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Very low AMH and normal antral follicle count

Posted: Tue Jul 24, 2018 1:51 pm
by jvwillms04
Hi,

I am 36 years old and have suspected endometriosis. I went to a fertility clinic to understand my options regarding freezing my eggs. They did labs and an ultrasound to get my AMH and antral follicle count. I have a normal follicle count (17) but an extremely low AMH (.58). I was told not to worry about the AMH value because I am continuous birth control (take active pills for 3 months at a time). I am not understanding why my AMH would be so different from my antral follicle count when they are supposed to be correlated. My only thought is that my active follicles are not functioning as they should be. I would not be surprised as my endometriosis is severe at this point.

Re: Very low AMH and normal antral follicle count

Posted: Tue Jul 24, 2018 2:33 pm
by Dr. Wisot
The jury is still out on the question of whether birth control pills reduce AMH. Studies have attempted to determine the effect of hormonal birth control on AMH levels, but it’s still unclear. While several studies have concluded that use of birth control doesn’t suppress AMH, others have concluded the opposite. The best answer right now is that birth control may decrease AMH levels, temporarily and this effect might depend on the person or even the type or brand of birth control and how they are taken, continuously for 3 months or 3 weeks on, one week off.

But at age 36 with endometriosis that might be severe I would be seriously looking at freezing eggs in someone who is planning to postpone childbearing for several years anyway.

Arthur L. Wisot, M. D.
Reproductive Partners Medical Group
Redondo Beach, California