What is an AMH test?
The AMH test, which stands for Anti-Mullerian Hormone, is a fertility test used to assess a woman’s ovarian reserve, specifically her egg count. It measures a protein hormone produced by the follicles in a woman’s ovaries. As women age, their AMH levels naturally decrease. A low AMH level may indicate reduced fertility, while a high level could suggest gynecological issues in younger women. However, it’s important to note that AMH levels typically decline in women over 40. For a comprehensive assessment of fertility, the AMH test is often performed alongside an antral follicle count (AFC) to provide a more complete picture.
What is the use of the AMH test?
The AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) test serves several purposes:
- Assess Egg Reserve: It measures a woman’s ovarian reserve, helping to gauge her potential for conception.
- Reproductive Health: It aids in diagnosing conditions like Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) that affect reproductive health.
- Amenorrhea Diagnosis: In teenage girls, it can help diagnose the cause of amenorrhea, the absence of menstrual periods.
Treatment Response: The test is also used to monitor how a patient is responding to treatments, particularly in the context of ovarian cancer.
Understanding AMH test results
The AMH test report provides insights into a woman’s ovarian reserve, influencing her fertility. If the AMH level in the test result is less than 1 ng/ml, it may be difficult to conceive because of a low ovarian reserve. On the other hand, diseases like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) may be indicated by an AMH level in the test report that is higher than 5 ng/ml. Consult a healthcare professional to comprehensively interpret your AMH test report and discuss its implications for fertility and overall health.