What should you know about low AMH level?

Before delving deeper into the AMH and ovarian reserve, I would suggest all the women to read the book – Inconceivable by Julia Indichova, Christiane Northrup. It is about a woman’s triumph over despair of infertility and statistics derived from innumerable tests.  

Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH), also known as MIS (Mullerian inhibiting substance) is a test to determine ovarian reserve. Doctors considered AMH testing better than Follicle-stimulating Hormone (FSH) test after the latter gave unreliable results for egg quality and quantity. 

For older women, AMH remains a better option as it does not vary from cycle to cycle. It remains same throughout the cycle.

If your AMH level is low, then you have poor ovarian reserve. But the test result does not give you an option to panic. So, if you encounter low AMH level then there are two more options, first repeat the test again (in another lab) and second go for additional tests including ultrasound test (Antral Follicle Test) and Clomid Challenge Test (done through blood test).

Even if these tests fail, there is good news! As there are certain alternatives to medicines, which might improve your ovarian reserve.  Either consuming:

1. Vit D3 (Calcirol), 60000 IU, once a week for 10 weeks
2. CoQ 10, 100 mg daily
3. DHEA, 25mg thrice a day.

Or,

1. Yoga
2. Acupuncture
3. Wheat germ daily

Go for the test after 12 weeks. Now, even if the test does not improve there is no reason to be upset because, women with poor AMH test tend to get pregnant because the response of every woman is different to the test. So, if you fail to conceive for a year then IVF is the best option as it would allow you to use the remaining best eggs.

Now, when you go for AMH level test, remember that this is not your life changing test. So, do not panic. Even of the test results are not in your favor, relax. We as doctors have alternative cure for majority of problems including low AMH level.

Even if IVF does not work, the options are not exhausted! Using donor eggs, or surrogacy are two other options to think upon.

Dr Neeraj Pahlajani