Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) is a protein hormone produced by the granulosa cells surrounding the small, developing follicles in the ovaries. Measuring the concentration of AMH in the blood provides an estimate of the ovarian reserve, which is the remaining quantity of eggs a woman has. Since a woman is born with all the eggs she will ever have, and the number steadily declines over time, a low AMH level is a concern for individuals attempting to conceive. While the fixed nature of egg quantity means a substantial, permanent increase in AMH is generally considered biologically impossible, certain factors can suppress the measured level, and specific interventions can support the health of the existing ovarian environment.
Understanding AMH Fluctuation and Measurement
The core biological reality is that AMH reflects the fixed pool of non-growing follicles, and this pool cannot be regenerated in a sustained way. However, a single AMH measurement can be artificially suppressed by external factors. For instance, the use of hormonal contraceptives, such as the birth control pill, can temporarily lower AMH readings by an average of 30%.
Removing these suppressive elements may lead to a subsequent rise in the measured AMH, which is often misinterpreted as a true biological gain in egg quantity. Beyond hormonal influences, AMH levels can exhibit a significant natural fluctuation, with inter-cycle variability sometimes reaching over 40%. Furthermore, laboratory variability exists, with differences observed between testing kits and even the position of the sample on the assay microplate affecting the result. These factors mean a low reading should prompt a re-test, as the number may simply reflect a temporary artifact.
Lifestyle Factors Supporting Ovarian Health
While the total number of eggs remains largely set, lifestyle modifications can optimize the environment for the remaining follicles. Chronic, unmanaged stress is known to elevate cortisol, which can negatively impact the reproductive hormonal axis. Implementing practices like mindfulness or deep breathing can help mitigate the disruptive effects of prolonged stress on ovarian function.
Maintaining a healthy body mass index (BMI) is also beneficial. Extreme weight fluctuations, both high and low, are associated with altered hormone balance and potentially reduced ovarian function. Avoiding known ovarian toxins is another direct action to protect existing reserve. Smoking, for example, is strongly linked to lower AMH levels and reduced egg quality. Adequate, restorative sleep also plays a role in balancing reproductive hormones, supporting the overall health of the ovarian environment.
Targeted Nutritional and Supplement Approaches
Targeted nutritional supplementation is an actively researched area for supporting ovarian function, even if it does not create new eggs. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), often taken in its active form, ubiquinol, is a powerful antioxidant that primarily works to improve the energy production within the egg cell’s mitochondria. Although its main function is to support egg quality, a systematic review suggested that a combination of nutritional supplements including CoQ10 can contribute to a statistically significant, albeit modest, rise in AMH levels.
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is another supplement used in some fertility clinics for women with diminished ovarian reserve. DHEA is converted by the body into androgens, which are thought to promote the growth of small follicles and enhance the ovaries’ response to stimulation. This hormone should only be taken under the guidance of a physician due to potential side effects and the need for precise dosing. Correcting a Vitamin D deficiency is also a common recommendation, as the AMH gene promoter contains a Vitamin D response element, suggesting a direct link between Vitamin D status and AMH signaling.
The Medical Reality of AMH Increase
The scientific consensus remains that sustained, significant elevation of the AMH level, reflecting an increase in the number of eggs, is not reliably achievable through current non-experimental means. The focus for individuals with low AMH should therefore shift from increasing the quantity of eggs to maximizing the quality of the remaining ones. This focus on egg quality is why lifestyle changes and certain supplements are recommended, as they create a better microenvironment for the egg to mature successfully.
For those navigating low AMH, consultation with a reproductive endocrinologist is the definitive next step. Fertility treatments like In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) are adapted for low AMH patients, often using mild stimulation protocols to prioritize the retrieval of the highest quality egg, rather than a large number. While highly experimental procedures like ovarian rejuvenation—which involves injecting platelet-rich plasma (PRP) into the ovary—are being studied, they are not yet standard clinical practice and require further investigation to confirm their efficacy and safety.