Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels play a crucial role in measuring a woman’s ovarian reserve (the number of eggs present in her ovaries), further enabling gynecologists to gauge their fertility potential. AMH helps develop the female reproductive system and regulate a woman’s menstrual cycle. AMH levels are also used to evaluate the efficacy of ovarian stimulation medications.

Low AMH levels indicate a reduced ovarian reserve, meaning the egg count is significantly low. Since there are fewer eggs to fertilize, it affects the individual’s fertility potential. This article will discuss the main reasons behind experiencing low AMH levels.

8 Reasons for Having Low AMH Levels

The causes of low AMH levels vary from person to person, depending on the underlying health conditions, age, genetics, etc. An individual can undergo an AMH test that is similar to a normal blood test performed during one’s menstrual cycle. Throughout the menstrual cycle, the AMH levels usually remain stable. One can also perform the test when she is menstruating. Here are the top 8 reasons for low AMH levels.

1. Genetics

Certain genetic disorders, like Turner syndrome , affect the X chromosome, thus resulting in low AMH levels by birth or over time through mutations. It affects the normal functioning or development of the ovaries. 

2. Aging

Women who start to age naturally experience a decrease in their ovarian reserve, thus leading to low AMH levels. That’s because the number of eggs (oocytes) present in the ovaries starts to decline as a woman starts to age. It is within the ovaries that the anti-Mullerian hormone is produced.

With age, the pool of eggs decreases naturally, which reduces the chances of ovulation or the sperm to fertilize them. Furthermore, as the egg count gradually reduces, it reaches a point where no more eggs are released for ovulation. That’s when the woman experiences menopause, a stage when her AMH levels are extremely low or hardly detectable.

Also Read: How Does Age Play a Significant Role in Women’s Fertility?

3. Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune conditions, such as Autoimmune thyroid disease, Rheumatoid arthritis, Type 1 diabetes, Ankylosing spondylitis, etc., attack the ovaries and result in a reduced egg supply. These autoimmune diseases can affect ovarian function and diminish the ovarian reserve significantly. High autoimmune responses may result in excessive oocyte-wastage. Besides, women with POI (Primary ovarian insufficiency), a condition that prevents the ovaries from releasing eggs before the woman turns 40, develop a higher amount of autoimmune antibodies.

4. Surgery

A person who has had surgery on the ovaries or had to get an ovary removed may experience low AMH levels. For example, an individual who has undergone Laparoscopic cystectomy or Ovarian Endometrioma surgery might have significantly reduced AMH levels. That’s because the surgery tends to damage the ovarian tissues or remove the entire healthy tissue from the ovaries, thus causing a diminished ovarian reserve.

5. Stress

Chronic stress is a leading cause of disruptive menstrual cycles and hormonal imbalances, thus causing low AMH levels. Stress can also damage follicles (the fluid-filled sacs present within the ovaries that comprise immature eggs) by causing changes or disruptions in the environment where they grow. Furthermore, chronic stress may lead to mitochondrial dysfunction within the cells. Women with chronic stress must join stress management techniques, such as yoga, mindfulness, and meditation, to boost AMH levels.

6. Diet

Eating unhealthy foods, including oily food, junk food, or fatty food can negatively impact AMH levels. In other words, a diet full of processed foods, low in essential nutrients, and unhealthy fats can significantly lower AMH levels, thus affecting fertility. That’s because a poor diet that has nutrient deficiencies can lead to poor egg quality and impaired ovarian function.

7. Sedentary Lifestyle

The use of tobacco is directly linked to a decrease in one’s ovarian reserve. Furthermore, prolonged sitting and minimal physical activity can also lead to reduced levels of the Anti-Müllerian Hormone. An increased body mass index (BMI) and obesity negatively affect ovarian function. Besides, obesity and weight gain may cause chronic inflammation, affecting the ovaries and contributing to low AMH levels.

8. Medical Treatments

Some medical procedures or treatments, like radiation or chemotherapy, can affect AMH levels significantly. These cancer treatments can damage the granulosa cells, the ovarian tissue, and the growing follicles inside the ovaries. AMH levels are known to drop drastically during chemotherapy and remain low even after the treatment.

How Plan B Fertility Can Help with Infertility Issues?

Plan B Fertility is well-known for providing high-quality infertility treatment solutions in Hyderabad. We offer tailored treatment options based on the individual’s health conditions and requirements. Our specialized and trained doctors provide a range of female infertility diagnostic tests, including hormone level testing, ovulation testing, hysterosalpingography, sonohysterography, ovarian reserve testing, laparoscopy, and more.

Key Takeaways

In conclusion, there is a direct link between low AMH and pregnancy challenges or infertility due to a diminished ovarian reserve. If you are worried about not getting pregnant due to low AMH levels, some medical procedures like IVF (In vitro fertilization) can help with conceiving. Visit our fertility specialist to treat the condition and find the best solution to conceive based on your health requirements.