Skip to main content

Get to Know What the AMH Hormone Test is

AMH hormone test is an examination procedure carried out to measure AMH (anti-mullerian hormone) levels in the body. In measuring the levels of hormones produced by these reproductive organs, the doctor will take a sample of the patient's blood. In men, the AMH hormone produced by the testes from infancy to puberty is quite high, then gradually decreases after puberty. Whereas in women, AMH hormones produced by the ovaries from infancy to before puberty, only a little. New hormone levels increase after women enter puberty, and will decrease after menopause.

Indications for AMH Hormone Test

AMH hormone tests are often performed for the purposes of in vitro fertilization (IVF). AMH hormone tests are generally carried out in a series of IVF processes to see the ovarian reserve of the expectant mother. Ovarian reserves are tested to determine the possibility of the success of the IVF program to be undertaken. Through ovarian reserve tests, the quantity and quality of egg reserves held by expectant mothers can be estimated accurately. If a prospective mother has a high-quality, high-quality ovarian reserve, the chances of a prospective mother to undergo an IVF program with success are quite large. In addition to IVF, AMH hormone tests can also be done to estimate a woman's menopause or to diagnose PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). Whereas in children, this procedure can be used to help diagnose ambiguous genitalia.

AMH Hormone Test Warning

In general, there are no conditions that cause a person to not be able to undergo the AMH hormone test at all. Blood sampling for the AMH hormone test is a very common procedure and does not have an absolute prohibition. However, because this procedure involves taking a blood sample, it is recommended for patients who have blood clotting abnormalities or are taking blood-thinning drugs, such as warfarin, to inform the doctor before taking blood.

Preparation of the AMH Hormone Test

There is no specific preparation that must be done by the patient before undergoing the AMH hormone test. However, specifically for expectant mothers who undergo the AMH hormone test for IVF, they will undergo this test in conjunction with other tests, before the doctor performs the egg-taking procedure for fertilization. Among these are the examination of infectious diseases, examination of uterine conditions, semen analysis from prospective fathers, and other hormone tests such as FSH and LH. The doctor will explain the entire examination procedure before taking the egg, including the AMH hormone test. The AMH hormone test is part of a series of IVF processes. Although the AMH hormone test does not have special preparations, expectant mothers who will undergo the test can undergo certain preparations depending on the needs of IVF. Preparations that prospective mothers can undergo before the AMH hormone test such as hormone administration.

AMH Hormone Test Procedure

The AMH hormone test is done by analyzing blood samples taken from patients or expectant mothers. Blood sampling can be done in a clinic or hospital. Blood samples will be taken from veins in the upper arm using a sterile needle. Before making a blood draw, the doctor will first bind the upper arm to slow blood flow in the veins. After that, the doctor will clean the area of ​​the skin where the sample was taken with an antiseptic. The doctor will then puncture the veins using a sampling needle and install a tube that will be used to store blood samples. Storage tubes contain special substances that preserve and prevent blood clots. Blood will flow by itself from the veins into the storage tube. If it is felt that the collected blood is sufficient for the needs of the AMH hormone test, the doctor will pull out the storage tube of the blood sample and the needle. To avoid infection and bleeding, the doctor will put a sterile bandage on the sampling location. The blood that has been stored in a tube is then labeled, and sent to a laboratory to be analyzed for the content of the AMH hormone in it.

After the AMH Hormone Test

Blood samples that have been taken take several days to be analyzed until the results can be confirmed. If the results of the AMH hormone test already exist, the doctor will notify the patient of this and arrange a consultation schedule. In female patients who undergo AMH hormone testing at productive reproductive age, the AMH hormone content is low, indicating the number and quality of eggs they have is quite low. Especially for expectant mothers who will undergo IVF, the low AMH hormone can indicate the low success rate of IVF procedures. In addition, the low AMH hormone in productive age, can be a sign that the patient's ovaries are not functioning normally. While a decrease in AMH hormone levels in old age, can be a sign that the patient has entered menopause. Conversely, if the test results show high levels of the AMH hormone, it can be a sign that the chances of a successful IVF procedure are quite good. However, an increase in AMH hormone levels can be a sign of patients suffering from polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). To ensure this, the patient will undergo another examination. In patients with ovarian cancer who are undergoing treatment, they can also undergo AMH hormone testing periodically. AMH hormone tests in patients with ovarian cancer can show the effectiveness of cancer treatment that is being undertaken. If ovarian cancer treatment is effective enough, there will be a decrease in AMH hormone levels in the patient's blood. The results of the AMH hormone test will be considered by doctors to plan for further medical treatment or treatment. Especially for expectant mothers who will undergo IVF, the doctor will plan the stages of fertilization or fertilization according to the condition of the reproductive organs of the prospective mother who is considered from the AMH hormone test. If needed, expectant mothers will be given fertility hormone therapy to increase the success of IVF procedures.

Risk of AMH Hormone Test

The AMH hormone test is a simple and very safe procedure to undergo. However, because this procedure involves blood sampling, the possible risks are:
  • Pain and bruising at the sampling location
  • Bleeding
  • Infection

Comments