How to Increase AMH Levels in Females: Causes and Remedies
When it comes to conceiving, women face certain challenges due to various reasons. The level of AMH being one of them. This article speaks about the importance of the AMH levels, causes and impact of low AMH as well as ways to increase it.
What is Anti-mullerian hormone (AMH)?
Anti-mullerian hormone is a hormone that is present in both male and female babies. This hormone is involved in developing the sex organ of the fetus when in the womb.
Anti-mullerian hormone is present in high amounts in males and less in female babies. The cells inside the follicle of the woman produce this hormone.
Therefore, the level of AMH in a female corresponds to the number of eggs in the ovarian reserve such that higher AMH levels represent higher ovarian reserve whereas lower AMH levels represent lower ovarian reserve.
AMH levels vary with respect to age. At the age of up to 25 the levels are high after which they start to decline. On an average the AMH level lies between 1.0 ng/mL to 3.0 ng/mL.
Anything under 1.0 ng/mL is considered low and below 0.4 ng/mL. as severely low. A higher level of 3.5ng/mL may indicate the presence of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
What Happens if AMH levels are Low?
Lower levels of Anti-mullerian hormone may indicate various things depending on an individual’s health and fertility such as
- Fertility: If a woman is healthy and trying to get, low AMH levels indicate a reduced ovarian reserve, which means the supply of eggs is shrinking. This suggests that the time to conceive may be shorter, especially as the woman ages.
- Menopause: Women who are nearing menopause and having low AMH levels are indicated that they are getting nearer to the phase although the test cannot predict the exact timing. Low AMH levels may also indicate primary ovarian insufficiency, a condition where the ovaries stop functioning earlier than they were expected to.
- Ovarian Cancer: If a person is undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer, a low level of AMH indicates that the treatment is working.
- IVF: In many cases, the level of AMH can be used to see how well a woman is responding to fertility drugs that are given to stimulate the ovaries to mature multiple eggs which is necessary for IVF
How to Check AMH Levels?
AMH levels are checked by doing a blood test. The doctor draws in blood from the veins of the person and later the blood is processed to detect the level of the hormone.
There are even kits available which require a drop of blood from the finger to find out the levels of AMH. But it is better to consult a doctor as well.
How to Increase AMH Levels?
Anti-mullerian hormone is an important hormone in females. Having a very low levels of this hormone can affect the woman in conceiving. There are various ways to increase this such as
Lifestyle Changes:
- Staying Active: Regular exercise will improve overall health by regulating hormones and enhancing fertility.
- Healthy Weight: Keeping a healthy weight can help in regulating the AMH levels.
- Alcohol: Alcohol has various negative implications on the overall health of a person and it affects the level of AMH as well.
- Smoking: Similar to alcohol, smoking reduces AMH levels and negatively impacts ovarian health.
- Sleep: Having adequate amounts of quality sleep helps in hormone regulation, including AMH.
- Stress: Chronic stress has a bad impact on hormone balance. Stress can be managed by practicing yoga or meditations.
- Caffeine: Keeping caffeine consumption low or in check is better as high caffeine intake can affect fertility.
Nutrition:
- Balanced Diet: Consuming food that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can support reproductive health.
- Hydration: Human body is made up to 70% with water. Proper hydration is very much essential for overall health, including fertility.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These are said to improve fertility and higher AMH levels.
- Leafy Green Vegetables and Berries: Since they are rich in antioxidants, they can help with reproductive health.
- Refined Carbs and Processed Foods: These food items are said to cause hormone imbalances as well affect fertility.
- Lean Protein: Lean proteins can help balance hormones and improve AMH levels.
- Dairy: There are certain studies according to which dairy negatively impacts the AMH levels. However, it is advised to speak to a doctor before cutting back on dairy.
Supplements:
- DHEA Supplements: DHEA is said to improve AMH levels.
- Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): It is an antioxidant which is said to improve egg quality and AMH levels.
- Vitamin D: Having optimum levels of Vitamin D in the body can help maintain AMH levels.
- Folic Acid: Folic acid is a very important compound to the body. It is said to support overall fertility and good AMH levels.
- Herbal Supplements: There are some supplements which are herb based such as, Maca root and Ashwagandha. These supplements have been said to improve the levels of AMH.
Before taking any supplement it is advised to consult a doctor.
Environmental Factors:
- Endocrine Disruptors: Chemicals that are found in plastics, cosmetics, and pesticides can affect the hormone balance. It is advised to limit these.
- Organic and Natural Products: Getting organic food and personal care products can be a good alternative to the above chemicals.
- Synthetic Fragrances: Perfumes and synthetic fragrances contain harmful chemicals which could lower AMH levels.
Additional Factors:
- Acupuncture: Acupuncture is said to improve blood circulation which promotes ovarian health and thereby increases the levels of AMH.
- Yoga: Yoga has proven to reduce stress which in turn improves overall hormonal balance.
Apart from all of these above-mentioned things, it is always advised to consult a fertility expert as each and every person is different and in certain cases, there might be other underlying conditions which may have gone unnoticed.
It is recommended to have regular check-ups to ensure that everything is normal and if there are any issues, it can be detected at an early stage which increases the chances of success.
How to Increase AMH Levels Naturally in Females?
As Anti-mullerian hormone plays a crucial role in helping women conceive, it is advised to keep these levels in the normal range. Any person suffering from low levels of AMH can follow simple adaptations to get the hormone level back to normal.
Consuming a diet rich in omega-3-fatty acids, plant-based proteins, antioxidants and dietary fibre will help in regulating the levels of AMH. Moving as much as possible whether hitting the gym or going for a morning walk or jog will help to improve the blood circulation to the ovary whose follicles contain AMH.
Avoiding factors which negatively impact on overall health starting from alcohol to stress and other environmental triggers will help in keeping the AMH levels in check.
If the AMH levels still remain low in spite of trying these natural methods, people can always consult a doctor who may suggest some supplements and in other cases options which help people with low AMH levels to conceive such as IVF,IUI or egg donations.
References
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