To book an appointment with Naturopath Aimee Matijevic to discuss ways of improving your reproductive health, or for any other natural health solutions including chiropractor Brisbane services. http://brisbanenaturalhealth.com.au/

1. Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) and fertility – a definitive diagnosis?
Increasing age is a major contributing factor to fertility decline in women. This is because the
number and quality of oocytes (eggs) in the ovaries naturally and progressively decline with age.
Recently there has been much focus on determining the ovarian reserve (number of eggs
remaining in the ovaries) in women experiencing fertility problems. This is commonly
investigated via measurement of Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH).
AMH is a hormone that is produced by developing follicles (immature eggs) in the ovaries. The
amount of AMH in the body is thought to reflect the number of immature eggs in the ovaries
(also known as the ovarian reserve). Of concern is that many women today are being diagnosed
with low ovarian reserve based on AMH levels alone, and without consideration of the factors
which may affect AMH levels in the body. More and more women of progressively younger age
are being diagnosed as ‘running out of eggs’ based on AMH readings.
AMH levels in the body can vary by as much as 25% throughout the menstrual cycle. This is
because AMH production is influenced by other hormones produced at different times
throughout the cycle. Thus, it is important to ensure any AMH testing is done on day 2-3 of the
menstrual cycle (with day one being the first day of the menstrual bleed). It is also important that
AMH levels are tested by an experienced laboratory, as results may vary with temperature
fluctuations and testing protocols.
Other factors which may influence AMH levels in the body include:
• Smoking
• Oral Contraceptive Pill use
• Vitamin D deficiency
• Weight
• Endometriosis
• Thyroid conditions
• Autoimmune disease
• MTHFR polymorphism
AMH levels can be affected by any of these factors which have occurred or remained untreated
in the previous 90 days. As such, an AMH test result needs to be evaluated in regards to the
overall health of the woman and what has occurred in the 90 days prior to testing.
Thus, AMH levels alone are not always an accurate indicator of ovarian reserve. AMH test
results should always be viewed in light of other hormone levels in the body and a general health
review, in order to gain a more accurate picture of what is occurring in the female reproductive
system.
AMH testing is not definitive. Low AMH levels can be increased in many cases, with thorough
investigation and Naturopathic treatment of any of these underlying factors or health conditions.
Naturopathic treatment is useful in improving overall health and increasing fertility in all
reproductive-aged women. Care programs are tailored to each individual to maximise results.
To book an appointment with Naturopath Aimee Matijevic to discuss ways of improving your
reproductive health, or for any other natural health solutions including chiropractor Brisbane
services, call Brisbane Natural Health on 07 3137 9617 or visit our website:
http://brisbanenaturalhealth.com.au/ .
http://brisbanenaturalhealth.com.au/