Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) is a protein produced by the ovaries that serves as a key indicator of a woman’s ovarian reserve. This hormone reflects the quantitative aspect of a woman’s egg supply, providing insight into her reproductive potential. Measuring AMH levels has become standard practice in fertility assessments, helping individuals and healthcare providers understand reproductive health. Many people wonder whether these hormone levels can be improved.
What AMH Levels Indicate
Anti-Müllerian Hormone is produced by granulosa cells, which surround the developing eggs within ovarian follicles. Specifically, AMH is secreted by the granulosa cells of small, growing follicles, including primary to small antral stages. The level of AMH in the blood correlates with the number of these small follicles, estimating the remaining egg supply or ovarian reserve. Higher AMH levels generally suggest a larger number of eggs, while lower levels indicate a reduced ovarian reserve.
AMH levels naturally change throughout a woman’s life. They typically rise during adolescence, peaking around age 25. Following this peak, AMH levels gradually decline as a woman ages, reflecting the natural depletion of the primordial follicle pool. Levels often become undetectable around menopause. Interpreting these natural fluctuations is important for understanding AMH test results and their implications for fertility.
Current Scientific Understanding of AMH Improvement
The scientific consensus largely indicates that Anti-Müllerian Hormone levels, a direct measure of ovarian reserve, cannot be significantly or reliably increased. AMH reflects the existing pool of small, growing follicles within the ovaries, a finite number a woman is born with. This quantity naturally declines over time, and current medical understanding suggests there is no method to create new eggs or expand this inherent follicular pool. Therefore, factors influencing ovarian function are not proven to alter the fundamental quantity of follicles AMH measures.
The notion of “boosting” AMH levels often stems from a misunderstanding of what the hormone represents. AMH is a quantitative marker, indicating the number of eggs remaining, not their quality. Temporary fluctuations in AMH levels do not signify an increase in the actual number of primordial follicles or a reversal of ovarian aging. Small variations within or between menstrual cycles are typically not substantial enough to represent a true increase in ovarian reserve.
Certain conditions, like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), can lead to higher AMH levels. This is due to an increased number of small, undeveloped follicles, not an improvement in overall ovarian reserve or egg quality. Hormonal contraceptives can temporarily lower AMH levels, which may rebound upon discontinuation. This reflects a suppression of ovarian activity rather than a change in the fixed number of follicles. These examples show how AMH levels can fluctuate or appear elevated in specific contexts, yet they do not support increasing a woman’s inherent egg count.
The decline in AMH is an inevitable part of reproductive aging. While some preliminary research has explored the impact of certain supplements on AMH, robust scientific evidence demonstrating a sustained increase in AMH levels that truly augments ovarian reserve is lacking. The focus shifts from increasing the number of eggs to optimizing the health and function of existing ones.
Lifestyle and Wellness for Reproductive Health
While directly increasing Anti-Müllerian Hormone levels is not scientifically supported, various lifestyle practices can support overall reproductive health. These approaches optimize the function of existing ovarian reserve and improve general well-being, indirectly contributing to fertility. A balanced diet provides essential nutrients and antioxidants that can protect ovarian cells and support egg quality. Incorporating foods rich in vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and folate, such as fatty fish, leafy greens, and nuts, can be beneficial.
Stress management supports reproductive health. Chronic stress can impact hormonal balance, potentially affecting ovulation and egg quality. Practices like yoga, meditation, or mindfulness can help reduce stress levels and promote a favorable environment for fertility. Adequate sleep supports overall health and hormonal regulation, contributing to reproductive function.
Regular, moderate exercise is recommended for overall health and can positively influence fertility outcomes. Maintaining a healthy body mass index (BMI) through diet and exercise is beneficial, as both obesity and being underweight can negatively affect ovarian function and egg quality. Avoiding habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption is important, as these can introduce harmful toxins that impair ovarian health and accelerate egg loss.
Regarding supplements and alternative therapies marketed for fertility, approach them with caution. While some studies suggest potential benefits for general ovarian health from supplements like Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), Vitamin D, and DHEA, direct evidence proving they significantly increase AMH levels remains limited. CoQ10 is an antioxidant that may protect ovarian cells, and DHEA is a hormone precursor some research indicates could influence AMH in women with diminished ovarian reserve. Consulting a healthcare provider or fertility specialist before starting any supplement regimen is advisable to ensure it is appropriate and to understand its potential benefits and limitations.