AMH Mullerian Inhibiting Substance

The anti-mullerian hormone automated blood test is used to evaluate the functioning of ovaries and to check the fertility. This test is also used to detect the polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

What is antimullerian hormone?

Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) is produced by reproductive tissues, ovaries in females and testis in the males. Anti-Mullerian hormone is produced in the early stages of the development of a male fetus, which helps the development of the male reproductive system. In boys until puberty, the Anti-Mullerian hormone remains high. Low levels of Anti-Mullerian hormone is produced in girls, and it helps in the development of female reproductive organs. The levels of Anti-Mullerian hormone remain low in young girls until puberty.

Anti-Mullerian hormone plays a vital role in women during the childbearing stage. This hormone helps in balancing the effect on follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) during the ovulation process where the maturation of egg takes place. High levels of the Anti-Mullerian hormone associated with the polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Polycystic ovary syndrome is a condition in which the normal functions of ovaries are affected.

When is this test recommended?

This test may be recommended to you if experience symptoms like irregular menstrual periods or absence of menstrual periods (amenorrhea), decrease in the size of breasts, skin tags in the neck or armpits, acne, excess hair especially on the face, chin, neck; weight gain, and/or abnormal uterine bleeding, etc. This test may also be recommended to you if you are already diagnosed with PCOS or to check the effectiveness of the treatment. This may also be recommended to assess the functioning of ovaries, problems with fertility, especially when undergoing procedures such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). If you are in the middle age and suspected of menopause, your doctor may ask you to undergo this test. In infants, this test is preferred if there is a condition called as ambiguous genitalia (where we are unable to differentiate the reproductive organs as male or female). This test also helps to diagnose ovarian cancer or to check the effectiveness of ovarian cancer treatment.

If you are in childbearing age and your test results are lower than the reference range, it may indicate improper functioning of ovaries, premature ovarian failure, a low number of eggs, or low quality of eggs. If you are on IVF treatment and the Anti-mullerian hormone blood levels are less, then it may be due to less responsiveness of the treatment. Low levels of Anti-mullerian hormone also indicates that the ovarian cancer treatment is working. The significant decrease in Anti-mullerian hormone may indicate the onset of menopause.

If your test results show high levels of the Anti-mullerian hormone, it may indicate PCOS, ovarian cancer, or recurrence of cancer, etc.

In male infants, if the test results are low then it may indicate a problem regarding Anti-mullerian hormone gene on chromosome 19. This results in dysfunction of testicles, ambiguous genitalia (where we are unable to differentiate the reproductive organs as male or female), or abnormal internal reproductive structures.

If you receive abnormal test results, consult your doctor immediately. Your doctor may recommend further tests and treatments based on your test results.