Anti-Mullerian hormone, AMH

Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH)

We remind you that independent interpretation of the results is unacceptable, the information provided below is for reference purposes only.

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a hormone produced by the ovarian follicles in females and the Sertoli cells in males. It plays a crucial role in reproductive function and development. AMH is a glycoprotein that belongs to the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) family.

Functions of AMH

In females, AMH has several important functions:

• Inhibits the recruitment of primordial follicles, regulating the initial pool of follicles that can develop during each menstrual cycle.
• Regulates follicle growth and selection, playing a role in the development of dominant follicles.
• Serves as a marker of ovarian reserve, indicating the remaining egg supply and reproductive potential.

In males, AMH is involved in the following processes:

• Inhibits the development of the Müllerian ducts, which give rise to the uterus and fallopian tubes in females.
• Plays a role in the development and function of the male reproductive system.

Composition of AMH

AMH is a dimeric glycoprotein composed of two identical monomers, each consisting of an N-terminal signal sequence, a pro-region, and a mature C-terminal region. The following table illustrates the structure of AMH:

AMH levels are used as a marker for ovarian reserve and can provide valuable information about reproductive potential and fertility status in both females and males.

Role of AMH in Diagnostics

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and assessment of ovarian function. It is a hormone produced by the granulosa cells of ovarian follicles and provides valuable information about ovarian reserve and reproductive potential.

Indications for AMH Testing

AMH testing is commonly recommended in the following situations:

• Evaluation of ovarian reserve: AMH levels can help assess the remaining egg supply and ovarian reserve, which is particularly important for women considering fertility treatments or those at risk of premature ovarian insufficiency.
• Monitoring ovarian response to fertility treatments: AMH levels can guide the dosing of fertility medications during in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles, helping to optimize the ovarian response and minimize the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
• Diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): Elevated AMH levels are commonly observed in women with PCOS, a condition characterized by hormonal imbalances and irregular ovulation.
• Assessment of menopausal transition: AMH levels decline with age and can provide insights into the onset of menopause and the transition period leading up to it.

Preparation for the AMH Test

The AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) test is a simple procedure that typically doesn't require any special preparation. However, some general recommendations may apply:

• Dietary considerations: You can take the AMH test without fasting, but it's best to avoid heavy meals right before the test.
• Medication: Inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you're taking, as some may affect AMH levels.
• Menstrual cycle: For the most accurate results, the AMH test is often recommended to be taken on specific days of the menstrual cycle, typically between days 2-5 from the start of menstruation.

Test Procedure

The AMH test is a simple blood draw, usually from a vein in the arm. The procedure takes only a few minutes and is performed by a trained healthcare professional. You may experience minor bruising or discomfort at the site of the blood draw, which should resolve quickly.

Turnaround Time

The turnaround time for AMH test results can vary depending on the laboratory, but it's typically within 1-3 working days after the sample is received.

Factors that may influence the turnaround time include:

• Laboratory workload and staffing
• Shipping and transportation time for samples
• The need for repeat testing or additional analysis

The anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) test is a blood test that measures the amount of AMH, a hormone produced by cells in the ovarian follicles. This test is often part of a fertility evaluation or included in the assessment of ovarian function. AMH levels can provide insight into a woman's ovarian reserve, which refers to the remaining number of viable eggs she has.

The AMH test is typically performed on a small blood sample drawn from a vein in the arm. The blood sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis, where the AMH level is measured using specialized techniques. AMH levels are reported in picograms per milliliter (pg/mL) or nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL), depending on the laboratory's preferred unit of measurement.

Sources:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/22681-anti-mullerian-hormone-test#:~:text=An%20AMH%20test%20measures%20the%20amount%20of%20anti-mullerian,provide%20a%20snapshot%20of%20a%20woman%E2%80%99s%20reproductive%20health.
https://obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jog.15818
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7515982/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-M%C3%BCllerian_hormone

IMPORTANT!

It is crucial to remember that the information provided in this section is not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. If you experience any discomfort or exacerbation of a condition, it is essential to consult a medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. Only a qualified specialist can accurately diagnose and determine the appropriate treatment. To ensure the most accurate and consistent evaluation of test results, it is recommended to conduct tests at the same laboratory. This is because different laboratories may use varying methods and units of measurement for similar tests.