When AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) levels are low, it can indicate a decreased ovarian reserve. This means that the ovaries contain fewer eggs than normal, which can impact fertility. Low AMH levels can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, age, and certain medical conditions.
If you are trying to conceive and have been told that your AMH levels are low, there are several things you can do to improve your fertility.
Ayurvedic natural treatment for fertility can significantly increase your chances of conceiving naturally and experience healthy pregnancy with the help of herbal medicines and yoga therapy. In addition, diet and lifestyle measures such as a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding exposure to toxic chemicals can support your fertility journey.
What is Ovarian Reserve in a Woman?
Every woman is born with a lifetime supply of eggs (ovums). The eggs are which are stored and mature inside specialized follicles in the ovary. The follicles are fluid-filled packets that contain the eggs.
An hormone, called the Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) recruits 15-20 follicles each cycle. However, only one of them attains full maturity and releases egg (ovulation). The rest of the follicles are thus suppressed after ovulation.
This number of eggs begins to decline as a woman enters her 30s, and the decline accelerates as she approaches menopause. The process by which the ovaries produce eggs is known as ovarian reserve, and it declines with age.
The Anti-Müllerian Hormone
The AMH hormone is produced from the follicles in the ovaries. Follicles are the sacs where the female egg or ovum is situated. AMH is produced by special cells called granulosa cells inside primary follicles, which are considered to be in a “young stage.”
The levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) in a woman’s body reveal the number of eggs she has remaining, or her ovarian reserve. Thus, it can give an estimate of fertility in woman.
However, do note that the AMH test is not a complete marker of fertility in women, as it does not tell you about the quality of remaining eggs.
- High levels of AMH indicate a high number of follicles in the ovaries, meaning that the woman is likely to have a long reproductive lifespan. Usually high levels of AMH are observed in PCOS or PCOD.
- Low levels of AMH, on the other hand, indicate that the woman’s ovaries are running out of follicles and she may soon experience menopause.
Functions of AMH
- The AMH hormone is responsible for the growth and development of the fetus during pregnancy.
- It is also responsible for the regulation of the menstrual cycle and for the production of eggs in the ovaries.
- In addition, the AMH hormone helps to maintain the health of the mother and the baby during pregnancy.
- The hormone is also involved in the development of the placenta and in the movement of nutrients and oxygen from the mother to the fetus.
Despite its potential importance, the exact role of AMH in the body is still not fully understood, and more research is needed to unlock all of its secrets.
Checking the Ovarian Reserve with AMH Test
The level of AMH in a woman’s body fluctuates throughout her lifetime. In general, AMH levels are higher during puberty and start to decline around the age of 35. A typical AMH level for a fertile woman is 1.0–4.0 ng/ml. Levels under 1.0 ng/ml are considered low. A woman is considered to have low AMH if her levels are below the 5th percentile for her age group.
The level of AMH in a woman’s body can be checked with a simple blood test. The results of this test will help your doctor understand your ovarian reserve, which is the number of eggs you have left in your ovaries.
Since PCOS has high levels of AMH and other factors that lead to infertility, thus this test is not a correct predictor of PCOS fertility.
Causes of Low AMH Levels in Women
There are several factors that can affect a woman’s ovarian reserve, including genetics, lifestyle choices, and exposure to certain environmental toxins.
- Ovarian reserve rapidly diminishes with age beyond 35 years.
- Autoimmune conditions as Hashimoto’s Disease and Celiac Disease and hormonal imbalance disorders as PCOS and uterine fibroids can also lead to AMH imbalance.
- Surgery and hormone based medications for conditions like endometriosis, ovarian cysts etc can influence AMH levels.
- Women with a family history of early menopause are more likely to have a lower ovarian reserve and early menopause.
- A sedentary lifestyle, excessive stress and habits as smoking have been linked to lower AMH levels
- Exposure to certain chemicals, such as BPA, can also lead to a decline in ovarian reserve.
