Fertility Treatments for Women with Low AMH and Regular Periods

Understanding Low AMH

Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) is produced by the small follicles in a woman’s ovaries and serves as a marker of ovarian reserve, which indicates the number of eggs a woman has remaining. Low AMH levels often suggest a reduced egg supply, which can make conception more challenging. However, it’s essential to understand that low AMH doesn’t necessarily equate to infertility, especially for women who continue to have regular periods, which is a positive sign of ongoing ovulation.

Symptoms of Low AMH

Low AMH levels typically do not present specific symptoms and are usually detected through a blood test. However, some signs that might be indirectly associated with low ovarian reserve include:

1. Irregular menstrual cycles (though women with regular periods and low AMH still ovulate).

2. Difficulty in conceiving after trying for several months.

3. A history of early menopause in the family may indicate a genetic predisposition to low AMH.

4. Shorter menstrual cycles than usual.

Causes of Low AMH

Several factors can contribute to low AMH levels, including:

1. Age: AMH levels naturally decline as a woman ages, with a significant drop after the age of 35.

2. Genetic Factors: Some women have a naturally lower ovarian reserve due to their genetic makeup.

3. Previous Ovarian Surgery: Surgical procedures on the ovaries can reduce the number of follicles, leading to lower AMH.

4. Endometriosis: This condition can affect ovarian function and reduce AMH levels.

5. Chemotherapy or Radiation Therapy: These treatments can damage the ovaries and reduce the number of viable eggs.

6. Autoimmune Disorders: Certain autoimmune conditions can impact ovarian function, leading to lower AMH levels.

Exploring Fertility Treatment Options

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

IVF remains one of the most effective fertility treatments for women with low AMH. The process involves stimulating the ovaries with fertility medications to produce as many eggs as possible, retrieving them, fertilizing them with sperm in a lab, and then transferring the best embryos to the uterus. The controlled environment and precise nature of IVF make it a preferred option for women with low ovarian reserves.

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

IUI involves placing sperm directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation. For women with regular cycles, this method can be timed precisely to coincide with natural ovulation, enhancing the chances of fertilization. While IUI may be less effective than IVF for women with low AMH, it remains a less invasive and more affordable option that can be worth considering.

Natural Conception Methods

For some women, natural conception is still possible despite low AMH. This method involves carefully tracking ovulation through basal body temperature, ovulation predictor kits, or cervical mucus monitoring. Regular intercourse during the fertile window can increase the likelihood of conception. Additionally, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, managing stress, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can support natural fertility.

Egg Freezing

Egg freezing is an option for women who are not ready to conceive immediately but want to preserve their fertility. By freezing eggs when your ovarian reserve is still sufficient, you can use these eggs in the future when you are ready to start a family. This can be particularly beneficial for women with low AMH who want to delay pregnancy for personal or medical reasons.

Donor Eggs

For women with significantly low AMH, using donor eggs might be the most effective option. This process involves fertilizing donor eggs with your partner’s or donor’s sperm and then implanting the resulting embryos into your uterus. Donor eggs typically come from younger women with high AMH levels, increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy.

Treatment and Management of Low AMH

1. Hormonal Therapy

Certain hormone therapies, such as DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) or CoQ10 supplements, are sometimes used to improve ovarian function and increase egg quality in women with low AMH. While these treatments may not increase AMH levels, they can help improve the chances of success with fertility treatments like IVF.

2. Lifestyle Modifications

Lifestyle changes can play a crucial role in managing low AMH. Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, regular exercise, and stress reduction techniques like yoga and meditation can positively impact fertility. Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol and caffeine intake are also essential.

3. Regular Monitoring

For women with low AMH, regular monitoring of ovarian function and AMH levels is important. This allows your fertility specialist to tailor your treatment plan based on your individual response to treatment and any changes in your ovarian reserve.

4. Ovarian Reserve Testing

In addition to AMH testing, other tests like antral follicle count (AFC) through ultrasound or follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels may be conducted to provide a more comprehensive picture of your ovarian reserve. These tests can help in determining the most suitable treatment approach.

Can You Get Pregnant with Low AMH and Regular Periods?

One of the most common questions women with low AMH levels have is whether they can still conceive naturally or with assistance. The good news is that while low AMH indicates a reduced ovarian reserve, it does not eliminate the possibility of pregnancy, especially if you have regular menstrual cycles.

The Role of Regular Periods

Having regular periods is a positive sign that your body is still ovulating consistently. Ovulation is the process where an egg is released from the ovary, making it available for fertilization. Even with low AMH, if you are ovulating regularly, your chances of getting pregnant naturally or with the help of fertility treatments remain viable.

Factors Affecting Pregnancy with Low AMH

• Egg Quality vs. Quantity: Low AMH levels often indicate fewer eggs remaining in the ovaries, but they do not directly reflect the quality of those eggs. For many women, the eggs that are still available may be of good quality, which is crucial for successful conception and pregnancy.

• Age: Age plays a significant role in fertility. Women under the age of 35 with low AMH may still have a reasonable chance of conceiving, as egg quality typically remains better in younger women. As women age, both the quantity and quality of eggs tend to decline, making conception more challenging.

• Other Fertility Factors: While AMH is an important marker, other factors such as sperm quality, tubal health, and the uterine environment also play essential roles in achieving a successful pregnancy. Regular ovulation and healthy reproductive organs can improve the likelihood of conception, even with low AMH.

• Response to Fertility Treatments: Women with low AMH may have a diminished response to ovarian stimulation during fertility treatments like IVF, resulting in fewer eggs being retrieved. However, with personalized treatment plans and advanced reproductive technologies, many women with low AMH can still achieve pregnancy.

Conclusion

While low AMH can be concerning, especially when planning to start or grow a family, it does not necessarily prevent pregnancy. The presence of regular menstrual cycles indicates that your body is still ovulating, which is a crucial factor in conception. By exploring fertility treatment options tailored to your specific situation, you can increase your chances of achieving a successful pregnancy.

At Shukan Hospital and IVF Centre, our dedicated team is here to support you on your fertility journey. We offer personalized care and the latest fertility treatments to help you overcome the challenges of low AMH and reach your goal of parenthood.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can assist you in achieving a healthy pregnancy.

Author Bio

Dr. Ajay Prajapati

He is a highly respected specialist in the fields of infertility, IVF, and fetal medicine. With over a decade of hands-on experience, he has successfully treated numerous patients facing complex fertility and pregnancy-related challenges. His expertise in advanced laparoscopy has made him a trusted name for minimally invasive surgeries, providing patients with cutting-edge treatments and compassionate care.

As a FOGSI-certified sonologist, he ensures accurate and detailed assessments during pregnancies, particularly in high-risk cases. His commitment to excellence is reflected in the numerous successful outcomes and the trust he has earned from patients across Gujarat and beyond.