AMH Test

LexiPlexi · December 2013

I've been thinking about doing it after the holidays and my sister thinks I'm crazy. So I'm wondering if anyone else thought about having this test done?

Twinkie0612 · December 2013

How long have you been TTC? Do you have some family history that makes you think you need it done?

I've had my AMH tested, it's part of the basic IF testing. You really don't need to worry about doing testing until you have been TTC a year if you are under 35, or 6 months if you are over 35. There are reasons to test before the year mark, such as you are starting infertility treatments because of a known infertility issue (such as anovulatory cycles) or maybe if you had a family history if early menopause.

If you are under 35 and have no known fertility issues, there is no need to have the test done before a year of TTC. If you are lucky enough to have infertility issuance coverage (most infertile couples don't), they likely won't cover it until the year point. It also is a waste of time and money and completely unnecessary to have the test done before that. Unnecessary medical tests drives up the cost of health care for everyone.

LexiPlexi · December 2013

My family does have a medical history of difficulty conceiving, miscarriages, PCOS, and other challenges. My mother had a hysterectomy when she was 4 years older than I am now, and my sister is having one in about 5 months. I've already had one miscarriage and dr told me I have cyst on my left ovary so yes, I am concerned.

We've been waiting to TTC, but I'm worried that we're playing with fire. My mother recently warned me that waiting too long could cost me. DH and I are planning on TTC later next year, but I'm worried about pushing it back.

I do want to do the AMH test. I think it'll give me a glimpse into whats going on and maybe giving me peace of mind while we wait.

So what was the process? How did it go? Did it help to finally know the result?

Twinkie0612 · December 2013

I think you are confused on what AMH will tell you. Most of the time infertility is not genetic (there are exceptions. Some conditions like endometriosis that can cause IF can be genetic).

AMH is a hormone level that can help a doctor access you ovarian reserve. It is most useful when looked at in conjunction with FSH and AFC. Low ovarian reserve can mean that you are getting closer to menopause and may indicate the need to be more aggressive with fertility treatments. It can also mean that you won't respond well to stims and will require higher levels of stimulation meds. AMH is tested with a blood test.

My AMH came back normal, but I still have issues with not responding well to stims.

Unless you have a family history of early menopause, no doctor is going to perform AMH tests or any other infertility testing just because you want it done. You should have a medical reason to have tests done.

I would be more concerned with why your mom and sister had hysterectomies. This might warrant a discussion with your doc. Otherwise don't borrow trouble. It can take a healthy couple up to a year to conceive.

LexiPlexi · December 2013

The test is supposed to tell you how many eggs you have left. I'm figuring it will help me feel better about waiting if it tells me I have a ton of awesome eggs waiting for us to start TTC. If it's incredibly low or scary looking, we'll push up the date.

In short, I am worried that if we push back TTC to late next year and we have difficulties/more miscarriages/any other problems, I may run out of time. If I have many more fertile years ahead of me then I wont worry about whatever bumpy road we may have ahead of us while we TTC.

If my reserve is low, we'll start TTC now, maybe have some difficulty, and hopefully have a baby before my ovarian reserve runs out or I need a hysterectomy.

Twinkie0612 · December 2013

LexiPlexi said:

The test is supposed to tell you how many eggs you have left. I'm figuring it will help me feel better about waiting if it tells me I have a ton of awesome eggs waiting for us to start TTC. If it's incredibly low or scary looking, we'll push up the date.

In short, I am worried that if we push back TTC to late next year and we have difficulties/more miscarriages/any other problems, I may run out of time. If I have many more fertile years ahead of me then I wont worry about whatever bumpy road we may have ahead of us while we TTC.

If my reserve is low, we'll start TTC now, maybe have some difficulty, and hopefully have a baby before my ovarian reserve runs out or I need a hysterectomy.

Any legit doctor is not going to order infertility testing just because you want it. That is not how infertility testing works. Decide when you want to TTC and don't worry about IF until you have something to worry about.

LexiPlexi · December 2013

I've already talked to my doctor about this. & thanks for the advice, but never mind because you apparently don't think I need any information about this. I asked three questions and it's ok, you don't have to answer them. But I think I've explained myself enough here.

Twinkie0612 · December 2013

No you don't need to have this testing done. The standard guidelines for infertility testing is 1 year of TTC if you are under 35 and 6 months if you are older. You haven't even started trying yet. Do you think every woman that is thinking about TTC should run out and start IF testing just because? Do you know what a strain that would be on doctor's offices and laboratories? Women that are actually having infertility issues wouldn't be able to get an appointment. Not to mention the fact that unnecessary testing increases the cost of healthcare.

Like I said I would be more concerned about why your mother and sister had hysterectomies and if that is something you should worry about rather than worrying about ovarian reserve.

And BTW you said you wanted to test your AMH to make sure you have "tons of awesome eggs" left. Normal AMH does not necessarily mean you will have good quality eggs. I have normal AMH and am probably dealing with an egg quality issue.

MrsRustyGriswold · December 2013

OP, don't borrow trouble. You've got your cart before your horse on this.

Twinkie0612 · December 2013

LexiPlexi said:

I've already talked to my doctor about this. & thanks for the advice, but never mind because you apparently don't think I need any information about this. I asked three questions and it's ok, you don't have to answer them. But I think I've explained myself enough here.

Here is the answer to your questions:

1. The process is it is a blood test. The phlebotomist puts a needle in your arm and uses it to fill a vial of blood. The blood is sent to a lab for testing.

2. My AMH testing went fine. My AMH is normal for my age.

3. Did it help to know the results? Not really because despite having normal AMH I still have issues responding to stims and probably have egg quality issues.

LexiPlexi · December 2013

winkie0612 said:
Here is the answer to your questions:

1. The process is it is a blood test. The phlebotomist puts a needle in your arm and uses it to fill a vial of blood. The blood is sent to a lab for testing.

2. My AMH testing went fine. My AMH is normal for my age.

3. Did it help to know the results? Not really because despite having normal AMH I still have issues responding to stims and probably have egg quality issues.

Thank you for the answers. I really appreciate that.

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