Low AMH to get pregnant, acupuncture can help. Research update
Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) is a substance that is produced in small ovarian follicles measuring less than 4 mm. These follicles are so tiny that they cannot be detected through ultrasound imaging. As the follicles grow, the production of AMH decreases and eventually ceases. In fact, follicles larger than 8 mm produce almost no AMH at all. Consequently, the levels of AMH in the blood remain relatively constant. Researchers have utilized the measurement of AMH in the blood as a means to assess the size of the pool of developing follicles in women. This pool size is greatly influenced by the number of remaining non-growing follicles. Hence, AMH levels are believed to reflect the size of the remaining egg supply, commonly referred to as "ovarian reserve."
Due to its consistent levels, the AMH test can be conducted on any day of a woman's menstrual cycle. Women with a limited number of remaining follicles typically exhibit low levels of AMH. As a woman ages, her AMH levels decline. It is important to note that AMH only indicates the quantity of remaining eggs and does not provide information on their quality. Female age is a crucial factor in estimating the probability of conception since it strongly affects egg quality. Low levels of AMH alone do not predict low success rates in in vitro fertilization (IVF) for women under 35. In cases where AMH is low due to age, the quality of the eggs may also be compromised as they accumulate mutations over time. With fewer developing eggs in the ovaries, the likelihood of releasing and fertilizing a mature and healthy egg diminishes. Consequently, the chances of abnormal fertilization and miscarriage increase.
Recent studies have suggested that acupuncture, performed at different stages of the menstrual cycle, could elevate AMH levels and increase the Antral Follicle Count (AFC) in patients with Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI). Acupuncture has been found effective in improving ovarian function by enhancing blood circulation, thereby aiding follicle development and increasing the chances of obtaining high-quality eggs.
References
Yang Fu et al Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2022; 2022: 9053930.
Due to its consistent levels, the AMH test can be conducted on any day of a woman's menstrual cycle. Women with a limited number of remaining follicles typically exhibit low levels of AMH. As a woman ages, her AMH levels decline. It is important to note that AMH only indicates the quantity of remaining eggs and does not provide information on their quality. Female age is a crucial factor in estimating the probability of conception since it strongly affects egg quality. Low levels of AMH alone do not predict low success rates in in vitro fertilization (IVF) for women under 35. In cases where AMH is low due to age, the quality of the eggs may also be compromised as they accumulate mutations over time. With fewer developing eggs in the ovaries, the likelihood of releasing and fertilizing a mature and healthy egg diminishes. Consequently, the chances of abnormal fertilization and miscarriage increase.
Recent studies have suggested that acupuncture, performed at different stages of the menstrual cycle, could elevate AMH levels and increase the Antral Follicle Count (AFC) in patients with Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI). Acupuncture has been found effective in improving ovarian function by enhancing blood circulation, thereby aiding follicle development and increasing the chances of obtaining high-quality eggs.
References
Yang Fu et al Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2022; 2022: 9053930.
