AMH

What is Anti-Mllerian hormone (AMH)?

Anti-Mllerian hormone (AMH) is a hormone that is synthesized by reproductive tissues, including the testes in males and the ovaries in females. The function of AMH and its typical levels differ based on an individual's sex and age. This blood test is conducted to quantify the concentration of AMH in the bloodstream.

What does this test show?

Heightened responsiveness to IVF, necessitating customized treatment approaches.

A declining AMH level, particularly a significant drop, may indicate the approaching onset of menopause or the actual entry into menopause. In infancy and post-menopause, it's normal to have negative to low AMH levels.

Elevated AMH levels are frequently associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), although they alone do not confirm this condition.

When AMH is employed as a monitoring tool for AMH-producing ovarian cancer, a decrease in AMH indicates a positive response to treatment, while an increase may signal cancer recurrence.

How is the test used?

The Anti-Mllerian hormone (AMH) test is not typically included in routine tests but can offer valuable insights in specific situations.

When is this test ordered?

An AMH test may be prescribed for various reasons in women:

1. When assessing ovarian function and fertility issues, especially in the context of assisted reproductive procedures such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).
2. To determine whether a woman has entered menopause.
3. In cases where signs and symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are present. These symptoms may include:

- Abnormal uterine bleeding

- Acanthosis nigricans

- Acne

- Absence of menstrual cycles (amenorrhea)

- Decreased breast size

- Enlarged ovaries

- Excessive facial and body hair growth (hirsutism) with male pattern distribution, such as on the face, sideburn area, chin, upper lip, lower abdominal midline, chest, areola, lower back, buttocks, and inner thighs

- Weight gain or obesity, with fat accumulation in the central body area

- Skin tags in the armpits or neck

- Thinning hair with male pattern baldness

1. Periodic monitoring for a woman with an AMH-producing ovarian cancer to assess treatment effectiveness and watch for recurrence.

In addition, an AMH test may be ordered when:

1. An infant presents with ambiguous genitalia.
2. A male child's testicles have not properly descended.
3. A female starts developing male characteristics (virilization).