The Anti-Mullerian Hormone, simply known as AMH, is a protein hormone produced by cells within the ovaries. It is a key indicator of a woman’s ovarian reserve—the quantity and quality of her remaining eggs.
Notably, a recent study has revealed that Indian women often exhibit lower AMH levels compared to those from other countries, hinting at the possibility of early ovarian senescence. This revelation underscores the pressing need for further research to unravel the contributing factors and comprehend the implications for fertility treatments for Indian women. In situations where AMH levels are low, signaling a diminished ovarian reserve, challenges in conception may arise. This may necessitate consideration of low AMH treatment options.
Why Do AMH Levels Decrease?
Age is the most common cause of low AMH levels. However, other factors such as genetic defects, aggressive medical treatments, including radiation therapy for cancer, certain surgeries, and injuries can also lead to diminished ovarian reserve.
Options for Treating Low AMH
Alternate: Different Options for Low AMH Treatment
While there isn’t a way to boost AMH levels or produce more eggs, there are effective options for low AMH treatments that aim to optimise the existing fertility potential. Here are some of them:
Egg Freezing
An increasingly popular option in fertility preservation, egg freezing involves stimulating the ovaries with hormones to produce several mature eggs. These eggs are then collected and frozen for future use. This procedure offers an opportunity to preserve fertility before further decline in egg count.
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IVF with Own Eggs
In vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment can be attempted using your own eggs. This involves stimulating egg production, retrieving mature eggs, and fertilising them with sperm in a lab setting. The resulting embryos are then transferred into your uterus.
IVF with Donor Eggs
If your egg quality and quantity are not sufficient for successful IVF, using donor eggs could be an option. The donor egg is fertilised with your partner’s (or a donor’s) sperm, and the resulting embryo is transferred into your uterus for further development.
Embryo Freezing
This is a variant of IVF where the embryos (fertilised eggs) are frozen for future pregnancy. This ensures that even if your egg count declines further, you will have embryos ready when you decide to conceive in future.
Navigating Conversations about Your Fertility
Talking about fertility challenges can be overwhelming. However, open conversations with your fertility expert can help you understand your options better. Ask questions about low AMH treatment options, success rates, costs, and potential side effects. Remember, it’s important to discuss your long-term family planning goals so that the low AMH treatment plan aligns with your aspirations.
To conclude, remember that low AMH levels are not an insurmountable hurdle. By expanding your understanding and exploring all available treatment options, you can make an informed decision about your path to parenthood. Whether it’s freezing your eggs for a future pregnancy or considering IVF with donor eggs, there are numerous options to consider. At Birla Fertility & IVF, we are committed to supporting you in every step of your journey. Book an appointment today!
FAQs
1. How often should AMH levels be tested?
A: The frequency of AMH testing depends on individual circumstances. Generally, it’s advisable to discuss testing frequency with a fertility expert.
2. Are there any potential side effects of fertility treatments for low AMH?
A: Fertility treatments like IVF or egg freezing may result in mild discomfort, bloating, and mood swings. In rare cases, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) can occur. Discussing these potential side effects with your doctor is crucial to understanding individual risks.
3. How does low AMH affect natural conception, and when should one seek fertility assistance?
A: If conception challenges persist after six months of active trying, especially for women over 35, seeking fertility assistance is recommended for timely interventions.