Why AMH Isn’t the Full Story
Understanding What Really Matters for Fertility
If you’ve been told that you have low AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) levels and that your chances of conception are slim, I want you to take a deep breath and know that it’s not the whole story. AMH levels measure the quantity of eggs, but what really matters for fertility is the quality of those eggs. And here’s the good news—having fewer eggs of good quality is far better for your chances of conception than having many eggs of poor quality. So let’s break this down, and I’ll explain why you don’t need to panic over a low AMH result.
🦋 AMH: What It Tells You and What It Doesn’t 🦋
AMH is a marker used to estimate your ovarian reserve—basically, the number of eggs you have left. While it’s a useful number, especially to determine how much remaining time you have to start trying to conceive, it does not tell the full story. AMH doesn’t measure the quality of your eggs, which is actually the most important factor in conception.
Now, how do we assess egg quality? Assessing egg quality isn’t straightforward—unless going through IVF procedures there’s no single factor that can give a complete picture. Instead, it’s a combination of indicators. While FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) doesn’t directly measure egg quality, it is a valuable marker in fertility work. FSH reflects how your body is functioning to mature eggs. So, if your AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) is low but your FSH remains within a healthy range, it’s a promising sign. This suggests your eggs may still be on the right track, which is essential for a successful pregnancy.
The good news about this is that you can totally improve your FSH levels naturally!
🌺 The Relationship Between FSH and Fertility 🌺
FSH’s Role: Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is produced by the pituitary gland to stimulate the growth of ovarian follicles, which contain eggs. As these follicles grow and develop, they produce estrogen. Rising estrogen levels signal to the brain that the follicles are maturing, and this feedback loop tells the pituitary gland to reduce FSH production once enough estrogen is present.
Low Estrogen, High FSH: When the ovaries are not responding well to FSH—often due to a lower number of eggs (diminished ovarian reserve) or poor egg quality—they do not produce enough estrogen. In response to this low estrogen production, the pituitary gland increases FSH levels, trying to stimulate the ovaries to produce more estrogen and mature the follicles. This is why high FSH levels are commonly seen alongside low estrogen levels.
Common Causes of High FSH and Low Estrogen
Perimenopause/Menopause: As women approach menopause, the number of viable eggs decreases, and the ovaries become less responsive to FSH. This leads to lower estrogen production, and in turn, FSH levels rise as the body tries harder to stimulate the ovaries.
Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI): In younger women, POI (also known as premature ovarian Insufficiency) can cause the ovaries to lose their ability to produce sufficient estrogen, resulting in elevated FSH levels and low estrogen.
Diminished Ovarian Reserve: Women with fewer eggs or poor egg quality, often due to age, may experience lower estrogen production, which triggers higher FSH levels as the body tries to compensate.
Impact on Fertility
Low Estrogen Levels: Estrogen is essential for thickening the uterine lining and creating a favorable environment for implantation. Low estrogen levels can lead to issues with ovulation, irregular periods, and difficulties in maintaining a healthy pregnancy.
High FSH and Fertility: Elevated FSH often indicates that the ovaries are struggling to produce mature eggs, which may lead to decreased fertility.
🌷 Why Egg Quality Matters More Than Quantity 🌷
Think of it this way: having a large number of eggs doesn’t increase your chances if those eggs are not of good quality. The quality of your eggs determines how well they will fertilize, implant, and grow into a healthy pregnancy.
Egg quality naturally declines as we age, but here’s the good news: there are scientifically proven ways to support and improve it! While we can't change your AMH levels—since they are set from birth—you can still positively influence your fertility. Studies show that lifestyle changes and acupuncture can help balance your entire hormonal system (including FSH levels which play an important role in fertility) even after age 40. This holistic approach enhances your chances of conception by optimizing the quality of your eggs and promoting overall reproductive health. This is where the concept of the "zero trimester" comes in.
✨ The Zero Trimester: Preparing for Conception ✨
The zero trimester refers to the 3-month period before you try to conceive, during which you can prepare your body for optimal fertility. This time is critical for improving egg quality and balancing your hormones, which can increase your chances of success when you’re ready to try for a baby. Here’s what you can focus on:
Nutrition: Eating nutrient-dense foods is key. Focus on whole foods, hormone-free meats, and organic vegetables if possible. Avoid junk food, caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, and refined sugars. Supplements like CoQ10, DHEA, and royal jelly are also recommended to support egg health with low AMH.
Stress Management & Sleep: Stress and poor sleep can negatively impact your hormone balance, which in turn affects your fertility. Try relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or acupuncture to keep your stress levels in check.
Exercise: Regular, moderate exercise boosts blood flow to your reproductive organs and helps maintain hormonal balance. However, avoid over-exercising as it can increase stress on your body.
