Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) is a common measure used in fertility assessments, providing insight into a woman’s ovarian reserve. This hormone is produced by the granulosa cells surrounding the small follicles within the ovaries. Measuring AMH via a blood test offers reproductive specialists a proxy for the remaining pool of eggs, which helps inform family planning decisions. Since significantly increasing the overall number of follicles is biologically complex, the goal shifts to optimizing the health of the remaining reserve and stabilizing the natural rate of decline.
Understanding AMH and Ovarian Reserve
AMH levels serve as an indicator of the quantity of eggs remaining, reflecting the size of the pool of growing follicles. The number of follicles a woman possesses is finite, established before birth, and this reserve naturally diminishes over time. This depletion of the follicular pool is the reason AMH levels decline with age, typically following a logarithmic pattern.
The decline in AMH is a biological reality tied to chronological aging; it cannot be reversed to restore the number of eggs present in youth. A low AMH result indicates a diminished ovarian reserve, but it does not fully predict the quality of the remaining eggs or the likelihood of natural conception. Interventions are generally aimed at slowing the rate of depletion, improving the quality of the eggs recruited for ovulation, and maximizing the function of the current ovarian environment.
Optimizing Ovarian Health Through Diet and Key Supplements
Nutritional strategies focus on creating an optimal cellular environment for the developing follicles, primarily by reducing oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is a cellular imbalance that can damage the DNA within the egg, impacting its quality. Adopting an anti-inflammatory eating pattern, such as a Mediterranean style diet rich in fiber, vegetable protein, and healthy fats, supports overall ovarian function.
Specific micronutrients and compounds are often used to target the metabolic needs of the egg. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), an antioxidant, is concentrated in the mitochondria, the energy-producing centers of the cell. Since eggs require substantial energy for division and maturation, supplementing with CoQ10, often around 600 milligrams per day, may support mitochondrial function and potentially improve egg and embryo quality.
Vitamin D deficiency has been correlated with lower AMH levels, suggesting a link between adequate stores and ovarian reserve. For women with low ovarian reserve, some studies show that high-dose Vitamin D supplementation, such as 50,000 international units taken weekly for three months, can lead to a significant increase in AMH levels. Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) also reduce systemic inflammation and are incorporated into cell membranes, supporting the structural integrity of the egg cell.
The Impact of Lifestyle Factors on AMH Stabilization
Factors beyond diet, particularly chronic stress, can disrupt the delicate hormonal balance necessary for ovarian function. Prolonged psychological stress elevates cortisol, which can negatively influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, potentially contributing to a faster decline in ovarian reserve. Implementing consistent stress-reduction techniques helps to mitigate this negative hormonal cascade.
Sleep hygiene is crucial, as the body’s natural production of melatonin, a potent antioxidant, occurs primarily during deep sleep. Melatonin is found in the follicular fluid surrounding the egg and is positively correlated with AMH levels and improved egg quality. Ensuring seven to nine hours of quality, uninterrupted sleep supports this natural protection against follicular damage.
Maintaining a balanced exercise routine is beneficial, but intensity requires careful consideration. While moderate-intensity activity may be associated with higher AMH levels, chronic, high-intensity endurance training or excessive strength training may negatively affect ovarian hormone balance. Intense training can lead to hormonal disruption, potentially lowering AMH and increasing Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH).
Limiting exposure to environmental toxins is another important step in ovarian support. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), such as Bisphenol A (BPA) and certain phthalates, can interfere with hormone signaling pathways. Exposure to these compounds is linked to a reduction in functional follicles and an increased rate of atresia, accelerating the depletion of the ovarian reserve.
Clinical and Emerging Strategies for Ovarian Support
Certain hormonal supplements require medical guidance due to their systemic effects. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone precursor that has been shown in some studies to increase AMH levels and improve egg quality in women with diminished ovarian reserve. This effect is thought to be due to DHEA raising androgen levels in the ovaries, which are necessary for proper follicle development.
The use of DHEA must be monitored by a fertility specialist, as inappropriate dosing or use in women with already normal androgen levels can be detrimental. Similarly, compounds like Myo-inositol are often recommended, but primarily for women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), where it helps improve insulin sensitivity and lower elevated androgen levels. Conversely, Myo-inositol may be counterproductive for women with low AMH who also have low androgen levels.
Emerging strategies, such as Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy, are currently highly experimental. This procedure involves injecting a patient’s own concentrated platelets, which contain growth factors, directly into the ovaries. While some preliminary reports suggest it may temporarily increase AMH levels, there is no reliable, large-scale evidence confirming it consistently improves egg quality or live birth rates. These interventions should only be considered under the supervision of a fertility specialist and with a clear understanding of the treatment’s experimental nature.