What is ovarian reserve and how does it affect your fertility?

Reproductive health is an essential part of overall well-being, and the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is an indicator that helps us better understand the status of your ovarian reserve. But what exactly is AMH, and why might it be relevant for all women, regardless of their plans for motherhood?

What are the anti-Müllerian hormone and ovarian reserve?

AMH is a hormone produced by developing follicles within the ovaries. Each follicle contains an egg, and AMH levels give us an idea of how many eggs remain in the ovaries at that time.

Over time, ovarian reserve naturally declines, especially after age 35, as we are born with a limited number of eggs. Knowing your ovarian reserve is key to better understanding your current reproductive capacity and planning for the future. AMH is one of the most commonly used indicators to estimate this capacity, as its levels directly reflect the number of available follicles.

Why is this information useful?

Knowing your AMH levels can be a key step if you want to better understand your reproductive health, explore options for preserving your fertility, such as egg freezing, or if you are trying to conceive. This indicator helps specialists to:

• Determine how many eggs could be retrieved in an ovarian stimulation cycle.
• Personalize the hormonal treatment needed to achieve the best result.
• Make informed decisions about the ideal time to start fertility treatment or preserve eggs.

What do AMH levels indicate?

Although values can vary depending on age and other factors, in general:

• High AMH levels in some cases, could be related to PCOS.
• Low AMH levels in some cases, may indicate a reduced ovarian reserve.

It is important to remember that AMH does not measure egg quality, only quantity.

Low AMH: what does it mean for fertility?

A low AMH result should not be a cause for immediate alarm. While it can be an indicator of a lower ovarian reserve, it does not mean that the chances of pregnancy are zero. Many people with low AMH have successfully conceived with the right support. Therefore, the most important thing is to consult with a specialist who can interpret the results in the context of your health and your reproductive goals.

If you have questions or want to learn more about your fertility, reach out to a specialist. Knowing more about your body can be the first step toward making informed decisions and moving closer to your dreams.