Is there any point in having the AMH test if you have a low follicle count?

[ohsheglows]

Hi all, had my first ultrasound and HyCoSy recently. Everything looked good apart from my ovaries, apparently I only had 6 follicles whereas the consultant said that someone of my age should have around 20. She mentioned that I should consider an AMH test, but surely if I have a low follicle count, then that means I have a low egg reserve... I might be being silly, but would I need a blood test to tell me that information?

I have been ringing the fertility nurse and the GP to try and get some information on how to improve the quality of my eggs, but got the same advice, 'eat healthily and maintain a healthy BMI'. Is there anyone in the same situation who has advice for the above? I've read a bit about DHEA but the fertility clinic were very unwilling to give an answer as to whether it was appropriate for me to even try this.

Thanks in advance

Hello, having your AMH level tested provides an extra piece of info that helps to build a picture and put your follicle count for that month into context. If you were to get to the point of exploring fertility treatment, then your AMH and FSH levels would be measured as a matter of course. Where are you up to with it all - have you been trying long?

I would say it's worth asking your clinic for an AMH test, it's just a blood test, very easy and provides another piece of the puzzle. Mine is very low, especially for my age at 34 and I also recently only had about 4 follicles in total, but I've been told that just affects the quantity not the quality, the biggest factor with quality is age. Other than that you could read 'It starts with the Egg' for tips on lifestyle changes / supplements that can improve egg quality.

DHEA is meant to help but you need a prescription and most clinics will only give it to you when your doing IVF, also you'd need a testosterone level test first. You can take COQ10 now but make sure it's the correct version of ubiquinol. I ordered the wrong kind at first which was a waste of money 🤦‍♀️

@msgloria

Hello, having your AMH level tested provides an extra piece of info that helps to build a picture and put your follicle count for that month into context. If you were to get to the point of exploring fertility treatment, then your AMH and FSH levels would be measured as a matter of course. Where are you up to with it all - have you been trying long?

Thanks for your reply. FSH levels are completely fine. In fact all bloods were fine, it was just a little upsetting to hear about the ovaries. The consultant was saying that I should probably consider an AMH but I have to pay for it as it isn't available on the NHS here, so was wondering whether it was worth paying for it. I do think it is now.

@Dbop100

I would say it's worth asking your clinic for an AMH test, it's just a blood test, very easy and provides another piece of the puzzle. Mine is very low, especially for my age at 34 and I also recently only had about 4 follicles in total, but I've been told that just affects the quantity not the quality, the biggest factor with quality is age. Other than that you could read 'It starts with the Egg' for tips on lifestyle changes / supplements that can improve egg quality.

DHEA is meant to help but you need a prescription and most clinics will only give it to you when your doing IVF, also you'd need a testosterone level test first. You can take COQ10 now but make sure it's the correct version of ubiquinol. I ordered the wrong kind at first which was a waste of money 🤦‍♀️

I've ordered the book and it's on its way! I'm looking forward to taking control in some way and I think I'm going to have to focus on improving the quality of my eggs, rather than hoping that the quantity improves. Which co10 did you buy? I didn't realise there was an incorrect version. I've just bought the high strength ones from boots.

@ohsheglows this is the one I personally use:

www.naturesbest.co.uk/co-q10/co-q10/ubiquinol-100mg/?sessionid=282d39dbda037b559cedda1c3a401eb5b0d65fa8

It's just absorbed more easily into your body than the other kind. I take 200g in the morning and 200g in the evening as we're doing a round of Clomid this month so taking the max I can (it's expensive though!), we're onto IUI next month.

I give the other kind to my husband who has a normal SA but it also helps men and I figure why waste it.

Crazy that you can't get an AMH test on the NHS, I got one through them in London, but my GP couldn't order it it had to be requested by the fertility clinic.

Hope the book helps, it defo made me feel a lot better about being able to control something and really quality is the most important thing. We can't increase our quantity and it really sucks that this is the hand we've been dealt but my consultant is very positive that all is not lost!

Its still worth having the AMH test as follicle count is just one measure of ovarian reserve. I'm 31 and have a low AFC (3!). My AMH was 11 and clinic said this was within normal range. I think AMH is the gold standard of measuring ovarian reserve. I'm starting IVF next week. IVF has been accelerated due to my low AFC.