What is the relationship between ovarian reserve analysis and fertility treatments?
Every woman is born with a fixed number of eggs, but as age progresses, both the quantity and quality of these eggs decline. Ovarian reserve testing, known as AMH analysis, assesses the egg reserve in the ovaries and aids in diagnosing issues like early menopause.
The AMH test is essential for women evaluating their fertility levels. This analysis is commonly sought by women planning artificial insemination or fertility treatments. Since AMH levels remain steady throughout the menstrual cycle, a blood sample can be taken at any time, even while on birth control. However, informing your doctor about any fertility medications is crucial, as discontinuing them might be necessary before the test.
Understanding a decrease in the hormone (AMH) helps doctors determine the need for future tests, assess IVF cycles, and decide on appropriate treatments like follicle-stimulating medications or egg preservation. Higher AMH levels often yield better responses to ovarian stimulation, aiding in obtaining more eggs for artificial insemination, enhancing the chances of success in IVF procedures.
While AMH levels might not reflect egg quality, having more eggs retrieved increases the chances of obtaining high-quality embryos for transfer to the uterus. A low AMH level shouldn’t always be alarming or associated with decreased monthly pregnancy chances. Moderately higher AMH levels typically yield more follicles and eggs during stimulation, leading to a higher selection of quality embryos for transfer.
Normal AMH levels range between (1.5-4.0) nanograms per milliliter. Levels below normal range from (1.0-1.5) nanograms per milliliter. Low levels are between (0.5-1.0) nanograms per milliliter, while very low levels are less than 0.5 nanograms per milliliter.