High AMH Levels and Fertility Challenges in Women - Obstetrics and Gynecology

Share to:

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).. Question 2


Questioner: Anonymous / Female / 28, 2015/10/07 "More Anonymous Questions / More Anonymous Questions" My menstrual cycle is regular every month.
However, for the past year and a half, my flow has been very light, lasting only about two days.
I have consulted a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner to adjust my body and have been tracking my basal body temperature, which shows both low and high temperatures (indicating ovulation).
Since I have been married for almost a year and I am currently 28 years old, I want to conceive.
I have scheduled a check-up at the hospital, where I underwent a hysteroscopy and a tubal patency test, both of which showed no issues.
However, blood tests revealed an AMH level of 27, which is quite high, indicating a large number of immature follicles in my ovaries.
The doctor advised that if I want to conceive, I should do so before turning 30, as egg quality declines with age, reducing the chances of conception.
I have seen a doctor who recommended ovulation medication, but I ovulate every month; the problem may be that the follicles are immature.
I am also concerned that taking ovulation medication might thin my endometrial lining, making implantation more difficult.
I would like to ask the doctor what I should do at this point and if there are any methods to help mature the follicles and increase their size.
Responder: Taipei Hospital / Obstetrics and Gynecology / Dr.
Tsao Kuo-Tao, 2015/10/07 "Inquiry / More Questions Answered by This Doctor" Hello, do you have issues with being overweight or excessive body hair? Since your temperature chart shows both low and high temperatures, it indicates that you are ovulating, which does not seem to align with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), as the latter typically involves anovulation.
If you have been trying to conceive without success, you might consider ovulation induction injections or even artificial insemination.
Wishing you good health and a successful pregnancy soon.

Doctor: I have gained weight, but my body hair is normal.
I consistently have high and low temperatures each month, and I also observe egg white cervical mucus and positive ovulation test strips.
However, my AMH level is quite high at 27.
I was pregnant in February but experienced a natural miscarriage after about a month.
I am wondering if my diet (consuming too many eggs, shellfish, clams, or other dairy products that may increase male hormones) combined with late nights has led to elevated androgen levels, which could be suppressing the growth of my ovarian follicles.
Recently, I have been exercising more and going to bed earlier, and I have been careful to avoid foods that increase androgen levels.
If this is the case, I am ovulating, but the follicles may not be growing adequately.
What would be the best approach to conceive? If I am ovulating and the doctor recommends ovulation medication, wouldn't that also result in the release of small, immature follicles? Additionally, I am concerned that taking ovulation medication might thin my endometrial lining.
Doctor, do you have any suggestions for me? Thank you! ^_^

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/10/07

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology


Hello, ovulation medications are very effective, and many patients have successfully conceived while taking them.
However, ovulation medications can cause thinning of the endometrium, so it may be beneficial to combine them with some estrogen to increase the thickness of the endometrium.
If attempts to conceive are unsuccessful, one might consider using ovulation induction injections or even explore artificial insemination.
Wishing you good health and a successful pregnancy soon.

Reply Date: 2015/10/07

More Info


Understanding high AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) levels and their implications for fertility can be quite complex, especially for women who are actively trying to conceive. In your case, with an AMH level of 27, which is significantly elevated, it indicates a higher number of antral follicles in your ovaries. This is often associated with conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), but not exclusively.
Firstly, it's important to clarify what AMH levels signify. AMH is a hormone produced by the granulosa cells of the ovarian follicles, and it serves as a marker of ovarian reserve. Higher AMH levels typically suggest a greater number of follicles, which can be a double-edged sword. While it may indicate that you have a good quantity of eggs, it does not necessarily reflect the quality of those eggs. Egg quality tends to decline with age, and this is a critical factor in fertility.

You mentioned that you have regular menstrual cycles and that you are ovulating, which is a positive sign. However, the concern arises when the follicles are not maturing properly, which can lead to difficulties in conception. This is where your worries about the impact of ovulation-inducing medications come into play. While these medications can help stimulate the ovaries to produce more mature eggs, they can also lead to the release of multiple eggs, which may not all be of optimal quality.

