Low AMH with PCOS?

[CoralCats]

Hello,

I have just had my AMH blood test results back and it's 15.2 pmol - low fertility.

I'm 28 and the NHS says this is the 10th percentile for my age range and median for a 35-39 year old.

The nurse has said it could be early menopause, but not to worry as 5 pmol is the minimum for IVF if I've considered this and they'll just double my dose of Clomid/Letrozole. My gynecologist is on holiday so I feel overwhelmed and upset about this and what it means.

I thought people with PCOS had high AMH levels and I don't know what low AMH levels mean - does it mean I'll struggle falling pregnant or won't have as many years to fall pregnant? & should I jump straight to IVF rather than Clomid/Letrozole?

Any help would be appreciated!

[Hidden]

Hey there. Really sorry that you have received this news. I know how scary this is.

I’m relatively new to this journey myself, so thinking it could be that if you have PCOS, then they would expect for you (at your age) to have a much higher AMH than your results concluded - and so they assume that your “true” AMH (reserve) is therefore much lower than it should be.

I don’t have PCOS, but my AMH was tested at 0.6 pmol/L a couple of months ago (age 36). I was also given the early menopause, not going to happen spiel. I’m hanging on to hope because I haven’t started IVF yet and I’ve seen some success stories with stats lower than mine.

You should keep in mind that the younger we are, the better the egg quality usually - and so at 28/29, you have chance of producing good quality eggs, even if you don’t have too many of them. Low AMH does not mean that you cannot get pregnant, or that your eggs are not good quality - it just means we may not produce an egg every month - and so it takes longer and is harder.

At my age and level, I am against the clock, but have to have hope. They said probably 5% chance with IVF - Not good at all (and no NHS funding for me), but it only takes 1 good egg.

Some people do respond well to Clomid and/ or Letrozole, due to the follicle stimulation - so may be worth a try while you await further treatment. I have just done my second cycle on Letrozole (5mg). I wasn’t monitored on the first cycle but have a scan on Friday for my second cycle - I’m not expecting any movement with follicles, but we’ll wait and see. I am doing this while I wait for my private help to kick-off. Personal choice, but I would personally give it a go while you wait.

Stay strong x

[CoralCats in reply to Hidden]

Hello,

Thank you!

Yes, I thought the same - having PCOS my AMH should be higher than average so it seems so strange that it's low and makes me question my diagnosis! I don't really understand how AMH and PCOS correlate and what to make of these results.

I'm so sorry to hear about your low level. Finger's crossed for IVF for you! You're young so your eggs should be of good quality, even if the quantity is low.

The nurse mentioned doubling up on Clomid/Letrozole so I may go straight onto 5mg too - I'll see. They may be able to up your dose even further too if you're not responding. I hope it works out for you xx

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi CoralCats. Well, most ladies on here would be pleased with an AMH reading of 15 which is the low end of satisfactory. PCOS would be very high. If your FSH level is within normal limits, then they should be able to stimulate you OK. Good luck! Diane

[CoralCats in reply to DianeArnold]

Hello, Thanks!

It makes me question if my PCOS diagnosis is right... or could there be another reason for cysts on my ovaries and anovulatory cycles.

I think my FSH level is normal so finger's crossed Clomid/Letrozole work!

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK in reply to CoralCats]

Hi. Hopefully the Clomid will balance your hormones out. Good luck! Diane