Knowledge Sharing

2023.07.06

AMH fertility test: Understand your fertility potential through AMH testing for ovarian reserve

Patients with infertility have gotten younger in recent years. How can we know about how our ovaries function as intended? Your egg quantity and ovarian reserve can be assessed using AMH blood testing and 4D ultrasound. Let’s discuss these two assessment methods for determining the ovarian reserve!

AMH Blood Test: How does AMH level determine the ovarian reserve?

How does AMH level determine the ovarian reserve?

AMH is a hormone secreted in small amounts by the follicular cells in the female ovaries. It plays a role in regulating follicles development and ovulation. The AMH level is influenced by the number of follicles present. There will be a higher AMH reading when you have more follicles. On the other hand, a lower AMH level is brought on by fewer follicles. Therefore, the AMH level is a crucial indicator for evaluating ovarian reserve.

Additionally, the AMH level in the blood is unaffected by the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, use of contraceptives, or other female hormones. It can be measured at any time to track one's ovarian reserve. Thus, measuring AMH is a typical step in fertility testing. However, it is important to note that the AMH level only indicates the number of follicles and does not necessarily reflect the quality of the eggs. For a thorough fertility analysis, it is advised to combine other ovarian examinations.
 
AMH < 1 AMH 2 - 5 AMH > 5
Premature ovarian failure Normal Polycystic ovary syndrome
1-2 eggs 10-15 eggs more than 16 eggs

Recent studies have demonstrated that the ovarian reserve of a woman can be accurately determined by the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) secreted by growing small follicles. A normal woman’s AMH level should typically range from 2 to 5 ng/dL. AMH level over 5 ng/mL is a sign of polycystic ovary syndrome, which affects 5-10% of women of reproductive age and can lead to difficulties conceiving. AMH level below 1 ng/dL in women aged 35 to 39 indicates a potential onset of menopause 10 to 12 years in the future.
 

4D Ultrasound in Evaluation of the Ovary

Lee Women's Hospital is one of the few reproductive medical centers in Asia with 4D ultrasound technology. Contrary to conventional black-and-white 2D ultrasound, 4D ultrasound offers colored imaging, enabling accurate ovarian reserve prediction and a clearer view of the uterus’ shape. This information serves as a reference for doctors when deciding which treatments, medications, implantation procedures are best for their patients.

4D ultrasound provides colored imaging of follicles in the ovaries
▲4D ultrasound provides colored imaging of follicles in the ovaries
 

Ovarian reserve not a direct predictor of pregnancy

Women with AMH levels between 2 and 5 ng/mL typically have a higher chance of conceiving. Age-related declines in ovarian reserve lead to a corresponding decline in AMH level.

AMH levels over 5 ng/mL are indicative of polycystic ovary syndrome. Even though there may be more eggs, this does not guarantee there will be enough high-quality eggs to allow for successful conception. Therefore, egg quantity does not assure a higher chance of a successful pregnancy.

There is no need to worry excessively if you are diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome or premature ovarian failure. With the assistance of professional doctors, advanced assisted reproductive technologies, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), can be utilized to help you achieve a successful pregnancy.
Call us
WhatsApp
Facebook