What is AMH?
- AMH or anti-mullerian hormone is a substance produced by granulosa cells in ovarian follicles.
- It is first made in primary follicles that advance from the primordial follicle stage. At these stages follicles are microscopic and can not be seen by ultrasound.
- AMH production is highest in preantral and small antral stages (less than 4mm diameter) of development.
- Production decreases and then stops as follicles grow. There is almost no AMH made in follicles over 8mm.
- Therefore, the levels are fairly constant and the AMH test can be done on any day of a woman's cycle.
Low AMH and Pregnancy
Low AMH is not exactly the cause of infertility but an indicator of state of ovarian reserve. Depleted ovarian reserve leads to problems pertaining to pregnancy and infertility. If the number of eggs or if there are no eggs in ovarian reserve, chances of getting pregnant take a beating. That is why women with low AMH level must seek treatment without any delay. This holds true more for older women (who are over 35 or 40). Among younger women, there have been many cases when women have not faced hassles in getting pregnant despite low AMH level.
Causes of Low AMH
- Hormonal Imbalance
- Age
- Endometriosis
- Genetic factor
- Environmental causes
- Unknown (Idiopathic)
Symptoms of Low AMH
Low AH does not have any overt or explicit symptoms but irregular periods or stopping of periods is something that many women with Low AMH cop. Blood test is the most effective way to assess AMH level.
How to increase AMH level?
Good nutrition does not mean having to give up all the foods you like, just eating more of the right foods and cutting back on the others. Moderation is the key. It’s fine to allow yourself the occasional indulgence so long as you are eating healthily at least 80% of the time. And if food cravings have been a problem for you in the past, you’ll notice that they will disappear because your body is getting all the nutrients it needs from food that is completely satisfying – so you don’t ever feel hungry.
When you are trying for a baby it is essential that you are eating a healthy diet with a balanced intake of protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals. This will not only give your baby a good start in life but will also give you the best chance of conceiving.
The general advice for eating to achieve healthy eggs and sperm is to have a well-balanced diet which includes:
- Plenty of fruit and vegetables a day
- Complex carbohydrates – whole grains like brown rice, oats and wholemeal bread
- Organic foods where possible
- Oily foods such as fish, nuts, seeds and oils
- Avoid trans fats
- Increase your intake of fibre
- More fish and organic eggs than red meat
- Avoid additives, preservatives and chemicals such as artificial sweeteners
- Reduce or avoid sugar, both on its own and hidden in food
- Reduce or eliminate caffeine, e.g. coffee, tea, chocolate, colas and alcohol
- Eliminate processed foods as much as possible.
Some Ayurvedic medicines like Shatavari, Yastimadhu, Ashwagandha, Puspadhanva Ras etc are increasing the quality of eggs.
Medicated oil is poured in the nose early morning or in the evening before sunset. This stimulates the brains cells and maintains hormonal level. Nasyam has great results in normalizing LH, FSH, TSH, AMH levels.
Yoga
These are the Asanas helpful in increasing low AMH levels
- Padahastasana
- Tikonasan
- Bhujangasan
- Gomukhasan
- Matsyasan
- Dhanurasan
- Uthitapadasan
- Janushirshasan
- Paschimottasan