An Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) Test is a blood test that measures the levels of the vital anti-mullerian hormone in your blood. This hormone, produced by the testes in men and the ovaries in women, plays a vital role in reproductive organ development. In males, AMH levels are high during childhood and decline during puberty. Conversely, in women, AMH levels rise after puberty, and in women of childbearing age, they directly help quantify the egg count.

For women, the AMH test provides critical information about reproductive health by assessing ovarian function and ovarian reserve, i.e., the remaining egg count in the ovaries. As women age, ovarian reserve diminishes, potentially complicating conception. In men, AMH testing is used to identify fertility problems. Knowing your AMH levels is essential for understanding your reproductive timeline. This test is an invaluable tool for proactive family planning and deciding on fertility treatments for women.

Before undergoing an AMH test in Delhi, it is crucial to understand some aspects:

Prerequisites

Undergoing an AMH test requires no specific preparation. Fasting is not needed before taking the test. However, it is essential to inform your doctor if you are using oral contraceptives, as these could potentially affect the test results.

The Best Time to Get Tested

You can schedule the AMH test at any time of the day according to your convenience. Unlike other reproductive hormones, AMH levels are not affected by the menstrual cycle. Thus, you can take the test at any phase of your cycle.

Who Should Take the Test

The AMH test is recommended specifically for females who wish to determine their ovarian reverse. The test is advisable for those facing fertility challenges, individuals involved in IVF treatments, or those with symptoms of conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). It is also beneficial for women undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer. For male infants and children, the test helps evaluate the health of their reproductive organs.

Cautions Before Taking the AMH Test

It's important to remember that the AMH test does not provide an assessment of fertility or pregnancy prospects. If you are seeking comprehensive information about your reproductive health or are trying to conceive, consulting a doctor is essential for additional testing recommendations.

The AMH blood test plays a significant role in reproductive medicine by assessing different aspects of fertility and reproductive health. Here are the key reasons for its use and who can benefit from it:

• Diagnosing Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: For those experiencing symptoms of PCOS, such as irregular menstrual cycles, acne, weight gain, and excessive hair growth, the AMH test can be a valuable diagnostic tool.

• Anticipating Menopause Onset: Decreasing AMH levels are associated with approaching menopause. AMH testing can identify signs of premature menopause (before age 40) or early menopause (before age 45).

• Evaluating Ovarian Reserve: The AMH test determines the number of eggs remaining in the ovaries, i.e., the ovarian reserve, which naturally decreases with age.

• Predicting Response to Fertility Treatments: For those undergoing fertility treatments like IVF, AMH levels help predict ovarian response to fertility medications, with higher levels indicating a better response. It also helps in deciding the medication dosages for infertility treatment.

• Monitoring Ovarian Cancer: The AMH test is used to monitor the treatment of specific types of ovarian cancer.

• Detecting Undescended Testicles: In male infants with testicles not located in the scrotum, the AMH test helps determine if healthy testicles are present within the body.

• Assessing Ambiguous Genitalia: For newborns with ambiguous genitalia, AMH testing, alongwith other diagnostic tests, aids in identifying the cause and confirming the baby's gender.

For men, the normal AMH levels in the bloodstream range between 0.9 and 13.89 ng/mL. In women, the normal AMH values change with age as follows:

• Age 18-24: 1.62-9.95 ng/mL

• Age 25-29: 1.20-9.05 ng/mL

• Age 30-34: 0.80-8.18 ng/mL

• Age 35-39: 0.11-6.72 ng/mL

• Age 40-44: 0.10-5.78 ng/mL

Interpretation

• High AMH Levels:

• • In women, elevated AMH may indicate a larger ovarian reserve, which could ease conception, or suggest polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), though further tests are required for diagnosis.

  • In pubertal or prepubertal males, high levels could be indicative of conditions like the McCune-Albright syndrome or swollen veins in the scrotum i.e., varicocele.

• Low AMH Levels:

• • In women, lower levels might suggest diminished ovarian reserve, indicating a limited timeframe for conceiving. It may also signal an approaching menopause, although the timing is not precise. In women under 40 with menopausal symptoms, it could point to primary ovarian insufficiency.

  • In men, low AMH could indicate conditions such as age-related decline in male fertility, severe congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (especially during puberty), Klinefelter syndrome or nonobstructive azoospermia.

Additional Notes

1. Male Fertility Issues: Abnormal AMH levels in men can diagnose various fertility problems such as delayed puberty, Klinefelter syndrome, sperm production issues, varicocele, McCune-Albright syndrome, hormonal imbalances, and age-related infertility.

2. Monitoring Ovarian Reserve: AMH levels can help track ovarian reserve.

3. Characterizing Ovarian Dysfunction: In women with ovulation issues, AMH levels can better characterize ovarian dysfunction, especially hyper gonadotropic anovulation linked to ovarian insufficiency like PCOS.

4. Cycle Independence: AMH testing helps estimate the number of antral and pre-antral follicles, independent of the menstrual cycle.