AMH testing provides helpful information about a patient’s fertility

Patients at our Indianapolis fertility center often receive AMH testing as part of their initial fertility evaluation. This testing involves bloodwork that allows doctors to assess a patient’s AMH, or anti-Mullerian hormone, level. The ovarian follicles produce this hormone, and it can indicate how many eggs a patient has (ovarian reserve). A patient can receive this test at any time, as their AMH level doesn’t fluctuate with their menstrual cycle.

In addition to ovarian reserve testing, initial fertility evaluations often include an assessment of other hormones that can affect a patient’s reproductive health. Many patients also receive an ultrasound that allows the doctor to examine the egg-containing follicles and assess uterine health.

Who should receive AMH testing?

While most patients at our Indianapolis fertility center receive ovarian reserve testing, this test can be especially beneficial for certain people.

• Those considering egg freezing.
• Those considering IVF, or in vitro fertilization.
• Patients under 35 years of age who have been trying to conceive for at least a year.
• Hopeful parents over 35 who have been trying to conceive for six months or more.
• Patients who have undergone chemotherapy or had radiation in the pelvic region.

As egg quantity can play a significant role in these patients being able to conceive with their own eggs, AMH testing provides valuable information for their fertility journey.

Treatments for patients with a low AMH level

Specialists at our Indianapolis fertility center need to know a patient’s AMH level, as it helps them determine what type of treatments might benefit them. If a patient has a high AMH level, they likely have an adequate number of eggs, which means they have a higher chance of becoming pregnant and responding well to treatments. Patients with a low AMH level might need extra support from our clinic.

Egg freezing. Patients with a low AMH level who are not yet ready to become pregnant should consider egg freezing. This option allows them to preserve the eggs they currently have for use at a later time.

IVF with higher doses of ovarian stimulation medication. During IVF, fertility doctors might recommend higher doses of ovarian stimulation medication for patients with fewer eggs. This higher dose can increase the number of eggs the patient produces during the IVF cycle.

Donor eggs. Patients who have an excessively low ovarian reserve often have a diminished chance of conceiving with their own eggs. In this situation, donor eggs can help the patient take the next step towards parenthood.

In addition to determining a patient’s ovarian reserve with AMH testing, the doctors at our clinic also need to evaluate the quality of a patient’s eggs. A patient’s age, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol levels can provide information about the potential quality of their eggs. Contact us for more information about ovarian reserve testing.