A common concern for women is a low Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) value and how it might impact their ability to conceive. AMH is a hormone secreted by the follicles in the ovaries and is used as a test to indicate a woman’s ovarian reserve.
However, a low AMH value alone does not automatically mean a woman will struggle with pregnancy or require advanced treatments like In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
How Ovarian Reserve is Assessed
To determine the likelihood of pregnancy and the best course of action, doctors look at a combination of factors, not just AMH:
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AMH Value: The primary hormone indicator.
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Antral Follicle Count (AFC): This is the number of follicles visible on a scan, typically conducted on the second or third day of the menstrual period.
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Patient’s Age: Age is the most important factor in determining the treatment path and success rate.
All three factors must be considered together before concluding whether a woman will face difficulty conceiving.
The Role of Age in Treatment
The treatment approach for low AMH is highly dependent on the woman’s age:
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Younger Women (e.g., 25 years old): If a 25-year-old has low AMH, her age is on the “positive side.” She is more likely to become pregnant quickly with minimal treatment or may even conceive spontaneously.
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Older Women (e.g., 35 years old and up): A low AMH combined with advanced age is managed differently. When low AMH and older age coincide, there is a greater need for Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART).
Low AMH Does Not Mean IVF is Necessary
It is a misconception that a low AMH automatically means a woman must undergo IVF. While a low AMH indicates that the ovarian reserve is reduced, it primarily signals that the patient needs to seek treatment quickly and should not delay planning for pregnancy.
Early intervention is key. If a patient delays treatment when both their age and AMH levels are a concern, it may become necessary to resort to advanced treatments like ART later on.
