Some health conditions, like high AMH and PCOS, can seem completely unrelated at first glance. However, there’s often a hidden connection that reveals more about what’s happening inside the body. So, what may appear to be two separate concerns can actually be part of the same story. By understanding the connection between these two issues, you can gain a clearer understanding of your hormonal health and fertility.
This article explores the connection between high AMH and PCOS, offering clear insights for those looking to understand fertility-related concerns or make sense of hormone test results.
Also known as Mullerian Inhibiting Substance (MIS), AMH is a key reproductive hormone produced by the testes in males and the follicles present in the ovaries in females. Its primary function lies in its ability to help form the sex organs of a fetus as it develops within the uterus. If the fetus is male, higher levels of AMH are released by the testes to stop the development of female reproductive organs, thus enabling the formation of male organs. However, if the fetus is female, then the AMH levels remain low, thereby allowing the normal growth and development of the female reproductive system.
The female reproductive system comprises several key organs, including the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and vagina. Among these, the ovaries play a vital role, as they not only release eggs each month but also produce important reproductive hormones like estrogen, progesterone and AMH.
AMH, or Anti-Müllerian Hormone, is made by small cells around the eggs in the ovaries. It helps indicate how many eggs are likely left — this is referred to as the ovarian reserve. Since women are born with a set number of eggs, this number goes down over time.
Higher AMH levels typically indicate a greater number of eggs, while lower levels suggest a lower number of eggs. While this might seem like a sign of better fertility, that’s not always the case. A high AMH level doesn’t always mean better fertility, just as a low level doesn’t always mean pregnancy isn’t possible.
High AMH levels could be due to several other reasons, such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), ovarian tumours, etc. Further tests may be required to pinpoint the exact cause of elevated AMH levels. Furthermore, high AMH levels can only indicate the presence of a large number of ovarian follicles in the ovaries. It cannot confirm the quality of the eggs, which is another factor that’s considered while evaluating fertility.
High levels of AMH could be caused by Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, or PCOS, a condition that mainly results from hormonal imbalances. Insulin resistance and chronic low-grade inflammation can also cause PCOS.
PCOS patients also have hormonal imbalances, such as excess androgen hormones. Women with PCOS often have multiple small cysts in their ovaries. These cysts are immature egg follicles that started to grow but did not fully develop. As a result, the eggs are not released during ovulation and remain inside the ovaries. This is why women with PCOS experience irregular periods.
Apart from menstrual issues, PCOS patients may also notice:
● Excessive hair growth on the face, arms and chest.
● Skin problems like acne.
● Abnormal weight gain.
● Dark patches of skin on areas like the neck and groin.
● Hair thinning.
While PCOS does not severely impact fertility, it could lead to complications during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, premature birth, etc., are just some of the issues that pregnant women with PCOS may face.
Understanding the connection between elevated AMH levels and PCOS can help doctors plan the proper treatment and management options to improve reproductive health.
Women with PCOS are often found to have higher-than-normal levels of AMH, and this is closely tied to the number of small follicles in their ovaries. These tiny follicles, called antral follicles, release AMH, so the more there are, the higher the AMH level becomes. This is what causes high AMH in PCOS.
At normal levels, AMH prevents follicles from developing too early, thus ensuring the eggs mature properly before ovulation. However, in PCOS cases, instead of helping a healthy egg mature and release during ovulation, the high AMH levels in PCOS may delay or prevent this process. This is why ovulation problems are common in PCOS.
Many people mistakenly believe that it is enough to take just an AMH test for PCOS diagnosis. Though there is a definite link between PCOS and high AMH, that’s not enough to confirm a diagnosis of PCOS. While it is true that high AMH levels are commonly seen in women with PCOS, they should not be the only factor used to diagnose the condition. A comprehensive evaluation is required, which may include blood tests, pelvic exams, and ultrasound scans, among other tests.
Here are a few tips on how to manage PCOS and high AMH:
● Do exercise regularly
● Eat a balanced diet
● Reduce stress
● Stay hydrated
In some cases, medications like androgen blockers or hormonal pills may also be prescribed to manage PCOS.
While high AMH levels are often linked to PCOS, they don’t tell the whole story on their own. PCOS can be due to several factors, and not just high AMH. Therefore, a comprehensive evaluation is necessary to obtain a complete picture of reproductive health. It’s only when the proper diagnosis has been made that such conditions can be managed effectively.