Acupuncture & Herbal Supplements: Acupuncture has been scientifically proven to regulate hormones, improve blood flow to the ovaries, and support egg quality. Traditional Chinese Medicine can also help restore communication between the brain (HPO axis) and the ovaries, enhancing hormone production and follicular response. Herbal supplements tailored to your individual needs can further support this process.
🌿 How Acupuncture Improves Egg Quality and overall Fertility 🌿
Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points on the body, affecting the nervous system, blood flow, and hormone production, which all play a role in fertility.
Regulating the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovarian (HPO) Axis:
The HPO axis is the body’s communication system that regulates reproductive hormones. When this axis is disrupted—due to stress, poor lifestyle, or aging—it can lead to elevated FSH levels, which is an indication that your body has to work harder than normal to create a mature egg. This improvement in hormonal communication creates a better environment for egg maturation.Improving Blood Flow to the Ovaries:
Acupuncture increases blood circulation to the reproductive organs, including the ovaries. Enhanced blood flow delivers more oxygen and nutrients to the ovarian follicles, supporting the development of healthier eggs. By improving the local environment of the ovaries, acupuncture helps ensure that the eggs produced are of better quality.Reducing Stress and Cortisol Levels:
High cortisol directly affects the HPO axis by central actions on the hypothalamus and pituitary. That means elevated stress and cortisol levels can interfere with hormone production and may raise FSH levels. Acupuncture promotes relaxation by calming the nervous system, lowering cortisol, and creating a more favorable hormonal environment for reproduction. When stress is reduced, the body is better able to regulate FSH levels, which helps to support a healthy cycle.Balancing Hormones:
Acupuncture helps balance reproductive hormones, including estrogen and progesterone. When these hormones are in harmony, FSH levels tend to regulate themselves naturally. This hormonal balance is crucial for maintaining the right environment for egg development and maturation, leading to improved egg quality.Enhancing Follicular Development:
By regulating FSH and improving blood flow, acupuncture supports the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles, which are responsible for releasing eggs during ovulation. Better follicular development increases the chances of successful fertilization and pregnancy.Reducing Inflammation:
Acupuncture has anti-inflammatory effects that help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the reproductive organs. Inflammation can negatively impact egg quality and ovarian function. By reducing inflammation, acupuncture protects the ovarian environment, promoting healthier eggs.
🌸 Monitoring Hormonal Balance with BBT Charting 🌸
BBT charting (basal body temperature tracking) is a powerful tool for understanding your hormonal balance and overall fertility health. By tracking your daily temperatures, you can gain valuable insights into your body’s cycle and detect potential imbalances.
Here’s what you can learn from your BBT chart:
Short follicular phase: If the first half of your cycle (the follicular phase) is shorter than usual, it may suggest hormonal imbalances.
Unsteady luteal phase temperatures: Progesterone is responsible for raising your body temperature during the luteal phase (the second half of your cycle). If your temperatures are not rising or are fluctuating too much, it could indicate low progesterone, which is essential for maintaining pregnancy. A luteal phase of less than 10 days or temperatures that don’t rise enough may suggest insufficient progesterone. Ideally, this phase should be 10-14 days long.
Stress and sleep patterns: Emotional stress or inconsistent sleep often shows up as irregular or unstable temperatures from day to day. Stress can disrupt hormonal balance, making the temperature readings fluctuate unpredictably, especially during the follicular phase.
By consistently charting your BBT, you can spot patterns that may reveal areas to improve. As you work on your fertility health, a more stable BBT chart will show up. It is so interesting to compare your cycles and see the rapid improvement on your BBT charts. Improved fertility will also manifest in various signs, such as increased cervical fluid during ovulation, reduced premenstrual syndrome (PMS), better menstrual quality (less pain, fewer clots, and a more regular flow), as well as boosted energy and libido. These are all positive indicators that your hormonal balance is improving and your reproductive health is on the right track.
Moving Forward with Confidence
The message I want to leave you with is this: low AMH is not a fatal diagnosis for your fertility. It’s simply a signal that now is the time to focus on preparing your body for conception. You don’t need a large number of eggs—you need one good egg—and by improving your hormonal balance and egg quality, you greatly increase your chances of a successful pregnancy.
So, if you’ve been feeling hopeless about your low AMH levels, know that there are steps you can take right now to support your fertility. Start by nourishing your body, managing your stress, and considering acupuncture or herbal treatments. By taking control of your health and preparing during the zero trimester, you’re setting yourself up for the best possible outcome when the time comes to conceive.
Let’s work together!
If you’re interested in learning more about how acupuncture, herbal supplements, and holistic fertility care can support your journey, Click here for more information on how acupuncture can help you get ready for your fertility journey or book a free 30 min consultation with me here.
Let’s work together to focus on what really matters—creating a healthy environment for conception and increasing your chances of having a healthy, happy pregnancy.
