AMH Levels & PCOS: What’s the connection?

All You Need to Know About AMH Levels and PCOS

Our hormones have a way of telling us things 🥸

As chemical messengers in our body they communicate things within the body.

And if there’s anything suspicious, these messengers are often an indicator of the same.

With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a common hormonal disorder, one of the key indicators used in diagnosis is Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) levels.

This messenger has a way of telling us “hey, the process is a little disrupted” 🫠

So we put together this blog post to help you understand the connection between AMH levels and PCOS, providing insights into how they interact and what this means for women managing this condition.

What is AMH?

Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) is a protein hormone produced by granulosa cells in ovarian follicles. It plays a crucial role in the development of follicles in the ovaries, which are responsible for releasing eggs during ovulation.

What are the functions of AMH?

Here’s a breakdown of all the heavy lifting that AMH does 💪🏻

• Follicle development: AMH helps regulate the growth of ovarian follicles by inhibiting the excessive recruitment of primordial follicles, ensuring a steady supply of maturing follicles over a woman's reproductive years.

• Predicting ovarian reserve: AMH levels are used to estimate a woman's ovarian reserve, indicating the number of viable eggs remaining in the ovaries.

What is PCOS?

PCOS is characterised by a combination of symptoms, including irregular menstrual cycles, excess androgen levels (male hormones), and polycystic ovaries.

Women with PCOS often have multiple small cysts in their ovaries and may experience symptoms such as weight gain, acne, and hair growth on the face and body.

What are the symptoms of PCOS?

• Irregular or absent menstrual periods

• Excess hair growth (hirsutism)

• Acne and oily skin

• Weight gain and difficulty losing weight

• Thinning hair on the scalp

• Fertility issues

Whats the connection between AMH levels and PCOS?

Women with PCOS typically have higher levels of AMH compared to women without the condition. This elevation in AMH is due to the increased number of small antral follicles present in polycystic ovaries.

Why are AMH levels higher in PCOS?

If you’re wondering why PCOS girlies have a little extra AMH, here’s a breakdown:

• Increased follicle count: PCOS is associated with a higher number of small follicles, which produce more AMH. This results in elevated AMH levels in women with PCOS.

• Ovarian dysfunction: The hormonal imbalance in PCOS affects the normal function of the ovaries, leading to an accumulation of undeveloped follicles and higher AMH production.

  
  

What is the significance of high AMH Levels in PCOS?

• Diagnostic Marker: Elevated AMH levels can be used as a diagnostic marker for PCOS, helping healthcare providers identify the condition alongside other clinical assessments and symptoms.

• Fertility Assessment: High AMH levels may indicate a higher ovarian reserve, but in the context of PCOS, this does not always translate to improved fertility due to the dysfunction in follicle maturation and ovulation. Additionally, it also serves as a signal for healthcare providers to check on chances of OHSS (ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome) during any fertility treatments.

AMH Testing and PCOS Diagnosis

How is AMH Tested?

AMH levels are measured through a blood test, which can be done at any time during the menstrual cycle, as AMH levels remain relatively stable throughout the cycle.

Interpreting AMH Levels:

• Normal Range: AMH levels vary with age and individual ovarian reserve, but generally, a level between 1.0 and 4.0 ng/mL is considered normal.

• High AMH Levels: Levels above 4.0 ng/mL may suggest PCOS or a high ovarian reserve. In the context of PCOS, elevated AMH levels correlate with the increased number of small follicles.

  
  

Impact on Ovulation:

High AMH levels in PCOS indicate a large number of small follicles, but many of these follicles do not mature properly, leading to irregular or absent ovulation. This can make it difficult for women with PCOS to conceive naturally.

📚Also read: How to track ovulation with PCOS

How do I manage PCOS and AMH levels?

Lifestyle changes:

• Diet and Exercise: Maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise can help manage PCOS symptoms and improve insulin sensitivity.

• Weight Management: Losing weight can help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce androgen levels in overweight women with PCOS.

  
  

Medications:

• Hormonal Treatments: Birth control pills or other hormonal treatments can help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce symptoms like acne and hirsutism.

• Insulin-Sensitizing Agents: Metformin is commonly prescribed to improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels in women with PCOS.

  
  

Supplements:

• Inositol: Myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol have been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce androgen levels in women with PCOS.

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These can help reduce inflammation and improve hormonal balance.

  
  

Fertility Treatment:

• Ovulation Induction: Medications like clomiphene citrate or letrozole can be used to stimulate ovulation in women with PCOS.

• In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): In cases where other treatments are unsuccessful, In vitro fertilization may be recommended. High AMH levels suggest a good response to ovarian stimulation during IVF treatment.

Consulting with a Healthcare Provider

If you suspect you have PCOS or have been diagnosed with the condition, it’s important to work closely with a healthcare provider to develop a comprehensive management plan. Regular monitoring of AMH levels can provide valuable insights into your ovarian reserve and help guide fertility treatment decisions.

Take the first step to battling PCOS, with Arva

At Arva, we are dedicated to supporting women with PCOS through personalized fertility plans, nutritional guidance, exercise recommendations, and access to fertility specialists.

If you suspect you have PCOS or have been diagnosed with the condition, it’s important to work closely with a healthcare provider to develop a comprehensive management plan. Regular monitoring of AMH levels can provide valuable insights into your ovarian reserve and help guide fertility treatment decisions.

Our platform helps connect you with experienced gynaecologists pan India and even offer PCOS support program to help you receive the best care and support on your journey to better reproductive health.

Remember, we’re by your side! ❤️