The Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) Test is a routine blood test that quantifies the amount of anti-mullerian hormone in the bloodstream. AMH is crucial for reproductive organ development in both men and women. In men, AMH is released by the testes, and in females, by the ovaries. In women, the AMH levels rise after puberty. They are highest during the reproductive age of women. AMH levels reflect the individual’s egg supply. AMH levels in men are high during childhood and drop off as puberty progresses.

In men, AMH testing can identify fertility issues. In women, the AMH test helps evaluate reproductive health, particularly ovarian function and reserve, which means the count of remaining eggs. With age, ovarian reserve declines, making conception more challenging. This test is critical for diagnosing a decrease in egg count, recognizing the limited time left for conception. As a result, it supports proactive family planning and assists in making fertility treatment decisions for women.

Consider the following aspects before undergoing an AMH test in Mumbai:

Prerequisites

No special preparations are needed for an AMH blood test. Fasting is unnecessary before the test. However, it's crucial to inform your doctor if you are on oral contraceptives as they might influence the results of the test.

The Best Time to Get Tested

You are free to take the AMH test at any time during the day that suits you. Unlike other hormones related to reproduction, the menstrual cycle does not impact AMH levels, making it possible to conduct the test at any stage during the monthly cycle.

Who Should Get an AMH Test

The AMH test is appropriate for individuals experiencing fertility issues, those undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF), or those showing symptoms of conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Women undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer are also eligible for testing. In male infants and children, this test is useful for assessing the health of reproductive organs.

Cautions Before Taking the AMH Test

It’s vital to understand that the AMH blood test at home does not measure fertility or predict pregnancy chances. If you are trying to conceive or need detailed reproductive health information, your doctor might recommend additional tests.

The AMH test is essential in reproductive medicine as it helps to evaluate fertility and reproductive health. Here’s an overview of its importance and how it can be useful:

• Assessing Ovarian Reserve: The AMH blood test measures the ovarian reserve, which is the count of eggs available in the ovaries for conception. This reserve declines with advancing age.

• Anticipating Menopause: Declining AMH levels indicates nearing menopause. The test can detect early signs of premature menopause (before age 40) or early menopause (before age 45).

• Diagnosing PCOS: AMH tests can help diagnose polycystic ovarian syndrome in those with symptoms like irregular periods, acne, weight gain, and excessive body hair.

• Predicting Ovarian Response to Fertility Drugs: For individuals undergoing IVF, AMH levels can predict how well the ovaries will respond to fertility medications, with higher AMH indicating a better response. It also assists in determining the appropriate doses of fertility medication.

• Monitoring Ovarian Cancer Treatment: It is used to track the treatment progress of certain ovarian cancers.

• Evaluating Undescended Testicles: For infant boys whose testicles are not yet in the scrotum, the AMH test helps confirm if healthy testicles are present within the body.

• Determining Ambiguous Genitalia: In newborns with ambiguous genitalia, AMH testing, along with other tests, helps identify a baby’s gender and also the potential cause.

The acceptable range for AMH levels in men is from 0.9 to 13.89 ng/mL. For women, AMH levels vary by age:

• 18-24 Years: 1.62-9.95 ng/mL

• 25-29 Years: 1.20-9.05 ng/mL

• 30-34 Years: 0.80-8.18 ng/mL

• 35-39 Years: 0.11-6.72 ng/mL

• 40-44 Years: 0.10-5.78 ng/mL

Interpretation

• Elevated AMH Levels:

• • In young or prepubescent boys, high levels might be associated with varicocele (enlarged scrotal veins) or McCune-Albright syndrome.

  • In women, high AMH suggests a greater ovarian reserve, aiding conception, or may indicate polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), though additional diagnostic tests are necessary.

• Reduced AMH Levels:

• • In women, low levels might reflect a decreased ovarian reserve, suggesting a shorter conception window and potentially indicating menopause is nearing, although the precise timing isn't predictable. For women under 40 with menopausal symptoms, it might point to primary ovarian insufficiency.

  • In men, decreased AMH levels could signal nonobstructive azoospermia, severe congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (notably in puberty), age-related declines in male reproductive function or Klinefelter syndrome.

Additional Notes

1. Ovulation Issues: In cases of ovulation problems, AMH levels help better define the type of ovarian dysfunction, especially hyper gonadotropic anovulation linked to ovarian insufficiency like PCOS.

2. Ovarian Reserve Monitoring: AMH levels are useful for assessing ovarian reserve.

3. Diagnosing Male Infertility: Abnormal AMH levels in men aid in diagnosing various fertility issues such as delayed puberty, hormonal production issues, McCune-Albright syndrome, sperm production issues, varicocele, Klinefelter syndrome, and age-related male infertility.

4. Follicle Estimation: The test helps estimate the number of antral and pre-antral follicles, independent of menstrual cycles.