37 year old Maria is one of my patient. She asked me some question: my recent blood test showed my AMH is only 0.8 ng/ml, and I am very worried: Do I have low ovarian reserve? or Premature Ovarian Failure? Can I still get pregnant with low AMH? Is there any natural ways such as Chinese medicine acupuncture to help reverse AMH? Here are my answers:
What is AMH?
Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is an important marker used to assess a woman’s ovarian reserve, which refers to the quantity and quality of a woman’s eggs. In the information you provided, your AMH level is 0.8 ng/ml, which is indeed a relatively low value. The normal range for AMH typically falls between 2 to 6.8 ng/ml, although there can be some variation in the normal values used by different hospitals. However, generally speaking, an AMH value of 0.8 ng/ml can be considered relatively low.
Am I Have Low Ovarian Reserve or Premature Ovarian Failure (POF)?
Premature Ovarian Failure (POF) refers to a condition where the ovaries begin to decrease egg production at an earlier age than normal, potentially leading to irregular or absent menstrual periods and reduced fertility. Your AMH level indicate a diminished ovarian reserve. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have entered Premature Ovarian Failure or cannot conceive.
POF Diagnosis
AMH is a reference marker, but it cannot definitively diagnose POF on its own, as it is influenced by other factors such as age, menstrual history, FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) levels, among others. A comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare provider is required for a final diagnosis. You can consult a gynaecologist or a fertility specialist who can provide you with a more detailed assessment and advice.
Can I Reverse Low AMH? or Can I Still Get Pregnant with Low AMH?
Currently, there are no medications or treatments proven to significantly increase AMH levels. AMH levels primarily reflect the number of remaining eggs in the ovaries, which cannot be replenished. Maria should focus on maintaining her overall health and well-being rather than trying to reverse AMH levels.
However, it’s still possible to get pregnant with a low AMH level. While a diminished ovarian reserve can affect fertility, it doesn’t rule out pregnancy entirely. Women with low AMH can still conceive naturally, although the chances may be reduced. It’s essential for you to monitor your cycle, optimise your lifestyle, and seek professional advice to enhance your chances of conception.
Ways To Increase AMH
There are currently no specific medications that can significantly raise AMH levels. However, some lifestyle and dietary changes may help promote ovarian health and reserve function. These include:
- Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle: This includes moderate exercise, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption.
- Balanced Nutrition: Ensuring an adequate intake of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can be achieved by adopting a healthy diet pattern like the Mediterranean diet.
- Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight range, as both being overweight and underweight can have adverse effects on ovarian function.
- Stress Management: Prolonged exposure to high levels of stress can impact the reproductive system. Therefore, seeking stress management methods may help maintain ovarian health.
Can Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Natural Methods Help?
Some individuals turn to Chinese medicine and acupuncture to support natural conceiving and IVF. While these approaches may help with overall health and stress reduction, their effectiveness in significantly increasing AMH is not well-documented in scientific literature. It’s essential to approach these treatments with realistic expectations and as complementary to conventional medical advice.
Most importantly, if you are concerned about your fertility, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional early on to receive personalised advice and assessment. They can provide you with more information based on your specific situation and discuss potential fertility options, such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF), if necessary.
Chinese Medicine Acupuncture Melbourne
Almond Wellness Centre located in Coburg and Ringwood in Melbourne, is a multidisciplinary clinic dedicated to promoting wellness.
From preconception preparation to pregnancy support, we provide continuous acupuncture care designed to support you at every stage. Whether you’re searching for unexplained infertility, fertility acupuncture in Melbourne, or support near your IVF clinic, our spaces are calm, private, and supportive.
As each person is different, if you or someone you care about is experiencing fertility and/or period related issues and would like to explore the potential benefits of Chinese medicine acupuncture, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our fully qualified registered acupuncture Chinese medicine practitioners in both Coburg clinic and Ringwood clinic are here to provide information and assistance.