AMH (anti-mullerian hormone) testing determines the level of AMH in a blood sample. AMH is produced in males by the testicles (or testes), which are glands that produce sperm and male hormones. AMH is produced by the ovaries in females. The ovaries are glands that produce eggs and female hormones.
AMH performs various roles in men and women, and normal levels of AMH vary by gender and age. Monitoring AMH levels can reveal details about a range of reproductive health issues.
AMH aids in the development of male and female reproductive organs in infants. The chromosomes inherited from their parents determine the sex of unborn newborns. Male infants have XY chromosomes, while female infants have XX chromosomes. Hormones, including AMH, influence the development of their reproductive organs and genitals.
Why do I need an AMH test?
A female may need an AMH test:
- Determine whether the egg supply is normal for the age.
- If you are Planning for in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment then greater AMH levels indicate that you are more likely to respond to fertility medications and may only require a little dose. Low AMH levels may indicate that greater doses are needed to respond to fertility treatment.
- Acne
- Weight gain
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Dark patches of skin
- Too much hair on the face, stomach, chest
- Hair loss on the head
A male baby or child who lacks testicles in the scrotum may require an AMH test to determine whether there are healthy testicles inside the body. A baby with genitals that aren't male or female may require an AMH test, in addition to another test, to assist in identifying the disease and confirming the gender.
What happens during an AMH test?
A tiny needle will be used by a medical expert to draw blood from a vein in the arm. Once the needle has been inserted, a little amount of blood will be collected in a test tube or vial. The needle may sting somewhat when it enters or exits the body, and usually, this only takes a few minutes.
Are there any risks to the test?
The risk associated with a blood test is very low. Some minor soreness or bruising may be present at the injection site.Majority of adverse effects are temporary.
What do the results mean?
The AMH test results mean:
- If you're healthy and trying to conceive, a high level of AMH indicates that you have more eggs available, whereas a low level indicates that the egg supply is reducing and that the time to become pregnant may be increased.
- A high level of AMH is a sign that you may have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) if you were tested for it. However an AMH test cannot be used to diagnose PCOS.
- If you were tested for menopause, a low AMH level could indicate you are entering menopause. If the blood test reveals no AMH, it indicates menopause.
- A decline in AMH usually indicates that the treatment is working if you are being treated for ovarian cancer. If the AMH levels rise, it could indicate that the treatment isn't working or that cancer has recurred.
Contact the doctor if you have any questions about the test results.
