Anti-Müllerian hormone is the hormone related to women's fertility
Have you heard of anti-Müllerian hormone before? If the answer is no, you are in the right place. We are talking about both a male and a female hormone, which has different functions depending on the sex. In women it is also linked to reproductive capacity. In short, if you are trying to get pregnant and are having difficulty, this hormone may be involved. If you're just starting to try it, maybe you just need to learn how to calculate your fertile days in relation to your menstrual cycle, look here:
In short, we all have this hormone. Depending on its level, it is possible to understand if there are problems related to fertility but also to other types of problems such as polycystic ovary or primary ovarian failure. Let's try to deepen everything.
See also
Progesterone in pregnancy: hormone levels, its function and effects
What is the anti-Müllerian hormone and what is it for?
The anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a glycoprotein in the blood produced by both sexes. In the former, it is produced by the testicles, while in the latter it is produced by the follicles. Why is it called anti-Müllerian? Because its purpose is to prevent formation of Müller's ducts in men, ie the ducts that allow the formation of the uterus and fallopian tubes.
This hormone has different functions depending on sex and age. Let's see together how they vary:
- In women: it is produced by the granulosa cells of the primary ovarian follicles and has a cyclical trend, that is, it is low at birth, to favor the formation of the fallopian tubes and uterus, it grows during puberty and decreases with age until it runs out with menopause. AMH levels are linked to both fertility and the possible onset of problems such as polycystic ovary or ovarian failure. Depending on the low or high value of this hormone, we will be faced with different situations, which we'll see later.
- In men: it is produced by the Sertoli cells, useful for spermatogenesis, and which surround the testicles. In men, anti-Müllerian hormones are high for up to two years to prevent the formation of the female reproductive system. They then decrease with the passage of time until they run out. Examining the AMH values allows us to analyze testicular function as well.
The anti-Müllerian hormones are therefore proportional to the number of follicles, and therefore the concentration of AMH can give us indications on the female reproductive capacity. The evaluation of the levels of this hormone, especially in childbearing age, allows us to understand if there may be problems and to evaluate the ovarian and follicle health.
The values of the anti-Müllerian hormone: high or low AMH
The values of the anti-Müllerian hormone are not the same for everyone, but vary according to two factors: sex and age. What are the normal levels of AMH? Let's see them together based on the two variable factors:
- In women:
- up to 2 years the value of the AMH is maximum 4.7 ng / ml,
- between 2 and 12 l "AMH will be less than 8.8 ng / ml,
- between about 13 and 45, i.e. in childbearing age it is 0.9-9.5 ng / ml,
- Over 45 years it will be less than 1.0 ng / ml until it fades with the arrival of menopause.
- In men:
- up to 2 years, in opposition to women, the value of the AMH will be about 14-466 ng / ml,
- between 2 and 12 it will average 7.4-243 ng / ml,
- as adults it will decrease to 0.7-19 ng / ml.
In women, if the AMH values are high, we may be faced with a polycystic ovary syndrome. In this case, the values can be up to 5 times higher than the norm. In the case of even higher values, this hormone can be considered a tumor marker as some ovarian neoplasms manifest themselves with a high concentration of AMH. It is in fact advisable to always contact a specialist in evaluating these values. In case of assisted fertilization , the values may be high in the case of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
If the AMH values are low, on the other hand, either it goes against menopause, or it can be symptomatic of a reduction or insufficiency of the ovarian reserve, or the woman's oocyte patrimony at a given moment.
When to have the anti-Müllerian hormone test AMH?
The test to analyze AMH levels consists of a simple blood test, usually done in the morning with an 8-hour fast. It can be done at any time, or during pregnancy because, unlike the measurements of other hormones such as FHS or estradiol, it is not affected by the hormonal fluctuations resulting from the phase of the cycle in which the woman is.
This test is prescribed for:
- assess the state of the developing ovaries
- examine ovarian function in case of polycystic ovary syndrome or any neoplasms
- do a test to analyze the ovarian reserve, i.e. the functionality of the ovaries
- perform a preparatory test for assisted fertilization, with the aim of understanding the ovarian response capacity and the possible success of a pregnancy
- uncover abortion threats
- examine a woman's likelihood of entering menopause, both physiological and early
The test, therefore, can be prescribed for different purposes depending on the symptoms or personal needs.
Anti-Müllerian hormone and fertility: the ovarian reserve
We have seen that the AMH test also allows us to evaluate the ovarian reserve in childbearing age. Therefore it is also a useful analysis to evaluate a woman's fertility, since the ovarian reserve represents the number of oocytes, or the ability of the ovary to produce ovarian follicles capable of being fertilized.
It is also very useful to do this test when undertaking an assisted fertilization process because it allows you to predict the success of the process, before undergoing the pharmacological stimulation of ovulation. It is therefore very important to rely on competent doctors who are able to accompany us along the path!
