AMH dropped dramatically in NHS test

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Hi everyone
I’m not sure if anyone would have had a similar experience, but after 14 months TTC earlier this year I visited the NHS for some initial tests, everything came back fine. After a few more months a friend told me about the AMH test which wasn’t initially offered by the NHS so I paid £125 to have it done and sure enough it showed I had low egg reserves with a score of 6.95. I brought it back to the GP and I was immediately referred to the NHS fertility service for IVF but they couldn’t accept my private test so that did another test for AMH and told me it must be above 5.4 to qualify. It came back and it was 2.8!! It was only 12 weeks between the private and the NHS test. The fertility doctor told me this was very strange and she’s looking into it and may send me for another test but that if it comes back again the same she can’t help me and told me at that rate my success chances are also a lot lower. I’m currently waiting to hear from her. I’m wondering if anyone else had this happen? The tests were done on day 21 (first test) and day 28 (second test) so a slight difference, also a few weeks before the second test I had Covid. The doctor told me neither of things will affect AMH but I’m not convinced. I think I’m going to ask for the second test but In 2-3 months time when I know my body is fully recovered from covid.

COVID-19 uses the ACE2 receptor to enter cells, and that receptor is widely expressed in human reproductive systems. Some studies have also shown temporary impaired reproductive function (for men and women) associated with COVID infection. The better news, though, is that all the studies I've seen suggest that any reduction in fertility is temporary - some studies followed up participants a few months after infection and found that levels of markers such as AMH had returned to their pre-infection levels.

If that's what's happened for you, it may be worth giving yourself two or three months to recover before re-testing.

Keeping my fingers crossed for you.

Thank you Scirocco, this is so useful and reassuring. Appreciate your reply.

Hi, I know this is an old thread but I wondered if you ever got anywhere with answers to your conflicting AMH levels and whether it came back up at all after having covid. My AMH was tested in feb and very low at 1.97 then I tested again July just after having what I think was covid and it came back undetectable at 0.2 :( I was really hoping to start ivf and freeze some eggs this month but I’ve been told it’s very unlikely to work now. Any info on your experience would be so so helpful. I hope things are going well for you

Hi @IvyBlack just dropping by to say my AMH has gone down in last two years, I just got a test back at 0.2pmol... it was 4.9pmol about 2 years ago.

I am totally heartbroken I just wasn't expecting this... I'm still a couple years off 40! Thought I had some time. Just so shocked about it. No advice, just... I'm here with y...

Hi @spinkupromise I’m so sorry to hear you’re in the same boat 😔it is heartbreaking isn’t it. Are you ttc? I’m not so it’s made it hard for me as I’m not in a position to be trying. I’ve considered iui with donor sperm but I’m just not sure at the moment in my life. I’m 35 so it’s been a huge shock to me. I have no menopausal symptoms and have regular periods

Hi @IvyBlack

i had another test done 3 months later in October (last year) and it had gone down further to 1.5. This meant I definitely couldn’t get in on the nhs.

I bought a private access fertility package giving me 2 rounds and 50% of the money back if it didn’t work.

tried first round in January, got abandoned on day 9 as I didn’t respond well. Luckily they don’t count this as a round from my 2 paid for attempts so I just had to cover the cost of the meds.

Whilst I was devastated at first, I soon learned that in a way this was like a medication experiment. There are a few different protocols and varying amounts of meds for women so the consultants are trying to work out what you respond to.

2nd attempt in March, I had 5 follicles looking good on scan. At collection they only collected 2 eggs, again I was worried but they were very good quality eggs and 1 turned into a great embryo. I did get pregnant but it turned out it was ectopic. What bad luck!!

I have not been allowed to try and conceive for 3 months after the ectopic. I have spent that time really trying to look after my body and have even tried Chinese herbs which I’m currently on and they’ve been having a positive effect on my pms symptoms etc. I have seen an increase in fertile mucus on them so I’m going to try naturally for a few months before going back to the IVF merry go round.

sending my thoughts to you. This shit is tough but try to hold onto hope and look after your body.