11/10/15

What is Anti-Mullerian Hormone? (AMH)

I recall having a very dismal AMH… Here is some important information from Fertility Authority that might help some of you out there!


Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) Fertility Test

The AMH test (Anti-Mullerian Hormone) is a blood test to help the fertility doctor assess the woman's ovarian reserve. The test measures the levels of AMH in a woman's blood and is helpful in determining whether a woman has premature ovarian aging (diminished ovarian reserve) or premature ovarian failure. 

What Is AMH?

The Anti-Mullerian Hormone is a substance secreted by the granulosa cells in the developing egg sacs (ovarian follicles) . When a woman grows older, her number of ovarian follicles begins to decrease; therefore, the amount of AMH in the blood decreases. 
A woman who has very remaining follicles will have low AMH levels and is close to menopause. A woman who has many small ovarian follicles — a condition known as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) — typically has high levels of AMH.

How AMH Is a Predictor of Ovarian Reserve?

Because AMH levels correlate with the number of ovarian follicles, the test is a good predictor of ovarian reserve. Researchers have found that women with higher concentrations of AMH have a better response to ovarian stimulation and are likely to produce more eggs for IVF (in vitro fertilization) than women with low or undetectable AMH. Also, unlike follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), the levels of AMH in the blood do not fluctuate as much; therefore the test can be done at any point during the menstrual cycle. 
A low AMH indicates there is a problem with the quantity and quality of a woman's eggs. Women with low AMH tend to be "poor responders" to fertility treatment — even with high doses of fertility drugs. 
It's important to ask your fertility doctor if he or she is using age thresholds when considering the AMH test because a woman's "normal" AMH range is also dependent upon age — the average AMH level in younger women is higher than the average level in older women. Therefore, a young woman with a very low AMH could have a similar level to an older woman who is considered to have an "average" AMH level for her age. 
AMH only one of the tests that assesses ovarian reserve. Others include blood tests for FSH and estradiol levels, the clomiphene citrate challenge test (CCCT), and a vaginal ultrasound examination of the antral follicles. https://www.fertilityauthority.com/


10/6/15

Folic Acid and TTC

Folic Acid is recommended for every woman in her childbearing years before she starts trying to conceive. Many doctors will recommend that a woman take a prenatal vitamin enriched with Folic Acid at least three months prior to conception. This will help protect the growing baby against such medical issues as neural tube defects before a woman even knows she’s pregnant.

For many women, eating fortified foods enriched with Folic Acid just isn't enough. To reach your recommended levels, you will also likely require a vitamin supplement. So when you’re thinking about your "baby making kit," don’t forget to pack your Folic Acid pills.

If you have MTHFR, like I do (C677 double mutation), I have to take a special vitamin to get my folic! Feel free to message me and I can let you know what I recommend! :)




Source-Fertilityauthority

4/4/15

Oranges and Fertility

Oranges can help with ovulation, who knew? They are rich in folate, and can help encourage the release of an egg. They also have a lot of folate, which is a form of folic acid that can help women get pregnant and also has the effect of reducing abnormalities in mens sperm.

Other citrus fruits are also helpful for ovulation, such as lemons, tangerines and grapefruits! Try to get over 600 mcg a day!!  Delicious and good for your fertility diet!! thefertilegarden.com

9/18/14

Tomatoes and Male Fertility

Who knew that tomatoes helped with fertility?? Use your summer bounty to help your hubby increase his sperm count!

Did you know...

  • Tomatoes contain lycopene, which can help increase sperm count by up to 70%! 
  • Lycopene can help improve sperm count and motility, and can reduce the count of abnormal sperm!



8/18/14

Helpful PCOS info!

I thought this graphic from PCOSgirl.com was a great "at a glance" reference for those with PCOS!

7/30/14

What Is Premature Ovarian Aging (POA)?

Have you been diagnosed with premature ovarian aging or diminished ovarian reserve?

Ovarian reserve can decline for many reasons, with age being the most common. Genetics, immune diseases, smoking, radiation, chemotherapy and unknown reasons can also have an effect. Your fertility doctor can detect premature ovarian aging by whether your follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels are elevated. FSH may be measured with an FSH test on Day 3 of the menstrual cycle or with a Clomid Challenge Test.

Premature ovarian aging may also be a precursor to premature ovarian failure.
  • Egg Quantity and Quality
  • Premature Ovarian Aging
  • Premature Ovarian Failure
  • High FSH
Info on Clomid Challenge test from FertilityAuthority.com


6/23/14

Fertility success! The cutest little success story that I have ever seen!

Hello! I ordered a St Gerard necklace from you almost two years ago and I just wanted to share this picture. My friends and family referred to the baby as 'Gerard' until we knew what the sex was :) 

What an adorable little guy!! Thanks so much for sending his pic in, love that he is wearing the St Gerard necklace  :)  :)