The Role of Age and AMH in Female Fertility

When it comes to fertility, age is one of the most significant factors that influence a woman’s ability to conceive. As women age, their fertility naturally declines, and this decline is closely tied to changes in ovarian reserve, which can be assessed through various indicators, including the Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH). 

Let’s explore how age affects female fertility, the role of lifestyle factors, and the crucial importance of AMH in understanding fertility potential.

Understanding AMH -

Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) is a protein hormone produced by granulosa cells in ovarian follicles. 

It serves as a marker of a woman's ovarian reserve, which refers to the number and quality of her remaining eggs. AMH levels provide insight into a woman’s reproductive lifespan and her potential response to fertility treatments.

The Impact of Age on Female Fertility

1. Decline in Ovarian Reserve: Women are born with a finite number of eggs, which decrease over time. By puberty, about 300,000-400,000 eggs remain, and this number declines more rapidly after age 35, significantly reducing natural conception chances by age 40.

2. Egg Quality: Both the quantity and quality of eggs diminish with age, increasing the likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities, miscarriage, and birth defects.

3. Menstrual Cycle Changes: Aging can lead to irregular periods and reduced menstrual flow, reflecting hormonal imbalances and changes in ovarian function.

How AMH Levels Change with Age

• Childhood to Early Adulthood: AMH levels are low during childhood and gradually increase, peaking around the early 20s. This period reflects the highest point of ovarian reserve.

• Late 20s to Early 30s: AMH levels remain relatively stable, though a gradual decline begins as early as the late 20s. During this time, women generally still have a good ovarian reserve and fertility potential.

• Mid-30s: The decline in AMH levels becomes more noticeable in the mid-30s. While many women are still fertile at this age, the ovarian reserve is diminishing, and fertility begins to decline more rapidly.

• Late 30s to Early 40s: A significant decline in AMH levels occurs in the late 30s and early 40s. This decrease correlates with a reduced number of viable eggs and a higher likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities in the eggs.

• Late 40s to Menopause: By the late 40s, AMH levels are typically very low, indicating a nearly depleted ovarian reserve. Menopause, which usually occurs around age 50, marks the end of natural fertility as the ovarian reserve is exhausted.

Planning for Parenthood

Understanding how age affects fertility is crucial for women planning to start a family. Here are some steps women can consider to optimize their chances of conception at different stages of life:

Seek Early Evaluation: If you are over 35 and have been trying to conceive for six months without success, consider consulting a fertility specialist.

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and manage stress effectively.

Consider Fertility Preservation: If you are not ready to conceive but want to preserve your fertility, discuss options like egg freezing with a fertility specialist.

While fertility declines with age, advances in reproductive medicine offer options for women seeking to become mothers later in life. 

At Freya Fertility, Ranchi, we provide compassionate care and advanced fertility treatments tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient.

Click here to book an appointment with our fertility specialist today.