Treatment Options For Low AMH
AMH
Treatment Options For Low AMH and Poor Ovarian Reserve by Dr Amiti Agarwal
When it comes to fertility, one of the terms you may have heard is “low AMH.” If you’ve recently been diagnosed with low AMH, you may be feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and unsure of what this means for your future. As a doctor specializing in reproductive medicine, I’m here to help you understand what low AMH means and, more importantly, what you can do about it.
What is AMH and Why is It Important?
Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) is a glycoprotein hormone produced by the small follicles in a woman’s ovaries. It plays a key role in the growth and differentiation of these follicles, which ultimately contain the eggs a woman has. Unlike other hormones, AMH levels remain fairly consistent throughout the menstrual cycle, which makes it an excellent marker for assessing a woman’s ovarian reserve—essentially, her remaining egg supply.
Typically, AMH levels between 1-3.5 ng/ml are considered normal, with levels above 2 ng/ml being optimal for fertility. Levels below 1 ng/ml, however, may indicate a low ovarian reserve. If you’ve been told you have low AMH, it simply means that the number of eggs remaining in your ovaries is lower than average for your age.
Causes of Low AMH
There are several reasons why AMH levels may be low:
- Age : As women age, their AMH levels naturally decline. This is a normal part of the aging process.
- Medical Conditions : Conditions such as endometriosis, genetic factors, autoimmune diseases, previous ovarian surgeries, and cancer treatments can contribute to lower AMH levels.
- Lifestyle Factors : Smoking, exposure to environmental pollutants, obesity, and chronic stress can negatively impact AMH levels.
- Medications : Certain medications, like birth control pills and specific injections, may temporarily lower AMH levels.
Treatment Options for Low AMH
It’s important to understand that there isn’t a specific medication to increase AMH levels. However, there are several ways to optimize fertility outcomes even with low AMH:
- Lifestyle Changes : A nutritious diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, high in protein, and low in calories can improve your overall fertility. Regular exercise—at least 40 minutes daily—along with avoiding smoking and alcohol, can also help.
- Supplements : Certain supplements like Vitamin D, Coenzyme Q10, folic acid, and fish oil have shown positive effects on fertility. DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) and testosterone supplementation may also improve outcomes in some cases.
Fertility Treatment Options
For women with low AMH, a personalized fertility treatment plan is crucial:
- Natural Methods: If your AMH is slightly low, natural conception may still be an option.
- IUI (Intrauterine Insemination): This may be viable for some women with low AMH, depending on their overall fertility profile.
- IVF (In Vitro Fertilization): Often the most effective option for women with low AMH. IVF protocols may include different stimulation techniques or multiple cycles to increase the chances of success.
- Experimental Treatments: Advanced treatments like intra-ovarian platelet-rich plasma infusion, stem cell therapy, mitochondrial transfer, and ovarian tissue transplantation are also being explored for their potential benefits.
Success Stories with Low AMH
At Sunshine Fertility & IVF Centre, we have helped many women with low AMH conceive successfully. It’s important to remember that low AMH does not automatically mean you cannot get pregnant or that you will need donor eggs. Early testing and the right treatment approach can significantly improve your chances of achieving pregnancy.
What to Do Next?
If you have been diagnosed with low AMH, don’t lose hope. The sooner you seek expert advice and consider your options, the better your chances of success. Early intervention with a tailored treatment plan can help you achieve the joy of motherhood.
If this resonates with you, and you would like to consult with me directly to discuss your personalized options, please fill out the form here. I look forward to supporting you on your journey to parenthood with empathy and expert guidance.
As a panel doctor at Fertility Dost, I’m here to help you navigate your fertility journey with confidence, compassion, and clarity. Remember, you are not alone, and with the right support, you can achieve your dream of becoming a parent.
Author
Dr. Amiti Agrawal
M.S.(OBG), F.M.I.S., F.R.M., Masters in Reproductive Medicine (London)
D.R.M. (Germany)
Medical Director of Sunshine Fertility & IVF Centre, Mumbai
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