For women trying to conceive, Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) is an important marker of ovarian reserve—the number of eggs remaining in the ovaries. When AMH levels are low, it can raise concerns about fertility and the success of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). However, a diagnosis of low AMH does not mean pregnancy is impossible. With the right approach and advanced fertility treatments, many women with low AMH successfully conceive.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the relationship between low AMH and IVF, discuss chances of pregnancy, and outline strategies to improve IVF success rates.
What is AMH and Why is it Important?
Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) is a hormone produced by the small follicles in the ovaries. It serves as a reliable indicator of ovarian reserve, helping fertility specialists estimate the number of eggs a woman has left.
AMH Levels and Ovarian Reserve
AMH levels are measured through a simple blood test, and results are classified as follows:
| AMH Level (ng/mL) | Ovarian Reserve | Fertility Implications |
| Above 4.0 | High | May indicate PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) |
| 2.0 – 4.0 | Normal | Good ovarian reserve, higher IVF success |
| 1.0 – 1.99 | Low-Normal | Slightly reduced ovarian reserve, but good response expected |
| 0.5 – 0.99 | Low | Reduced ovarian reserve, lower IVF success |
| Below 0.5 | Very Low | Diminished ovarian reserve, may require special IVF protocols or donor eggs |
Low AMH typically indicates a smaller egg supply, but it does not reflect egg quality. Women with low AMH may still have good-quality eggs capable of producing a healthy pregnancy.
Can You Get Pregnant with Low AMH?
Yes, pregnancy is possible with low AMH, but it may require a strategic approach. The chances of conception depend on several factors:
✔ Age – Younger women (under 35) with low AMH tend to have better egg quality, which improves the likelihood of pregnancy.
✔ Egg Quality – Even with fewer eggs, if the eggs retrieved are of high quality, the chances of success remain positive.
✔ IVF Protocol – Choosing the right ovarian stimulation protocol can significantly improve the number of eggs retrieved.
✔ Lifestyle Factors – Diet, supplements, and stress management can support ovarian function and improve IVF outcomes.
Low AMH and IVF: What Are Your Chances of Pregnancy?
IVF success rates in women with low AMH vary depending on age and overall fertility health. Research suggests:
- Women under 35 with low AMH have about a 40-50% chance of success per IVF cycle.
- Women over 35 with low AMH have a 20-35% chance of success per cycle.
- Women over 40 with very low AMH may have lower success rates but can still conceive with advanced fertility treatments.
Although low AMH reduces the number of eggs retrieved, IVF can still be successful if the retrieved eggs are of good quality.
Best IVF Strategies for Low AMH Patients
Women with low AMH require personalized IVF protocols to maximize their chances of conception. Here are some of the most effective strategies:
1. Tailored Ovarian Stimulation Protocols
A mild or mini-IVF approach is often recommended for women with low AMH. High-dose stimulation can sometimes overburden the ovaries and lead to poor egg quality. Common protocols include:
- Antagonist Protocol – Uses lower doses of gonadotropins to stimulate the ovaries gently.
- Modified Natural IVF – Retrieves one or two high-quality eggs instead of multiple eggs.
2. Using Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT-A)
Since low AMH patients may produce fewer embryos, PGT-A (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy) helps identify chromosomally normal embryos with the highest implantation potential.
3. Egg or Embryo Freezing
For younger women with low AMH, egg freezing (oocyte cryopreservation) allows for future pregnancy attempts even if AMH levels decline further.
4. Frozen vs. Fresh Embryo Transfer
Research suggests that frozen embryo transfer (FET) can improve pregnancy rates in low AMH patients by allowing the body to recover from ovarian stimulation before implantation.
When to Consider Donor Eggs for Low AMH?
If IVF cycles fail due to poor embryo quality, donor eggs may be the best option for achieving pregnancy. Women who might consider donor eggs include:
✔ Women over 40 with very low AMH.
✔ Those with repeated IVF failures due to poor embryo quality.
✔ Women with genetic concerns affecting egg quality.
Donor egg IVF has very high success rates (60-80%), offering a strong alternative for women facing challenges with their own eggs.
Success Stories: Overcoming Low AMH with IVF at MotherToBe
At MotherToBe Fertility Centre, we have helped many women with low AMH achieve successful pregnancies through tailored IVF protocols, embryo freezing, and advanced fertility techniques.
Why Choose MotherToBe for IVF with Low AMH?
✔ Led by Dr. S. Vyjayanthi, a highly experienced fertility specialist.
✔ State-of-the-art embryology lab with high success rates.
✔ Customized ovarian stimulation protocols for low AMH patients.
✔ Expertise in advanced techniques like PGT.
If you have been diagnosed with low AMH and are exploring IVF, reach out to MotherToBe Fertility Centre for a personalized consultation and expert guidance on your fertility journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I conceive naturally with low AMH?
Yes, natural conception is possible, but fertility declines faster in women with low AMH. If pregnancy doesn’t occur within 6 months, seeking fertility treatment is recommended.
2. What is the best IVF protocol for low AMH?
A mild stimulation protocol, natural IVF is best for low AMH patients to retrieve higher-quality eggs.
3. Is low AMH a sign of early menopause?
Not necessarily. Low AMH indicates reduced ovarian reserve but does not mean menopause is imminent. Women with low AMH can still conceive with the right treatment.
4. Does IVF work for women with very low AMH?
Yes, but success rates depend on egg quality, age, and overall ovarian function. Some women may need multiple IVF cycles or donor eggs.
5. Can supplements improve low AMH?
Certain supplements like DHEA, CoQ10, and Omega-3s may help optimize ovarian function, but they cannot significantly increase AMH levels.
6. Is frozen embryo transfer better for low AMH patients?
Yes. Frozen embryo transfer (FET) allows the uterus to recover from ovarian stimulation, improving implantation rates.
7. How many eggs are needed for IVF success with low AMH?
Even 1-3 high-quality eggs can result in a successful pregnancy with IVF and embryo screening.
8. Can stress affect AMH levels?
Stress does not directly lower AMH, but chronic stress can impact fertility and ovulation.
9. How much does IVF cost for low AMH patients?
IVF costs depend on stimulation protocols, additional procedures like PGT, and the number of cycles required.
10. Where can I get expert IVF treatment for low AMH?
For personalized IVF treatments with high success rates, visit MotherToBe Fertility Centre, Hyderabad, led by Dr. S. Vyjayanthi.