What happens if I have a low anti-müllerian hormone?
Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a protein produced by ovarian follicles, and its main function is to control the number of follicles that can be recruited during a cycle. AMH levels are directly proportional to the number of antral follicles, making it an excellent marker of ovarian reserve.
Generally speaking, AMH levels between 1.2 and 3.5 ng/mL indicate a normal ovarian reserve, and AMH levels below 1.1 ng/mL indicate low ovarian reserve. However, AMH does not provide information about egg quality, only about its quantity.
What Are the Main Causes of Low AMH Levels?
- Age: Ovarian reserve naturally declines with age, especially after 35.
- Genetic factors: Some women naturally have a lower ovarian reserve due to genetics.
- Ovarian diseases: Conditions like endometriosis or previous ovarian surgeries can affect ovarian reserve.
- Medical treatments: Chemotherapy or radiotherapy can damage the ovaries and lower AMH levels.
- Other factors: Unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as smoking, may also impact ovarian reserve.
Can I Get Pregnant With Low AMH?
Yes. AMH is a marker of ovarian reserve that indicates the ability to retrieve eggs during ovarian stimulation. It is not a fertility marker, and having a low rate is not necessarily related to spontaneous conception problems. However, if assisted reproductive techniques are needed, lower values may compromise success rates due to the reduced number of eggs available per cycle. Additionally, both the quantity and quality of eggs must always be evaluated. Egg quality is a determining factor in fertility and it is closely related to the woman’s age.
Among the treatments to consider for women with low ovarian reserve are:
- In vitro fertilization (IVF): This procedure allows the retrieval and fertilization of multiple eggs in a single cycle, increasing the chances of success.
- Egg donation: In cases of severely reduced ovarian reserve, egg donation is one of the best alternatives.
- Fertility preservation: For young women with low AMH who wish to postpone motherhood, egg vitrification is recommended to improve their future options.
We recommend consulting specialists in assisted reproduction, who will evaluate each case individually and determine the best option based on the patient's specific needs.