The impact of age on AHM levels was addressed in a study by Seifer, et al, reported in Fertility and Sterility. They analyzed blood samples from 17,120 women of reproductive age (24 – 50 y). All bloods were tested in a single reference laboratory (ReproSource, Inc., Woburn, MA) using materials from Beckman Coulter-DSL (Chaska, MN). This is an important variable as the numbers can change if a different assay kit is used.
They reported the numbers mean (average) as well as median (midpoint, middle number of the group when they are ranked in order):
Both media and mean AMH values decreased steadily with increasing age from 24 to 50 years of age. The average yearly decrease in the median AMH value was 0.2ng/mL/year through age 35 and then diminished 0.1 ng/mL/year after age 35. The rate of decline in mean AMH values was 0.2 ng/mL/year through age 40 and then diminished to 0.1ng/mL/year thereafter.
Median values were lower than mean values (data were not normally distributed). Median values are a helpful reference point as they identify the AMH value below which lies exactly half the population.
For each year, there was a wide variation in AMH values. This continues to support the concept that AMH values reflect follicular supply independent of age.
Evaluation of ovarian reserve is a key fertility test for women. A comprehensive approach to testing includes a combination of age, FSH, E2, AFC, AMH, patient weight and previous ovarian response to fertility drugs.
To see a fertility specialist who is a board-certified physician with excellent success rates, make an appointment at one of InVia’s four Chicago area fertility clinics .