Female Hormonal Changes and Their Impact on Health

As women age, various phenomena such as facial skin laxity and dullness may emerge, especially during menopause, where symptoms like irritability, insomnia, depression, and anxiety can also manifest. The root cause of these symptoms lies in ovarian aging. Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) is a glycoprotein secreted by the ovaries and is primarily used to assess ovarian reserve function.

What is Anti-Mullerian Hormone?

Anti-Mullerian Hormone, also known as AMH, is a glycoprotein secreted by the granulosa cells of preantral and small antral follicles in the ovaries. Currently, AMH is mainly used to evaluate ovarian reserve function in women. A higher level of AMH often indicates a greater number of small follicles in the ovaries, suggesting better ovarian reserve function. For instance, patients with polycystic ovary syndrome often have a higher number of small follicles and consequently, higher AMH levels. In older patients, ovarian reserve function declines, resulting in decreased AMH levels, indicating a reduction in the number of small follicles and preantral follicles within the ovaries. AMH also plays a role in indicating ovarian premature senescence.

What Causes High Anti-Mullerian Hormone Levels?

AMH, also known as Anti-Mullerian Hormone, is secreted by the granulosa cells of preantral follicles and small antral follicles in the ovaries. Serum AMH levels are not affected by pituitary gonadotropins and remain relatively stable throughout the menstrual cycle. AMH primarily reflects ovarian reserve function and can predict it earlier and more accurately compared to other indicators. Elevated AMH levels are typically observed in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and ovarian granulosa cell tumors. In IVF treatment, AMH can predict the tendency for ovarian hyperstimulation in patients with high ovarian reserve, enabling the formulation of individualized treatment plans that are crucial in preventing ovarian hyperstimulation.

What Should I Do if My Anti-Mullerian Hormone Level is Low?

Anti-Mullerian Hormone reflects the ovarian reserve function. A normal range is typically between 2-7ng/ml. A level below 2ng/ml indicates ovarian premature senescence, which can manifest as menstrual irregularity, reduced menstrual flow, and amenorrhea. For patients with fertility goals, this can lead to infertility. In such cases, ovulation induction is often employed to achieve pregnancy. If the Anti-Mullerian Hormone level exceeds 7ng/ml, it may suggest polycystic ovary syndrome, which can also manifest as amenorrhea, infrequent menstruation, reduced menstrual flow, infertility, and obesity. In these cases, ovulation induction is also recommended for pregnancy. For patients in the perimenopausal stage, a low Anti-Mullerian Hormone level indicates ovarian decline, which is considered normal at this stage and does not require treatment. It is advisable to let nature take its course.