Anti-Mullerian Hormone -Definition, Function, Fate, Examples, Tips

Anti-Mullerian Hormone -Definition, Function, Fate, Examples, Tips

Edited By Irshad Anwar | Updated on Oct 04, 2024 05:02 PM IST

The Anti-Mullerian hormone is also known as Mullerian Inhibiting Factor (MIF) or sometimes Mullerian Inhibiting Hormone (MIH). It is also known as a malaria-inhibiting substance (MIS). AMH also plays a significant role in puberty. It shows a role in the early development of follicles. AMH levels can be a good test to determine the number of follicles that are present in women's ovaries. It is also one of the important topics of the biology chapter Reproductive Health Class 12th. It carries a weightage of 2-5% of the total marks in the entrance exams like NEET, Paramedical and Pharmacy.

What Is Anti-Mullerian Hormone?

The Anti-Mullerian hormone is usually defined as a protein that plays a role in the development of the reproductive tract, mostly in the male fetus. It is secreted and synthesized by reproductive tissues before the birth of a child, by the testes in the case of males and the ovaries in the case of females. The function of AMH and the quantity of AMH normally present vary with sex and age. The AMH helps with sexual differentiation in the foetus.

Functions Of Anti-Mullerian Hormone

AMH is secreted in the foetal testis and ovary (reproductive organs) before birth. It demonstrates the presence of both Mullerian (female) and Wolffian (male) ducts during the seventh week after foetal conception. Anti Mullerian Hormone also has several other functions apart from these. It is one of the important hormones during the birth of the child. Some of the major functions are described below in the table:

Functions

Explanation

In the fetal Development

  • Anti Mullerian Hormone is secreted before birth by the fetal testes and Ovaries. Therefore it is important for fetal development.

Presence of Mullerian and Wolffian Ducts

  • During the 7th week of fetus development both male and female ducts are present due to the presence of the AMH.

Male fetus development

  • In Male Fetus the Mullerian Hormone helps in the regression of Wolffian Ducts and leads to the development of Mullerian Ducts which develop into male reproductive organs.

Female Fetus Development

Role in Puberty

  • Anti Mullerian Hormone has an important role in puberty as a dress responsible for the early development of ovarian follicles.

Indicator of Follicle Count in women's

  • Anti Mullerian Hormone is also used to check up on the number of follicles present in the ovary.

  • It is useful in assessing eggs or ovarian reserve.

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Significance of Anti-Mullerian Hormone

Anti Mullerian Hormone is important because of its crucial function in our body. In males, it has limited functions while in females it is of great significance till menopause. Some of the important significance of Anti Mullerian Hormone in our body is discussed below:

Significance

Illustration of Significance

Absence of a sufficient amount of Anti Mullerian Hormone during fetal development

  • If there is an insufficient amount of Anti Mullerian Hormone during fetal growth both male and female reproductive organs will be underdeveloped which will lead to ambiguous genitalia.

High level of Anti Mullerian Hormone in ovaries

  • A high level of Anti Mullerian Hormone helps in detecting ovarian which are generally ovarian tumours.

Anti-Mullerian Hormone and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

  • There is a high level of AMH that is directly associated with PCOS which is due to an increase in the number of ovarian follicles. Follicles produce a high amount of Anti Mullerian Hormone.

Anti Mullerian Hormone for egg preservation

  • Anti Mullerian Hormone is used to measure the ovarian reserve which helps in the preservation of eggs and increases the chances of conception in females.

Anti-Mullerian Hormone during Menopause

  • Anti Mullerian Hormone is decreased as the follicles degenerate and approach menopause.

Anti-Mullerian Hormone in Hormonal Coordination

  • Anti Mullerian Hormone directly regulates the follicle-stimulating hormone ( FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) which is important for reproductive function in females.

The fate of Anti-Mullerian Hormone in males and females

During the development of a male child, the testes secrete AMH, which ceases the development of female reproductive organs and hence promotes the development of male reproductive organs.

Roles

Anti-Mullerian Hormone in Males

Anti-Mullerian Hormone in Females

Fetal development

  • A high level of Anti Mullerian Hormone is secreted by the testes by suppressing female organ development and focusing on male reproductive organ development.

  • A low level of Anti Mullerian Hormone helps in the development of female reproductive organs.

Childhood

  • Anti Mullerian Hormone is high during puberty.

  • Anti Mullerian Hormone is low till puberty.

Adolescence phase

  • Anti Mullerian Hormone is low once males hit puberty. It starts declining over time.

  • Anti Mullerian Hormone is high during the reproductive phase and supports follicle development as well as enhances the ovarian function in the body.

Menopause

-

  • Anti Mullerian Hormone starts to decline as the reproductive phase moves towards its end.

  • It is not detectable once the menopause has started.

What is the use of the Anti-Mullerian Test?

The AMH test is another name for an Anti-Mullerian hormone test. There are several uses of this test and it is helpful in several ways. Some of the major ones are discussed below

  • One of the identifying factors for early menopause and Menstrual cycle cessation.