Symptoms of Low AMH Levels
Although low AMH levels don’t have any clear symptoms, sometimes irregular menstruation or missing periods are indicative of this issue for many women. Some of the other signs of low AMH are:
– low energy levels
– fatigue
– low sex drive
– difficulty conceiving
– frequent miscarriage
Ayurveda for Fertility and Low Ovarian Reserve Treatment
Ayurvedic treatment for fertility helps to improve the quality of egg, balance the hormones, and stimulate the ovaries for better response to hormonal fluctuations.
Ayurveda takes a systematic approach involving herbal medications, massage, and changes in diet and lifestyle to cleanse, nourish and strengthen the reproductive system organs.
Detoxification therapies such as panchakarma and special treatments such as herbal enema “uttarbasti” are employed according to your specific dosha condition, health, and hormonal levels.
Ayurvedic treatment not only helps to improve AMH levels and hormone balance, but it also treats health conditions such as thyroid issues, PCOS, endometriosis and obesity that can cause infertility in women.
Ayurvedic Herbs to Improve Ovarian Reserve
A low AMH can be effectively treated with the help of Ayurvedic herbs. Some of the best herbs for treating a low AMH are Ashwagandha, Ashoka, Giloy, Brahmi, Manjistha, and Shatavari.
These herbs help to increase the production of AMH in the body and also improve the functioning of the ovaries. They also help to reduce stress and promote fertility.
In addition, Ayurvedic herbs also have a positive effect on the overall health of the reproductive system.
Diet Tips and Foods to Increase AMH Levels Naturally
A hormone healthy diet can help to support your fertility, improve egg quality and boost levels of AMH. Here are helpful diet tips and healthy foods that you should incorporate to increase the chances of conception.
- Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and kale contain compounds that help to detoxify the body and promote hormonal balance.
- Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and flaxseeds help to reduce inflammation and support fertility.
- Ginger and turmeric are powerful anti-inflammatory herbs that can also help to improve AMH levels.
- Dairy products are rich in calcium and vitamin D, both of which are essential for fertility.
- Leafy greens such as spinach and kale are packed with nutrients that support reproductive health.
- Eggs are a good source of protein and choline, a nutrient that is critical for fetal development.
Takeaway
By understanding ovarian reserve and taking steps to protect your fertility, you can ensure that you have the best chance of conceiving when you are ready to start a family.
While there is no way to completely stop the decline in ovarian reserve, Ayurvedic natural treatment can help you to improve egg quality, balance hormones and ensure healthy pregnancy. Ayurvedic doctors work with you to develop a holistic treatment plan that is tailored to your unique needs.
Consult with Medhya’s Ayurvedic Health Experts to get your personalised health plan involving prescription for Ayurvedic medicine, diet, yoga and lifestyle guidelines.
FAQ
Can I get pregnant with low AMH?
The answer to this question is not simple. AMH is just one hormone involved in fertility and there are many other factors that contribute to a woman’s ability to conceive. However, low AMH levels may indicate that a woman has a lower than average number of eggs remaining. This doesn’t mean that conception is impossible, but it may make it more difficult. There are many ways to improve fertility, including lifestyle changes, nutritional supplements, and acupuncture. If you are concerned about your AMH levels, I recommend talking to an Ayurvedic doctor who can help you develop a holistic treatment plan to improve your fertility.
Can low AMH cause miscarriage?
Low AMH levels have been linked to an increased risk of miscarrying. In one study, women with low AMH levels were more than twice as likely to miscarry as women with normal AMH levels. There are several possible explanations for this link. First, low AMH levels may indicate poor ovarian reserve. This means that the ovaries have fewer follicles available to produce eggs. As a result, the eggs that are produced may be of poor quality and more likely to miscarry. Additionally, low AMH levels may be a marker for endometriosis. This condition is characterized by the growth of uterine tissue outside of the uterus. Endometriosis can cause inflammation and scarring, both of which can lead to miscarriage. Finally, low AMH levels may indicate a problem with the uterine lining. This can make it difficult for the embryo to implant properly, increasing the risk of miscarriage. While there is no guarantee that low AMH will cause miscarriage, it is important to be aware of the potential risks. If you are trying to conceive and have been diagnosed with low AMH, speak to your doctor about ways to improve your chances of a successful pregnancy.
References
AMH has no role in predicting oocyte quality in women with advanced age undergoing IVF/ICSI cycles
