Low AMH?

Low AMH

What is AMH?

AMH stands for Anti-Mullerian Hormone.  It is a substance that is secreted when follicles are developing into eggs in the ovaries.   AMH production is greatest in follicles that are less than 4 mm (preantral and small antral).

Why Measure AMH?

We can use AMH as a guide as to how many follicles are developing.  A normal AMH would indicate that there are a normal number of follicles in the development stage.

What does low AMH mean?

Females are born with follicles in the ovaries that can develop into eggs.  In their resting (primordial) state, follicles don’t secrete AMH, as they develop up to when they reach about 8 mm, they secrete AMH and then once they reach 8 mm, they stop. Research has shown that AMH level can provide a sense of how many resting follicles are left.  However, a low AMH may also mean that there are lots of primordial follicles, but something is suppressing their development.  Removing the impediment to follicle development (often a hormone imbalance), can get eggs developing normally and secreting AMH.  Women with PCOS will have a high AMH because there are lots of follicles stuck in the development stage, but not reaching the size they need to be to get released.  There are also natural ways to balance hormones and get those follicles fully developing so that they can be released as eggs.