Has anyone had an AMH Test

[TTC First]

I went to the doctor and they are recommending that I have an AMH Test because of my age. They said that it will tell me how many eggs that I have left.

I am confused because I had an ultrasound done after that and they were able to tell me how many eggs I have left.

So why would I need an AMH test (except for the fact that they make money as this is something that is not covered by the government)?

Does anyone know?

 

[Sherley]

Hi, my understanding is an AMH test looks at your ovarian 'reserve'. The number you get corresponds to how many eggs are left and gives a good idea if you could respond to IVF. An ultrasound will just see how many follicles have matured in that particular cycle. Good luck x

 

[TTC First]

I thought that way too so I was shocked that after one doctor recommended that I do the $80 test and they following doctor told me how many eggs I have on the left and right I was confused. I will be going to for the U/S to see the follicles next week.

 

[PDubs10612]

My specialist recommends the test for the same reason Sherley mentioned. I'm in Ontario Canada and it is one of the few diagnostic type fertility tests that arent covered by the government but my specialist finds it important and his practice actually covers the cost of the test (which here it is $300).

My results are in, I should get them on Wednesday

 

[TTC First]

PDubs10612, I am in Ontario too, my doctor wanted to charge $80. But I figure since they already told me how many eggs I have on each side, I don't think that there is any point in getting it.

 

[deemarie1223]

I didnt know they could tell how many total eggs by u/s...wouldn't that be a lot? Plus from what i read on the test, a lot of the eggs are microscopic as they are not yet mature. So I'm curious how they can be seen on an u/s, how many did they say you had, I'm really curious about that!? I just read a huge article on amh tesTing today. I always thought u/s goes with the test but its the actual test that determines the reserve...idk maybe i read something wrong:/

 

[Kirs_t]

Hi there-
I just wanted to chime in I had both my amh tested and the antral follicle count on an u/s.... We had been ttc for a long time with no success, but the u/s showed a good amount of eggs. When my amh came back it indicated a very low reserve and was one of the reasons we could not conceive. I am very glad I had the amh test done so we could move on to ivf and harvest some eggs before it was too late (I'm only 29). I'm sure this is not the case for you.... But I think getting the amh test done is a good idea just so you are aware of exactly how your ovarian reserve is looking and can make decisions with all the knowledge.

 

[PDubs10612]

where in ontario are you?

 

[TTC First]

I wrote down how many eggs he said but I would have to go check it. He was surprised and said that based on my age it was a lot more than he expected.

Kirs_t, thanks for your input. Now you have me wondering if he was right. hmmmm Maybe if I don't get my BFP soon (I just started at the clinic) then I may go ahead with the test.

PDubs10612, I am in Toronto.

 

[PDubs10612]

So I got my test results back and my AMH is 5.7 - Low...low range is 2.2-15.7, so I am on the low end of the low range....so AMH is the hormone and is tested by bloodwork...any testing done by U/S would be a follicle count I believe which is a definite number of specific follicles that are currently in the works of being ready to be fertilized. I really don't understand it all and was in so much shock I couldn't get out the words to get a better explanation of what it all means but he did say that even with a low AMH the QUALITY is what is important and at 29 (myself) quality should still be good but with low AMH I would not be ideal candidate for IVF (not that we could afford it) because it is best to keep the eggs I do have in my body since it is the best incubator and keep on with Metformin and work on my ovulation.

Sorry for the story, just kinda my take/experience as of today

And just an FYI, my FS suspected I have PCOS so he was extra surprised how low my AMH was since most PCOS patients have high AMH, like over 48.5...so if your AMH is super high make sure you get that looked into

 

[PDubs10612]

TTC First, my sister is in Toronto TTC as well...not a lot of luck yet unfortunately

 

[popchick75]

Antral count and ovarian reserve are two totally different things.

While only 1 egg matures and ovulates each month, you will start out your month with many immature follicles. The number of these monthly immature follicles is your antral count. Those immature follicles that don't ovulate on your current cycle don't come back next month and they never mature into an egg that can be fertilized. After you ovulate the mature follicle, all of the other immature follicles basically 'die off.' It doesn't give you any information about your fertility other than than what is going on this particular cycle. Also, a high antral count could also be a red flag for PCOS.

AMH levels will basically give you a reproductive timeline. It will give you an idea of how many eggs/follicles you have left to do something with over your reproductive lifetime before you are in menopause. These 'potential' follicles are microscopic and can't be seen/counted on an ultrasound. The only way to get the true count is by the AMH blood test. AMH is *much* more accurate than the antral count and will give you a snapshot of your overall fertility. If your AMH is low and you are in your 30s, you will know that you need to be aggressive in trying to conceive. If your AMH is high, you know that you still have some time left to try a few different treatments.

Hope this helps

 

[PDubs10612]

Thank you for the great explanation

 

[KatherineA]

Hi all

I just got my AMH result back and it was 5 something, pretty low, I know! However, just over a year ago it was 3.03. My clinic are happy enough to do IVF with my own eggs and said to me today that AMH is by far not the only thing that is taken into consideration when looking at fertility and fertility treatments.

It only gives an idea of the remaining reserve and not the quality and is use more as an indication of how well a woman may respond to IVF.

It is also my understanding that it is possible to get pregnant naturally with low AMH.

 

[PDubs10612]

My AMH IS 5.7

 

[TTC First]

Thanks for that explanation popchick75, it all makes so much more sense. I wish the clinic was that detailed.

PDubs10612 and KatherineA, sorry to hear that you got your numbers back like that. I always try to remember that there are so many treatments out there that almost anything is possible. I am sure that there may be obstacles but we can always work around them to achieve what we want in life. I am sure you can do that too!

PDubs10612, I don't know a lot about IVF and treatments but I do know that IVF is expensive. I am not sure if you know about IUI or if that is an option that would be open to you. I would try IUI before IVF for sure.

 

[29TTC]

Hi there-
I just wanted to chime in I had both my amh tested and the antral follicle count on an u/s.... We had been ttc for a long time with no success, but the u/s showed a good amount of eggs. When my amh came back it indicated a very low reserve and was one of the reasons we could not conceive. I am very glad I had the amh test done so we could move on to ivf and harvest some eggs before it was too late (I'm only 29). I'm sure this is not the case for you.... But I think getting the amh test done is a good idea just so you are aware of exactly how your ovarian reserve is looking and can make decisions with all the knowledge.

Hi Kirst_e,

What has your treatment been since bring diagnosed. I just found out a week ago that I have low reserve as well, I'm also only 29. I've been stressing ever since. I see my FS on 3rd June, I wish it was earlier but that's the best they could do as I have to get other tests done before we go in. I just don't know what's next and I don't like not being in control!

 

[duckduckgoose]

Hi all,

I'm wondering what the units are on your AMH results? I'm having a little trouble interpreting my results....