Understanding the AMH Test: Importance, Timing, and Interpreting Results
AMH stands for Anti-Mullerian Hormone. An AMH test is a blood test that measures the amount of the anti-Mullerian hormone present in the blood. It can be used for multiple reasons, such as measuring reproductive health and diagnosing several health conditions. In this article, we will learn about the test, its uses, and its importance.
What is the Anti-Mullerian Hormone?
The anti-Mullerian hormone plays an important role in the development of the reproductive organs. It is also known as the Mullerian inhibiting substance (MIS) ors the Mullerian inhibiting factor. It is present in males and females and plays different roles in both.
In men, it is produced in the testicles and is high until puberty, after which levels tend to decrease. In women, the hormone helps control other hormones that affect the ovaries, aiding in the growth of eggs during the menstrual cycle.
What is the AMH Test?
The AMH test is a blood test measuring the amount of anti-Mullerian hormone in an individual’s blood. While the test can be administered on both men and women, it is more often administered on women.
AMH test results are important indicators for determining problems with fertility, PCOS, possible effectiveness of IVF treatments, the number of eggs remaining in the ovaries, if the ovaries are ageing too rapidly, or certain kinds of ovarian tumours.
Uses of the AMH Test
There are several AMH test uses. These include:
1. Treating Female Infertility
AMH tests for infertility are common. While the test cannot completely determine fertility, it helps make decisions about infertility treatments. For example, it can help determine the remaining egg count in the ovaries and how responsive a woman may be to infertility treatments.
While the ovaries typically release one egg in a month, IVF treatments help prepare multiple eggs instead. AMH test results are useful for determining the required IVF medication dose.
2. Menopause
The AMH test cannot predict when a woman will go through menopause. However, it can indicate if the individual is nearing or has already started menopause, especially early menopause. Since egg count and AMH levels decrease closer to menopause, AMH test results can help scan for premature (before the age of 40) and early (before the age of 45) menopause.
3. Diagnosing Ovarian Problems
For women, there may be countless AMH test uses. An important use of this test is helping diagnose issues such as polycystic ovary syndrome (also known as PCOS) or even certain kinds of ovarian cancers.
4. AMH Levels in Babies and Children
The AMH test may also be used to diagnose health conditions in children. For example, during puberty, AMH levels are typically low. High AMH levels during puberty may alert medical professionals of underlying problems.
Similarly, in the case of ambiguous genitalia (a condition in which one cannot determine whether an infant’s external genitalia is male or female), AMH test results can help find the cause of the problem.
When to get an AMH Test?
There are many situations in which medical professionals may recommend getting an AMH test done. In women, a test may be done when facing symptoms of PCOS. These include irregular or no periods, acne, male pattern baldness, an excess of hair on the face, chest, or other uncommon areas, etc. Similarly, it may be prescribed in case one has fertility issues or is undergoing IVF and other fertility treatments.
The test can also be done when one is undergoing treatment for certain types of ovarian cancer. It can be used to determine if any ovarian mass could be a granulosa cell tumour. The levels of AMH are used to determine if the treatment is effective or if the cancer has returned. The test is used for males in case the testicles are not present in the scrotum.
AMH Test Results
The AMH test can be conducted anytime during a woman’s menstrual cycle since, unlike other hormones, it does not fluctuate. Levels are measured in nanograms per millilitre, and normal levels are based on age. For example, women between the ages of 25 and 35 may have AMH levels between 3.0 and 1.5 ng/mL. However, a healthy AMH range can differ with individuals.
It is important to consult a doctor if one is facing issues when it comes to fertility or PCOS symptoms. Consulting medical professionals during or after ovarian cancer diagnosis and treatment could also lead to a recommendation for an AMH test.
In India, the AMH test price can differ with the test provider. For an affordable and accurate AMH test, turn to Dr Lal PathLabs.
FAQs
1. When should I get an AMH test?
An AMH test can be taken at any time during the menstrual cycle. A doctor may recommend it in cases of infertility treatment, ambiguous genitalia in children, women with PCOS symptoms, etc.
2. How is the test performed?
It is a short procedure in which a medical professional draws blood through a needle. The blood is then sent for testing.
