AMH producing ovarian tumors.

Anti Mullerian Hormone or AMH is produced primarily by the testicles in males and the ovaries in females. AMH levels in blood determine and regulate a number of activities of the human reproductive system.

In the first few weeks of foetal development during pregnancy, the foetus has both the primordial male and female reproductive systems and can develop either as male or female. In genetic males, high amounts of AMH are secreted by the testicles, suppressing the formation and development of the female reproductive organs from Mullerian ducts (primordial female reproductive system), and encouraging the development of other male sex organs, which results in the development of a male child. Low or no AMH secreted in the genetically female foetus causes the formation and development of female reproductive organs from the Mullerian duct and a female child is developed. Abnormalities in AMH levels in the foetus may cause the formation of ambiguous genitalia.

After birth, AMH levels remain high in males till puberty, after which they fall slowly and tapers off. AMH levels in females remain low after birth till puberty. During puberty, AMH is secreted by the ovaries resulting in sharp increase in its levels which slowly fall throughout the female reproductive period and become very low to undetectable after menopause. AMH maintains a balance of the two important female reproductive hormones: Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), which regulate maturation and release of eggs from the ovaries along with other hormones. Hence, AMH levels during the female reproductive period serve as an indication of the ovarian reserve (number of remaining eggs that can mature fully and be released for reproduction), and hence fertility. It is also an indicator of the onset of menopause, especially in older women.

AMH can also be produced by ovarian cysts formed during PCOS, as well as by some types of ovarian tumors.

This test is performed on a blood sample. A syringe with a fine needle attached is used to withdraw blood sample from a blood vessel in your arm generally from the inner side of the elbow area. The doctor, nurse or the phlebotomist will tie an elastic band around your arm which will help the blood vessels to swell with blood and hence makes it easier to withdraw blood. You may be asked to tightly clench your fist. Once the veins are clearly visible, the area is cleaned with an antiseptic solution and then the needle is inserted into the blood vessel to collect the sample. You may feel a tiny pinprick during the procedure. Blood sample once collected is then sent to the laboratory.

There is no risk associated with the test. However, as this test involves a needle prick to withdraw the blood sample, rarely, a patient may experience increased bleeding, hematoma (blood collection under the skin) formation, bruising or infection at the site of needle prick.

Since AMH levels in blood remain fairly consistent and do not vary like other hormones through the menstrual cycle, this test may be performed at any time. However, birth control pills may affect AMH levels, hence if you are on birth control pills, it is advisable to stop taking them about 1 to 2 months before the test is performed. Inform the doctor of any medications you may be taking. No other specific preparations are usually required before the AMH Test.

The AMH levels in blood can be affected by a number of factors including: Age of the patient Heavy smoking Stress Hormonal imbalance Illness Chronic exposure to environmental smoke Chemotherapy drugs

Additional tests that may be prescribed in case of abnormal AMH test result are: Androgen (Testosterone) Test Estrogen and Progesterone Tests FSH and LH Tests Inhibin B Test for fertility Inhibin Test (A and B) for tumour workup

IVF or In Vitro Fertilisation is a type of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) where eggs retrieved from the female and sperms retrieved from the male are made to fuse and undergo fertilization in a laboratory outside the female body. The zygote formed is incubated for some time and is then implanted into the female uterus for further development and delivery. It is a commonly used procedure to overcome inability to conceive and complete pregnancy naturally.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS refers to a group of medical conditions in females caused due to high levels of male hormones or androgens. It is usually characterized by the presence of multiple cysts on the ovaries in affected females. Symptoms of PCOS include: Irregular or no menstruation Abnormal bleeding during periods Excessive male pattern body hair on face, chest, and buttocks (hirsutism) Thinning of hair and hair loss from head Patches of skin turning velvety black (acanthosis nigricans) Acne Loss of fertilitynThe condition is usually associated with obesity and diabetes and may give rise to severe complications if not managed, including high blood cholesterol causing cardiovascular disorders, sleep apnea, infertility, depression, endometrial cancer, etc.