Get to know what the AMH hormone test is

The AMH hormone test is inspection procedure performed to measure AMH levels (anti-mullerian hormone) in the body. In measuring the levels of hormones produced by these reproductive organs, the doctor will take a sample of the patient's blood.

In boys, the AMH hormone produced by the testes from infancy to puberty is quite high, then gradually decreases after puberty. Meanwhile, in women, only a small amount of the AMH hormone is produced by the ovaries from infancy until before puberty. Hormone levels only increase after a woman enters puberty, and will decrease after entering menopause.

AMH Hormone Test Indications

The AMH hormone test is often done for fertilization purposes in vitro (test-tube baby). The AMH hormone test is generally done in a series of IVF processes to see the ovarian reserve of the mother-to-be. Ovarian reserves are tested to determine the likelihood of success of the IVF program that will be undertaken. Through the ovarian reserve test, the quantity and quality of the egg reserves that the mother-to-be has can be accurately estimated. If a mother-to-be has a high ovarian reserve and is of good quality, then the chances of the mother-to-be to undergo IVF program successfully are quite large.

In addition to IVF needs, The AMH hormone test can also be done to estimate a woman's menopause or to diagnose PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). While in children, this procedure can be used to help diagnose ambiguous genitalia.

AMH Hormone Test Alert

In general, there is no condition that prevents a person from having an AMH hormone test at all. Blood sampling performed for the AMH hormone test is a very common procedure and does not have absolute restrictions. However, because this procedure involves taking a blood sample, it is recommended for patients who have a blood clotting disorder or are taking blood thinning drugs, such as warfarin, to inform their doctor before taking the blood.

AMH Hormone Test Preparation

There is no special preparation that the patient should do before undergoing the AMH hormone test. However, specifically for mothers-to-be who undergo the AMH hormone test for IVF purposes, they will undergo this test together with other tests, before the doctor performs the procedure for taking eggs for fertilization. Among them are examination of infectious diseases, examination of the condition of the uterus, semen analysis of the prospective father, and other hormone tests such as FSH and LH. The doctor will explain the entire examination procedure before taking the egg, including the AMH hormone test.

The AMH hormone test is part of the IVF process. Although the AMH hormone test has no special preparation, expectant mothers who will undergo the test can undergo certain preparations depending on the needs of IVF. Preparations that mothers-to-be can undergo before the AMH hormone test such as hormone administration.

AMH Hormone Test Procedure

The AMH hormone test is done by analyzing blood samples taken from patients or expectant mothers. Blood sampling can be done in a clinic or hospital. A blood sample will be taken from a vein in the upper arm using a sterile needle.

Before taking blood, the doctor will first tie the upper arm to slow the flow of blood in the vein. After that, the doctor will clean the skin area where the sample was taken with an antiseptic.

The doctor will then puncture the vein using a needle sampling and install the tube that will be used to store the blood sample. The storage tube contains a special substance that preserves and prevents blood from clotting. Blood will flow automatically from the veins into the storage tube. If it is felt that the collected blood is sufficient for the needs of the AMH hormone test, the doctor will remove the blood sample storage tube and the needle. To prevent infection and bleeding, the doctor will place a sterile bandage at the sampling site.

The blood that has been stored in the tube is then labeled, and sent to a laboratory to be analyzed for the content of the AMH hormone in it.

After AMH Hormone Test

The blood sample that has been taken can take several days to be analyzed until the results can be confirmed. If the results of the AMH hormone test are available, the doctor will inform the patient and arrange a consultation schedule.

In female patients who underwent AMH hormone testing in their productive reproductive age, low AMH hormone levels indicated that the number and quality of eggs they had was quite low. Especially for prospective mothers who will undergo IVF, low AMH hormone can indicate a low success rate of IVF procedures. In addition, the low AMH hormone in productive age can be a sign that the patient's ovaries are not functioning normally. While the decrease in AMH hormone levels in old age, can be a sign that the patient has entered menopause.

Conversely, if the test results show high levels of the hormone AMH, it can be a sign that the chances of a successful IVF procedure are quite good. However, an increase in AMH hormone levels can be a sign of a patient suffering from diabetes polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). To confirm this, the patient will undergo another examination.

Patients with ovarian cancer who are undergoing treatment can also undergo regular AMH hormone tests. AMH hormone test in patients with ovarian cancer can show the effectiveness of cancer treatment that is being undertaken. If the treatment for ovarian cancer is effective enough, there will be a decrease in AMH hormone levels in the patient's blood.

The results of the AMH hormone test will be considered by the doctor to plan the next medical action or treatment. Especially for prospective pregnant women who will undergo IVF, The doctor will plan the stages of fertilization or fertilization according to the condition of the reproductive organs of the prospective mother which is considered from the AMH hormone test. If needed, the mother-to-be will be given fertility hormone therapy to increase the success of the IVF procedure.

AMH Hormone Test Risks

The AMH hormone test is a simple procedure and very safe to undergo. However, because this procedure involves taking a blood sample, the possible risks are:

  • Pain and bruising at the sampling site
  • Bleeding
  • Infection