Low AMH - Don’t qualify for NHS…what next?

[DSB25]

After waiting over a year to be referred by my GP, we finally had our first fertility consultation on Friday. All went well apart from when she pointed out that I had not had my AMH tested and this was something that determined whether we got funding.

I was booked in for 11th December however the anxiety and stress of what if was too much so I arranged for a private AMH test.

Luckily I did as my results have come back at 3.7. It has to be over 5 for the funding. My next appointment with my fertility consultant is on 20th December. I have emailed her my results from today. I still am booked in for a thyroid and HIV test on the 11th, however I’m now faced with no funding and now I need to go private.

I wish they just tested this a year ago and told me there and then because I would have explored other options rather than being told I’m fine for a year.

Can anyone please let me know what to look for when I’m choosing a clinic?

Should I still wait for my 20th December appointment even though I know I’m not eligible.?

has anyone been in this position before?

Any support will be hugely appreciated x

[Kitkat10]

hi, I’m sorry you’ve been messed about. Yes I would still go for the NHS blood test, you just never know. The level can fluctuate a bit. Worth a try, nothing to lose.

If you do need private treatment, have a look at finance options. I used access fertility. I paid aj upfront fee and then they offered two cycles and unlimited frozen transfers for those two cycles which was considerably cheaper than pay as you go at the clinic. Better packages, the younger you are. I was 39 when I started.

Clinic wise, if you look on the HFEA website, they list them all and have some info. Location might play a role as there are quite a few appointments you need to attend per treatment cycle.

Hope this helps, good luck with everything going forward xx

[DSB25 in reply to Kitkat10]

Thank you so much x

[Endofitall]

I’ve sadly also had similar where my AMH made me ineligible and we’ve funded via packages privately. I used the HFEA website find a clinic and Google reviews together to try and decide.

However I probably wouldn’t have sent your private result and wait for NHS one. Levels can fluctuate. Mine have been down to 2 and up to 7 in space of a few weeks. At least you’re prepared for it but crossing fingers your next test is just enough for eligibility! xx

[DSB25 in reply to Endofitall]

Thank you so much for your reply!!

I’m still going to do my NHS test on 11th and request that AMH is retested as it fluctuates. It’s mind blowing that something that fluctuates and that has nothing to do with the ability to convince is the determining factor as to whether we get funding.

It my catch up wasn’t booked in 5 days before Christmas I don’t think I would have sent it through but I cannot hang around any longer my entire NHS experience has been horrendous so far.

I wish you all the luck in the world if you’re still on this journey x

[Endofitall in reply to DSB25]

Thank you 🙏🏼

Make sure you stop any supplements taking Biotin (eg pregnacare conception) as Biotin can lower AMH on blood tests. xx

[StarsAllAround]

Are you taking any supplements? I ask as my first AMH test was low I was advised to take coq10 300mg 3 times a day. Had another AMH test a few months later and it had increased enough for funding. I had the tests done by different clinics and was told that there can be a number of factors and variations that effect the results on that day. So if you haven't had your AMH test done on the NHS yet I would wait for that test as it could be different but in the meantime explore options for private treatment. Good luck

[cass1063]

I think it’s at it highest when your cycle starts so worth bearing in mind. I’ve had AMH tests a week apart that had a different of 4, so defo get the timing of it right if you can. Good luck!

[Tiddly1984]

Definitely re-test, but please be aware that whilst your AMH levels may not be a factor in terms of conceiving, it can provide an indication as to how well you might respond to treatment. Medication given during IVF is used to stimulate your follicles. Low AMH suggests this may not be effective.