  • The Anti Mullerian Hormone Test helps detect ovarian cancer.

  • It has to investigate the causes of missed or irregular periods.

  • AMH also helps to diagnose Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

  • AMH also helps in checking the ability to produce eggs for fertilization or pregnancy.

  • Anti Mullerian Hormone is one of the determining factors for the number of potential eggs reserved in the ovary.

Anti-Mullerian Hormone fertility and treatment

There are several uses of Anti Mullerian Hormone which is related to fertility and IVF treatments. It is one of the important tools in predicting the success of your IVF treatment. Some important points regarding fertility are discussed below in the table:

Roles

Description

Anti-Mullerian Hormone for Fertility

  • Gives you the exact information for ovarian reserve that helps in guiding the fertility treatment options.

  • Helps to navigate through ovarian stimulation protocols which are based on the level of Anti Mullerian Hormone.

  • Also helps in understanding Assisted Reproductive Technology like IVF.

IVF Success Predictions

  • The higher the Anti anti-mullerian hormone will be the higher the rate of success in the procedure.

  • The high rate of Anti Mullerian Hormone has a good number of available eggs for the procedure.

  • AMH is one of the best predictors of egg quality and quantity.

Tips, Tricks, and Strategies to Prepare for Anti-Mullerian Hormone

It's hard to remember everything in a single go. We made the entire problem easy. Some of the tricks regarding antibiotics are given below which you can use to memorize the important points.

ANTI-MULLERIAN HORMONE: Important Points

  • A: Calculates of Ovarian Reserve

  • N: Not produced by degenerated follicles

  • T: Test for Fertility

  • I: High during Puberty (Females)

  • M: Monitors for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

  • U: Used to predict late periods or menopause

  • L: Levels decline with the end of the reproductive phase

  • E: Essential for Sexual organ developments

  • R: Regulates Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Hormone

  • I: Inhibits Mullerian Duct Development in Males

  • A: Assists in Detecting Ovarian Tumors

  • N: Normal Range Varies in males and females

Classification of Functions

  • P: Predicts IVF Success

  • D: Decides ovarian response

  • F: Facilitates Fertility Issues

  • S: Serves as a successful marker for fertility treatments

Types of Questions Asked on Anti-Mullerian Hormone

During the preparation of the exam, there are different types of questions asked about Anti Mullerian Hormone in different forms. The table given below contains the different patterns of questions asked in different exams.

Exam Type

Types of Questions Asked

CBSE

  • Definition of Anti Mullerian Hormone.

  • Its functions.

  • Role of Anti Mullerian Hormone in fertility and reproductive health.

NEET

  • Mechanism of action of Anti-Mullerian Hormone.

  • Use of Anti-Mullerian Hormone in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART).

  • Clinical Significance of Anti-Mullerian Hormone PCOS.


Paramedical

  • Tests used to measure Anti Mullerian Hormone.

  • Impact of Anti-Mullerian Hormone.

  • Side effects of abnormal Anti Mullerian Hormone.

  • Treatment options based on Anti Mullerian Hormone levels.

Weightage of Anti-Mullerian Hormone in Different Entrance Exams

It is important to keep weightage of the topic in mind throughout the preparation. The weightage of Anti Mullerian Hormone in different exams is mentioned below in the table:

Exam

Weightage

CBSE

3%

NEET

4%

Paramedical

2%

Pharmacy

3%

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the normal level of AMH that should be present in the blood?

The normal AMH blood level is represented here:

 High: greater than 3.0 ng/ml

 Normal: Above 1.0 ng/ml

 0.6—0.9 ng/mL is considered low normal.

 -0.4—0.7 ng/ml is considered low.

Very Low: Less than 0.3 ng/ml

2. What could be the disorder associated with anti-Mullerian hormone?

If the right level of AMH is not synthesised at the time of the development of a baby in the foetus, then it can lead to the development of both male and primary female organs. A baby who is born with ambiguous genitalia—both the genitalia are present—is not easily recognised as either male or female.

3. What is the main function of anti-Mullerian hormone?

AMH plays a very important role in sexual differentiation in the foetus.

In women: AMH helps to balance the monthly menstrual cycle. It also helps promote the functioning of the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and the luteinizing hormone (LH).

In men: AMH helps in the development of male reproductive organs and also helps to develop secondary sexual characteristics.

4. What is the level of AMH in females and males?

 In females 

Less than 24 months: Less than 5 ng/mL

24 months to 12 years: less than 10ng/mL

13–45 years:  1 to 10 ng/mL

More than 45 years; less than 1 ng/mL

In Males: 

Younger than 24 months: 15 to 500 ng/mL

24 months to 12 years: 7 to 240 ng/mL

More than 12 years: 0.7 to 20 ng/mL

5. How to increase Anti Mullerian Hormone?

To maintain  Anti Mullerian Hormone you need to have a healthy lifestyle following balanced nutrition, regular exercise and managing your stress level.  

6. What is Anti Mullerian Hormone?

Anti Mullerian Hormone is a protein hormone which is produced by ovarian follicles and is responsible for the development of sexual organs.  

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