AMH, or Anti-Mullerian Hormone, is a hormone primarily produced by the ovarian follicles in females and the Sertoli cells in males. It is a marker commonly used in reproductive medicine to assess ovarian function and predict a woman's ovarian reserve.
In females, AMH is secreted by the small, growing ovarian follicles. It plays a crucial role in the regulation of ovarian follicle development and maturation. AMH levels in a woman's blood reflect the number and quality of her remaining ovarian follicles, hence acting as an indicator of her ovarian reserve and fertility potential. Generally, higher AMH levels correlate with a larger number of follicles and better fertility prospects, while lower levels suggest diminished ovarian reserve.
AMH testing is commonly employed in fertility clinics during woman's initial work-up, especially for women who are planning to undergo assisted reproductive techniques such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). It helps doctors estimate the response to ovarian stimulation and guide the dosage of medications required to optimize treatment outcomes.
In addition to its role in female reproductive health, AMH also plays a role in male development. In males, it is secreted by the Sertoli cells in the testicles, contributing to the regulation of fetal sexual differentiation and the regression of the Mullerian ducts during embryogenesis.
Overall, AMH is a crucial hormone used in the assessment of female fertility potential and ovarian reserve, as well as in understanding male sexual development.