Your previous experience with a natural miscarriage could be indicative of underlying issues, such as hormonal imbalances or egg quality concerns, rather than solely the quantity of eggs. It’s crucial to consider factors like lifestyle, diet, and overall health, as they can significantly impact both egg quality and fertility. For instance, a diet high in processed foods and low in essential nutrients can affect hormonal balance and egg development.
In terms of managing your high AMH levels and improving your chances of conception, here are several strategies you might consider:
1. Lifestyle Modifications: Focus on a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, nuts, and seeds, can help improve egg quality. Regular exercise can also help maintain a healthy weight and balance hormones.

2. Monitoring Hormonal Levels: Since you are concerned about high androgen levels, it may be beneficial to have your hormone levels checked regularly. This includes testosterone and other related hormones, as imbalances can affect ovulation and egg quality.

3. Consulting a Fertility Specialist: Given your concerns and the complexity of your situation, consulting with a fertility specialist can provide personalized insights. They may recommend further testing to evaluate your ovarian function and overall reproductive health.

4. Consideration of Medications: If you are prescribed ovulation-inducing medications, discuss your concerns about potential side effects, such as thinning of the uterine lining. Your doctor can adjust dosages or suggest alternative treatments to mitigate these risks.

5. Stress Management: High stress levels can negatively impact fertility. Techniques such as yoga, meditation, or counseling can help manage stress and improve your overall well-being.

6. Supplements: Some studies suggest that certain supplements, like Coenzyme Q10, may improve egg quality. However, it's essential to discuss any supplements with your healthcare provider before starting them.

In conclusion, while high AMH levels can indicate a good ovarian reserve, they do not guarantee fertility. The focus should be on both the quantity and quality of eggs, as well as overall reproductive health. By making informed lifestyle choices and working closely with healthcare professionals, you can enhance your chances of conception and address any underlying issues that may be affecting your fertility.

Similar Q&A

Understanding High FSH Levels and Their Impact on Fertility

Hello, doctor. I have been trying to conceive for almost a year. On the third day of my menstrual cycle, I had blood drawn to test for hormones such as FSH and LH. My FSH level was 13.7 mIU/ml, which seems a bit high. I would like to ask if this could make it difficult to conceiv...


Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, if your menstrual cycle is regular, it should not have any negative effects. Wishing you good health.

[Read More] Understanding High FSH Levels and Their Impact on Fertility


Managing High AMH Levels in PCOS: Dietary Tips and Solutions

Hello doctor, I am 20 years old. Today I returned for a follow-up and reviewed my blood test results. My AMH level is 24.76, which is higher than the reference value. Is there a way to lower this index? How can I lower it? What dietary controls should we pay attention to with pol...


Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, generally, AMH cannot be lowered with medication and should be monitored. If it is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), it is usually recommended to lose weight in conjunction with the use of ovulation medications, which will mostly lead to improvement. Wishing you good healt...

[Read More] Managing High AMH Levels in PCOS: Dietary Tips and Solutions


Understanding AMH Levels: Implications for Ovarian Function and Egg Quality

Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if an AMH level of 3.38 ng/mL, with a reference range of 1.6-5.5, is considered too low? Does AMH primarily assess ovarian function or egg quality? Also, would low egg quality affect the occurrence of two miscarriages? Thank you, doctor.


Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, an AMH level of 3.38 ng/mL is within the normal range. AMH primarily assesses the ovarian reserve and the ability to ovulate. Two miscarriages may be due to poor conditions of the fertilized egg, and it is not necessarily related to the quality of the eggs. Wishing you suc...

[Read More] Understanding AMH Levels: Implications for Ovarian Function and Egg Quality


Essential Supplements for Women Preparing for Pregnancy: A Guide

Hello Doctor, I am currently actively trying to conceive and have recently undergone a blood test at the hospital. My AMH level is 2.47, and aside from a slightly thin endometrium, there are no other abnormalities. To improve egg quality and increase my chances of pregnancy, I ha...


Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, maintaining a calm mind doesn't necessarily require taking dietary supplements. Wishing you good health.

[Read More] Essential Supplements for Women Preparing for Pregnancy: A Guide


Related FAQ

Hyperprolactinemia

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

High-Risk Pregnancy

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Anovulatory Menstruation

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Hormonal Imbalance

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Menarche

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Infertility

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Endometrial Hyperplasia

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Ovulation Bleeding

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Pms

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Adenomyosis

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)