Choosing to start a family is a wonderful and life-changing decision. For some people, the journey to parenthood is relatively smooth. However, for others, it can bring unexpected challenges. It is only when people begin to explore what it takes to conceive a baby that they realise how many different factors are involved—age, timing, underlying health conditions, and most importantly, hormones.
One such factor is a hormone called AMH, or Anti-Müllerian Hormone. Very often, couples struggling with conception may be told that with low or high AMH fertility chances could be impacted. In this article, we take a closer look at the role this hormone plays in fertility and what potential effect any abnormality in its levels could have on the chances of getting pregnant.
AMH stands for Anti-Müllerian Hormone. It is also known as Mullerian Inhibiting Substance (MIS). This hormone is produced by the reproductive organs. In males, AMH is produced by the testes, whereas in females, it is produced by cells present within the follicles of the ovaries.
AMH plays an important role during early pregnancy by helping to form the sex organs of a developing fetus. In male fetuses, AMH levels are much higher because the hormone helps prevent the formation of female reproductive structures, thereby allowing male reproductive organs to develop properly. On the other hand, in female fetuses, only a small amount of AMH is present, which is sufficient for the normal development of female reproductive organs.
Women are born with a fixed number of eggs, and the term ovarian reserve is used to indicate the number of eggs a woman has left in her ovaries. AMH is one of the most typical biomarkers that is used to assess a woman’s ovarian reserve.
AMH is made by granulosa cells, which surround the developing eggs inside small sacs called follicles. Generally, higher AMH levels suggest that more follicles are present, which usually means a higher egg count. Lower AMH levels may point to fewer follicles and a lower egg reserve. Generally, there is increased fertility with high AMH, while the chance of getting pregnant is lower when there is low AMH. Therefore, by checking AMH levels through a blood test, doctors can get an idea of how many eggs may be left, thereby enabling them to assess a woman’s fertility potential.
It is true that a high level of AMH is an indicator of higher ovarian reserve, which should automatically mean better chances of getting pregnant. In fact, for women undergoing fertility treatments, high AMH could be quite advantageous, as it enables the retrieval of a greater number of eggs for the planned ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology) procedures.
However, the relationship between high AMH and pregnancy is not always straightforward. A high AMH level could indicate several other issues, and not just high ovarian reserve. This includes:
This is a condition caused by a hormonal imbalance in the ovaries. One of the most common reasons for AMH levels to be elevated is the presence of an increased number of follicles caused by PCOS.
This is a complication that typically occurs during fertility treatments, especially in women with PCOS or high ovarian reserve.
Some ovarian tumours, like granulosa cell tumours, can create high levels of Anti-Müllerian hormone.
In some cases, elevated AMH levels may be due to inherited genetic factors.
From this, it becomes clear that while high AMH levels may suggest a good supply of eggs, they do not always translate to higher chances of conception. Fertility is influenced by many factors, and simply having more eggs does not guarantee that they are of good quality or that ovulation is happening regularly. In fact, some conditions associated with high AMH, such as PCOS, can make it harder to conceive naturally.
This is why it’s important to look at AMH levels as just one part of a bigger picture. Other factors such as egg quality, hormone balance, ovulation patterns, and overall reproductive health also play a major role in determining the chances of conception.
It is natural to wonder, can you get pregnant with high AMH? The answer is: Yes, you most certainly can! Here are some tips to help maximise the chances of getting pregnant after being diagnosed with high AMH:
Lifestyle changes will become necessary in cases where the high AMH level is due to conditions like PCOS. Regular exercise and a healthy diet that includes nutrient-rich foods and avoids processed items, excess sugar, and refined carbs can help regulate hormones.
Despite there being a high ovarian reserve, women with high AMH may still experience problems with ovulation (the release of mature eggs). In such cases, medications, such as hormone injections, may be prescribed to ensure regular ovulation takes place.
Insulin resistance is a common issue with women diagnosed with PCOS, and if there is high AMH, then insulin sensitisers may be prescribed to manage this.
IVF is one of the commonly sought treatments for people experiencing fertility issues. For women with high AMH, this could maximise their chances of a successful pregnancy. However, care should be taken to avoid the occurrence of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS).
Facing fertility issues and a delay in pregnancy can be highly distressing, especially when hormone levels like AMH come into the picture. If you’ve been told that your AMH levels are high, don’t lose hope. With the right medical guidance, healthy lifestyle choices, and timely intervention, pregnancy is still very much possible. Stay informed, stay hopeful, and don’t hesitate to seek help from a fertility specialist to understand what’s best for your body and your journey.
