Anti-Mullerian Hormone: A Key Player in the Pathophysiology of PCOS

Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH), also known as Mullerian-inhibiting hormone (MIH), is a protein hormone produced by the developing ovarian follicles in the female reproductive system. It plays a crucial role in the development of the female reproductive organs and the regulation of the menstrual cycle.

To understand the relationship of this hormone with PCOS we need to understand the functions of this hormone in the first place.

The following are some important aspects of anti-mullerian hormone (AMH):

1. Embryonic Development: Anti-mullerian hormone is produced by the growing testes in male embryos throughout fetal development, and it contributes to the males’ regression of the female reproductive system (the Mullerian ducts). The Mullerian ducts in females can grow into the uterus, fallopian tubes, and a portion of the vagina thanks to the absence of AMH.
2. Ovarian Follicles: In females, small, developing follicles in the ovaries release Anti-mullerian hormone after birth and throughout a woman’s reproductive life. Undeveloped eggs (oocytes) are present in these follicles. The amount of leftover eggs in a woman’s ovaries, or her ovarian reserve, can be estimated from the quantity of AMH in her blood. Larger ovarian reserves are typically linked to higher levels of AMH.
3. Fertility Evaluation: Anti-mullerian hormone or AMH levels are frequently evaluated as part of fertility evaluations. A low AMH level may indicate a diminished ovarian reserve and perhaps lower fertility. A high AMH level, on the other hand, may imply a greater ovarian reserve and improved reproductive potential.
4. Ovulation Suppression: Anti-mullerian hormone or AMH levels can be used to evaluate the response of the ovaries to fertility medicines in some medical procedures, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). It aids in the prevention of ovarian overstimulation.
5. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Because of the presence of numerous tiny ovarian follicles, women with PCOS frequently have greater amounts of Anti-mullerian hormone. Elevated AMH levels can be one of the PCOS diagnosis criteria.
6. Menopause: As a woman approaches menopause, her AMH levels fall, indicating a decline in ovarian function.

Relationship between PCOS and Anti-Mullerian Hormone:

The granulosa cells in ovarian follicles create the hormone known as anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH). It is essential for the growth and maturity of ovarian follicles and is frequently employed as a marker of ovarian reserve, which is a measurement of the remaining egg supply in a woman’s ovaries.

A common endocrine condition known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects the ovaries and can cause hormonal imbalances, irregular menstruation periods, and the development of several tiny cysts on the ovaries. Women with PCOS frequently have increased Anti-mullerian hormone levels, and PCOS and AMH levels are strongly correlated. This connection is explained by a number of factors:

1. Increased Follicle Number: The presence of an increased number of tiny, immature ovarian follicles is one of the characteristics of PCOS. In contrast to healthy ovaries, these follicles release AMH more quickly, which causes elevated Anti-mullerian hormone levels in PCOS patients.
2. Ovarian Follicle Dysfunction: PCOS causes an overabundance of tiny, immature follicles because the ovarian follicles do not mature and ovulation appropriately. The continued production of AMH by these immature follicles is a factor in the high AMH levels associated with PCOS.
3. Diagnostic marker: AMH levels can be used as a diagnostic marker to help determine whether PCOS is present or how severe it is. Along with other clinical and hormonal criteria, elevated levels of anti-mullerian hormone are frequently regarded as one of the PCOS diagnostic criteria.
4. Predicting Ovarian Response: Anti-mullerian hormone is also used in reproductive treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF) to predict the ovarian response. A stronger ovarian response to fertility drugs may be indicated by elevated AMH levels in PCOS patients, which can both help and hinder reproductive therapies.

It’s crucial to remember that, despite the fact that elevated anti-mullerian hormone levels are frequently linked to PCOS, this condition is not the only one in which they can occur. For instance, women with polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM) who do not match all of the PCOS diagnostic criteria can also have elevated Anti-mullerian hormone levels. A thorough evaluation is necessary for diagnosis and management of PCOS because it is a complicated disorder with a range of clinical and hormonal symptoms.

Therefore, managing the consequences PCOS caused to Anti-mullerian hormone requires understanding and treating PCOS.

What is PCOS?

PCOS is a hormonal condition that predominantly affects a woman’s reproductive system.

It is distinguished by irregular menstrual cycles, an excess of androgen hormone production (which can produce symptoms such as acne and excessive hair development), and the presence of many tiny cysts on the ovaries.

PCOS is a complicated disorder with a wide range of potential symptoms and health consequences. It can have an impact on fertility and may be linked to various health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, sleep apnea, and mood disorders. The precise origin of PCOS is unknown; however it appears to be a combination of genetic, hormonal, and lifestyle factors.

Symptoms of PCOS:

The following are some of the most common signs and symptoms of PCOS:

1. Irregular periods: PCOS frequently causes irregular menstrual cycles, with fewer than eight menstrual cycles in a year or periods that are unpredictable in their timing.
2. Ovulation Issues: Many people with PCOS have trouble ovulating on a regular basis, which can lead to infertility or problems becoming pregnant.
3. High Androgen amounts: Androgens are masculine hormones found in both males and females; however persons with PCOS have greater amounts of androgens. Acne, abundant face and body hair (hirsutism), and male-pattern baldness can result from this.
4. Polycystic Ovaries: On ultrasonography, individuals with PCOS may have larger ovaries with tiny, fluid-filled sacs called cysts. However, not all people with PCOS have cysts, and having cysts does not always mean you have PCOS.
5. Weight Gain: Many people with PCOS suffer with weight gain or obesity, and maintaining a healthy weight can be difficult.
6. Insulin resistance: Insulin resistance occurs when the hormone insulin fails to regulate blood sugar levels. Some PCOS patients may develop insulin resistance, which can result in high blood sugar levels and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

Causes of PCOS:

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

Basically PCOS is caused due to hormonal imbalances which in turn are caused due to ten modern lifestyle root causes.

So let’s see the 10 modern lifestyle root causes that lead to hormonal imbalances:

1. Food Related Causes- inflammation, toxicity, acidity, excess male hormones, insulin resistance
2. Exercise Related Causes : Sedentary lifestyle, lack of muscle strength, excess ovarian fat
3. Sleep Related -Causes Poor sleep quality (Lack of Deep Sleep)
4. Stress Related Causes – Chronic Stress

The 5 pillar strategy to reverse PCOS naturally:

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 issues that are raised in anti-mullerian hormone due to PCOS. Further adopting the above strategy also helps to maintain a healthy life style.