A Systematic Analysis of AMH Levels in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Anti-Mullerian Hormone, or AMH, is a hormone generated by the ovaries that is frequently used as a marker of ovarian reserve, which is a measure of a woman’s remaining egg supply. High AMH levels are prevalent in the context of PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome).

What causes High level AMH?

AMH levels are frequently employed as a measure of ovarian reserve since they are principally produced by the granulosa cells of developing ovarian follicles in females. Here are a few probable reasons why AMH levels may be high:

1. PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome): PCOS is a prevalent hormonal condition that affects women of reproductive age. It is frequently related with increased AMH levels. The ovaries produce an abnormally large number of tiny, immature follicles in PCOS, resulting in elevated AMH production.
2. Ovarian Tumors: AMH can be produced by certain types of ovarian tumors, including granulosa cell tumors and some forms of ovarian cancer. Elevated AMH levels may indicate the presence of such malignancies.
3. Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): OHSS can arise as a side effect of reproductive therapies, notably IVF. In some situations, overstimulating the ovaries might result in high AMH levels.
4. Genetic variants: Some people may have genetic variants that cause them to naturally create larger quantities of AMH.
5. Age: Because AMH levels drop with age, greater amounts are more typical in younger women. AMH levels that are excessively high in older women, on the other hand, may be a symptom of an underlying illness.
6. Idiopathic: The origin of elevated AMH levels in certain cases is unknown or idiopathic, which means it cannot be ascribed to a specific underlying illness.

High AMH level in PCOS women:

A high AMH level in PCOS women can indicate numerous things:

1. Ovarian Follicle Accumulation: PCOS is distinguished by the presence of a large number of tiny, immature follicles (cysts) in the ovaries. These tiny follicles produce more AMH, resulting in an increased AMH level in the blood.
2. Anovulation: Women with PCOS frequently have irregular menstrual periods and may not ovulate on a regular basis. Anovulation or irregular ovulation can be exacerbated by high AMH levels.
3. Hyperandrogenism: PCOS is associated with elevated levels of androgen (male hormone). Because AMH can boost androgen synthesis, it may be linked to this hormonal imbalance.
4. Insulin Resistance: Many PCOS patients have insulin resistance, which can lead to an increase in AMH production. Insulin resistance can cause the ovaries to produce more AMH.

The precise definition of what defines a “high” AMH level varies between laboratories and healthcare practitioners. AMH levels are generally interpreted in the context of a person’s clinical presentation and other hormone levels.

While high AMH levels are common in PCOS, they are only one aspect of the condition. PCOS is typically diagnosed based on a combination of factors, including symptoms (such as irregular periods, acne, hirsutism, and ovarian cysts), hormone levels (including AMH, testosterone, and LH-to-FSH ratio), and ultrasound findings.

What is PCOS and how is it caused?

It is a hormonal disorder which is basically caused by hormonal imbalances and few other reasons. PCOS/PCOD/PCOD can be reversed naturally by making few changes in our life style which includes eating habits and exercise.

The general perception of PCOS/PCOD is that, it is a complex issue and that is made even more complex by our use of medical terminology. But if presented in everyday terms, it is simple to understand.

Ovary is one of the woman’s reproductive organs. Millions of eggs are present in the ovary, and since the ovary produces eggs throughout a woman’s lifetime, she will never run out of eggs. These immature eggs are kept in follicles. Every month, one free egg is released into the fallopian tube; if this egg fertilizes, you are pregnant; if it does not, menstruation should result. In women with PCOS/PCOD, however, this does not occur; the egg will not get fertilized and the immature egg will not mature and will instead remain as a cyst on the ovaries as a result of hormonal imbalances.

Root causes of PCOS:

There are ten modern lifestyle root causes for hormonal imbalances related to PCOS:

Food related root Causes:

1. Food toxicity: Foods high in additives, preservatives, and chemicals can contribute to hormone imbalances by altering the endocrine system.
2. Inflammation: Diets high in processed foods, sweets, and bad fats can cause the body to become more acidic and inflammatory, disrupting the body’s hormonal balance.
3. A lack of micronutrients in our diet: Because these nutrients are essential for a variety of hormonal actions, a lack of critical vitamins and minerals may interfere with hormone balance.
4. Insulin resistance: Meals with a high glycemic index can promote insulin resistance: Eating meals with a high glycemic index can create insulin resistance, which affects hormone levels, particularly insulin and androgens.
5. Excess male hormones: Eating foods high in chemicals, steroids, or hormone-disrupting components may result in an increase in male hormones (androgens), which may contribute to hormonal disorders.

Exercise Related Causes:

1. Sedentary lifestyle: It involves spending most of one’s time sitting down: Excessive sitting and a lack of exercise can lead to weight gain, insulin resistance, and hormonal imbalance.
2. Excess body fat over the ovaries: Insulin resistance and inflammation brought on by excess body fat, especially in the area of the belly, may be linked to hormonal irregularities.
3. Lack of muscle mass: Lack of physical exercise and muscle mass can affect insulin sensitivity and hormonal balance in general.

Sleep related root causes:

1. Poor sleep quality (Lack of Deep Sleep): Poor or insufficient sleep can throw off the body’s hormonal balance, especially the hormones that control hunger and stress (leptin and ghrelin).

Stress related root causes: 

1. Chronic Stress: Prolonged exposure to high levels of stress can cause the dysregulation of various hormones, including cortisol, upsetting the body’s overall hormonal balance.

How to reverse PCOS to nullify its effects?

PCOS can be treated naturally instead of medication. Yes, you heard it right. PCOS is caused through hormonal imbalances and if we can balance the hormones naturally then PCOS can be reversed. There are 5 strategies that one should adopt to treat PCOS/PCOD naturally.

1. Eat Right: Embrace living, water-rich, whole, plant-based foods that nurture our genetic potential. By opting for local and seasonal choices, we honor nature’s wisdom. Eliminating packaged and processed foods liberates us from epigenetic imprints, elevating our hormonal health.

2. Move More: Embark on a journey of holistic lifestyle changes, where staying active transcends mere exercise. Embracing constant movement throughout the day optimizes epigenetic expression, igniting hormonal balance. Engage in pleasurable physical activities, dance, or even mindful walks to unlock the power of epigenetic triggers.

3. Breathe Aware: As we deepen our understanding of Pranayama, the science of breath, we access a profound gateway to support gland function and harmonize hormones. Harnessing the breath’s epigenetic influence, we transcend the ordinary and elevate our hormonal well-being.

4. Sleep Better: Unlock the secrets of deep sleep, a transformative practice for healing and regeneration. With the art of Yog Nidra, we embrace epigenetic potential, unearthing hormonal harmony in the realm of dreams. Rejuvenate your entire being through this exquisite dance with the epigenetic clock.

5. Mind Free: Journey into the realm of emotions, thoughts, and stress resilience, where journaling, gratitude, and emotional practices become our guiding compass. Embracing epigenetic intelligence, we shift our narrative from stress to serenity, empowering our hormonal landscape.

To sum up, adopting healthy eating habits and placing a priority on your physical and mental health can naturally reverse PCOS by regulating your hormones. This way we can prevent the problems like high AMH level, irregular periods and other reproductive related issues that are raised due to PCOS.