How to Increase AMH Levels Naturally and Improve Fertility

Introduction

Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) is a hormone secreted by the ovaries. This hormone is a crucial marker of a woman’s ovarian reserve. A clear understanding of AMH levels can help you in your pregnancy journey.

While low AMH levels can be disheartening, as they indicate fewer eggs, it does not necessarily mean that achieving pregnancy is impossible. Many women with lower AMH levels can conceive either naturally or with medical assistance. Read on to know ways to increase AMH levels and support your overall fertility.

What is AMH and Why Is It Important?

Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) is produced by the ovarian follicles, which are the fluid-filled sacs that contain immature eggs. The AMH produced reflects the egg quantity of a woman. AMH plays a pivotal role in helping doctors assess the fertility health of patients and suggest suitable treatment options like IVF treatment or any other Assisted Reproductive Techniques. While Low AMH levels impact fertility, it is crucial to note that it is not the only factor that can contribute to infertility.

Lifestyle Changes To Support AMH and Ovarian Health

A healthy lifestyle is the foundation of good reproductive health. Incorporating certain changes into your routine can significantly support AMH levels and help enhance your overall ovarian health.

1. Eat a Balanced, Nutrient-Rich Diet

Nutrition has a direct impact on hormonal balance. Eating a fertility-friendly diet can support reproductive health and ovarian function. Include healthy food items rich in iron and protein in your diet. You can include leafy greens like spinach or kale, whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, foods with healthy fats such as avocados, nuts, olive oil, and lean proteins like eggs, fish, and legumes to fulfil all nutritional requirements of the body. At the same time, it is crucial to avoid any foods that have trans fat, excess sugar, and are processed.

2. Exercise Regularly (But Not Excessively)

Inculcating moderate physical activity in your daily routine can help maintain proper hormone health. A light to moderate intensity 30-minute yoga, brisk walking, or a swimming session would be enough to support hormone health. However, make sure you avoid overtraining or excessive cardio, as this may cause too much stress to the body and can interfere with ovulation and negatively impact fertility.

3. Reduce Stress

Chronic stress can elevate cortisol levels and therefore disrupt reproductive hormones like estrogen and AMH. It is thus crucial to adopt effective stress-reduction techniques such as yoga, meditation, mindfulness, journaling, therapy, or just spending some time in nature or doing hobbies you enjoy.

Even small daily practices can make a huge difference in lowering your stress levels and supporting fertility.

4. Avoid Toxins and Smoking

Exposure to environmental toxins, endocrine disruptors, and smoking can damage the ovarian reserve and harm egg quality. You can limit contact with harmful toxins by adopting simple practices like avoiding BPA-containing plastic containers or water bottles, not using cleaning products with harsh chemicals, and skipping skincare that contains synthetic fragrances and parabens. Quit smoking and alcohol consumption to prevent accelerated ovarian ageing and lower AMH levels.

Supplements That May Help Improve AMH

The intake of supplements can help improve the lowered AHM levels. However, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider before you take any supplements.

1. CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10)

CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant. It is good for AMH levels and fertility as it supports mitochondrial function. It is seen that taking this supplement improves the ovarian response during an IVF cycle. CoQ10 is also considered for improving the quality of the eggs.

2. DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)

DHEA is a hormone that highly benefits women with very low AMH levels. It can help increase the AMH levels and also improve the response to ovarian stimulation. It is, however, mandatory that it should only be taken under medical supervision as it affects the hormone levels, and seeking expert guidance is necessary.

3. Vitamin D

The deficiency of Vitamin D is generally linked to low AMH levels. Safe supplementation of Vitamin D can help support hormonal balance and ovarian health.

4. Myo-Inositol and Omega-3s

Both Myo-Inositol and Omega-3s help in balancing the hormones and improving follicular health. Women with lower AMH levels due to PCOS or PCOD can greatly benefit from these supplements. Myo-Inositol enhances the insulin sensitivity of the patient. Whereas Omega-3s, also known as fish oil, have been proven to reduce inflammation and improve egg quality.

Medical Options For Low AMH

If natural interventions don’t provide the desired outcomes, several medical pathways are still available to achieve pregnancy.

• Customised Stimulation Protocols : Fertility doctors can adjust the IVF protocols based on AMH levels of the individual to maximise egg response.
• IVF With Own or Donor Eggs : Many women with lower AMH levels can still conceive with their eggs, while some others might need donor eggs.
• Fertility Preservation : For women who have identified a lower AMH count at an early age, egg freezing is an option to improve chances of a successful pregnancy.

Conclusion

Accepting that you might not be able to dramatically increase the quantity of eggs, but that you can enhance the quality of your eggs and your overall reproductive potential, is the first step towards a healthy fertility journey. Don't give up if you've been told that your AMH is low. Many women successfully conceive both naturally and with assisted reproductive technologies if they take the initiative and receive the proper guidance.