WHAT IS AMH?

ANTI-MULLERIAN HORMONE (AMH) is a reproductive organ hormone that plays a role in the formation of genital organs from the embryological period.

WHAT DOES AMH INDICATE?

The ovaries   are covered with thousands of structures called follicles (preantral and antral) that keep the egg cell ready to grow before it becomes mature. AMH is secreted from the granulosa cells surrounding these follicles. While there are thousands of follicles at birth, their numbers gradually decrease over the years. From the first menstrual age onwards, a few of these follicles start to grow every month, one of which reaches sufficient maturity and growth and is expelled into the body as a mature egg. These are completely depleted with menopause.

WHAT AFFECTS AMH?

Age, genetic factors, environmental factors, infections of the ovaries, surgical procedures, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, heavy smoking make the process of follicle consumption different for each woman.

WHAT IS AMH TEST AND WHY IS IT CHECKED?

The AMH value can be measured in the blood, so this value determined by the AMH test reflects the number (reserve) of these follicles.

• It is important to determine the treatment program and duration for the infertile couple .
• The expected response in in vitro fertilization treatment is decisive in the selection of treatment protocol and drug dose.
• It provides guidance in the assessment of risk and profit when surgical intervention on the ovaries is necessary .

It does not directly indicate egg quality and pregnancy rate. A woman with low AMH can become pregnant on her own, but the waiting period should not be long, as the reserve will gradually decrease, and the loss of time will negatively affect the chance of success in future treatments.

WHEN SHOULD THE TEST BE DONE?

It can be taken hungry or full, regardless of the menstrual cycle.

HOW IS AMH ASSESSMENT DONE?

• When it drops below 1ng/ml, effective assisted reproductive treatments should be started without delay. If the woman is single, egg freezing is recommended.
• A treatment process that extends over a longer period of time can be followed, taking into account 1-2 other infertility factors.
• A value between 2-4 indicates normal reserve, a value higher than this indicates high ovarian reserve and is mostly seen in PCO. It guides in determining drug dose and protocol in treatment.

WHO IS THE AMH TEST RECOMMENDED TO?

• Women who want children and who have irregular menstrual cycles and vision problems,
• Those with a family history of early menopause,
• Women who have ovarian disease, have had surgery or are planning surgery and want to have children,
• Women with a history of chemotherapy or radiotherapy,
• Women who plan pregnancy at an advanced age for social reasons.