AMH and PCOS: What’s the Connection?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders. Despite this, it’s hard to diagnose, as symptoms of PCOS – such as heavy or irregular periods, acne, excessive hair growth, and weight gain – are often just as easily connected to other conditions. 

We picked up with Innovative Health Diagnostics CEO David White, whose lab and team offer quality, state-of-the-art testing options, to get a better understanding of the Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH). And digging deeper, how its levels within the body can shed light on potential PCOS symptoms and help indicate whether or not a woman has this common cause of infertility.

Read on to learn more about AMH and PCOS, including why the two are connected and how an at-home Anti-Mullerian Hormone test can give you the answers you’re looking for.

Words by Innovative Health Diagnostics

What is Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH)?

AMH is a hormone produced in the blood, and plays a key role in determining and developing the sex of your baby in the womb. This hormone exists in both men and women. It’s particularly beneficial in women however, because as well as its importance in fetus development, it can also serve as an indicator of fertility.

According to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the peak childbearing years are between the late teens and late 20s. And, by the time women enter their 30s, fertility can begin to decline. During those childbearing years, women can see a turnover of thousands of eggs. And, with age, those numbers start to drop. Testing AMH levels can provide insight into how many egg cells are left, no matter where a woman is on her fertility journey.

What causes low Anti-Mullerian Hormone levels?

One cause for low AMH levels is fewer or declining follicles in the ovaries. This is typically connected to a woman’s age, but endometriosis, cancer treatments, pollution, smoking, and auto-immune diseases can also lead to low AMH levels. Lower AMH levels don’t necessarily show infertility, but they can highlight that egg count is on the decline and the body might be tapping into its reserves.

AMH and PCOS

One of the biggest causes of high Anti-Mullerian Hormone levels in women is PCOS. Research shows that for women of childbearing age, those with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome tend to have higher levels of AMH. The reason for this is most likely caused by enlarged follicles due to the PCOS condition, so testing AMH levels at home can also reveal the potential for a PCOS condition in addition to fertility.

Studies show AMH levels of 8.16 ng/ml for women 20-29 years old and 5.89 ng/ml for women 30-39 years old might indicate PCOS. However, some experts believe an AMH level of 6.8 ng/ml or higher at any age is cause for concern. Scientists consider AMH tests to be one of the most crucial tools in diagnosing PCOS.

With that said, women with high levels of AMH and PCOS are commonly very fertile, according to research.

At-home Anti-Mullerian Hormone tests

Testing AMH levels typically requires a blood test taken in-office by a practitioner. However, testing at home – and getting accurate results – is a more accessible way to find out your levels and how that might impact fertility or indicate PCOS. At-home AMH test kits test the blood through a finger prick to determine where levels are at.

Learning more about AMH levels through an at-home test can help monitor fertility levels and potential for PCOS as well as predict the start of menopause. Test results can also help professionals learn more about the cause of early menopause or the reason for amenorrhea (lack of menstruation). 

The Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) at Home WHATMAN from Innovative Health Diagnostics is a $99 at-home Anti-mullerian Hormone test kit that requires a simple finger prick. It notes AMH levels, PCOS, and evaluates ovarian cancer treatment effectiveness. 

When to take an AMH test

Anti-Mullerian Hormone levels don’t change during your menstrual cycle, so there’s no need to take a test on a particular day. Instead, you can take a blood sample at home through a finger prick at any time of the month. The AMH test is effective even when using oral contraceptives or with an intrauterine device (IUD)*. 

Whether you suspect PCOS, want to know more about your fertility, or are looking for answers to early menopause or lack of menstruation, an at-home AMH test is an excellent first step in gaining better insight.

*Note, some physicians might recommend taking a three-month break from oral contraceptives before testing, and it’s important to discuss with a doctor before testing at home.

Ready to test? Use code IHDFHH at checkout for a 10% discount on an Anti-Mullerian (AMH) at Home WHATMAN test kit from Innovative Health Diagnostics.