Fertility Discovery in Your 20s: Importance of AMH Testing in Knowing Your Fertility Score

What is AMH and why is it important?

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Sushrut Moqadam, Consultant Obstetrician at Motherhood Hospital in Kharadi, Pune, shared, “Think of your ovaries as a library of eggs. The AMH produced by these developing eggs (follicles) acts like a librarian, keeping track of the remaining collection. High AMH levels generally indicate a large clutch of eggs, while low levels indicate a low reserve. While AMH naturally decreases with age, some women in their 20s can have surprisingly low levels, which can potentially impact their future fertility.”

Why get AMH tested at the age of 20?

Dr. Sushrut Mokadam suggests knowing your AMH level at the age of 20 as it has several benefits –

1. Empowerment: Understanding your fertility will help you make informed decisions about your future family planning.
2. early intervention: If AMH levels are low, this may highlight the need for further testing or possible proactive measures to support your overall reproductive health.
3. peace of mind: Knowing your AMH baseline can give you peace of mind, especially if you plan to delay having a child.

What can affect AMH levels at age 20?

According to Dr. Sushrut Mokadam, several factors can contribute to low AMH in young women –

1. Diet: A diet rich in processed foods, sugary beverages, and unhealthy fats can disrupt hormonal balance, potentially impacting AMH.
2. implied terms: Certain health problems such as an ovarian cyst, endometriosis, or a history of ovarian surgery can affect AMH production.
3. Genetics: Like other traits, AMH levels can be influenced by your genes.
4. Tension: Chronic stress can wreak havoc on your hormones, including AMH. High levels of stress hormones can suppress AMH production.
5. Autoimmune diseases: These conditions can sometimes affect the ovaries and AMH levels.

Can you improve your AMH levels?

While there is no guaranteed way to directly increase AMH, certain lifestyle changes can support overall hormonal health and potentially improve your fertility. Dr. Sushrut Moqadam suggests a few tips –

1. balanced diet: Nourish your body with a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Include foods rich in antioxidants and vitamin D, like berries, which have been linked to better fertility outcomes. Consider incorporating healthy fats, like avocado, for hormonal balance.
2. Reduce your intake of processed foods: Limit your intake of sweetened beverages, processed foods, and unhealthy fats. These can throw off your hormone balance and potentially lower AMH.
3. Manage stress: Practice stress-reduction techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises. Reducing stress can create a more favorable hormonal environment.
4. regular exercise: Moderate exercise can improve overall health and possibly regulate your menstrual cycle, which can be a positive sign for fertility.
5. consult a doctor: If you are considering getting tested for AMH or are concerned about your fertility, seek professional guidance. Your doctor can assess your individual situation, recommend testing, and discuss possible options if needed. There may be some underlying problems that require medical intervention.

Dr. Sushrut Moqadam concludes, “AMH is just one indicator of fertility. A healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, stress management, and regular exercise can greatly improve your overall health and potentially create a more favorable environment for conception in the future. Do not hesitate to discuss your concerns with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and support on your health journey.”