Measuring Ovarian Ageing
Diminished ovarian reserve, associated with poor response to in vitro fertilization, is signalled by reduced baseline serum AMH concentrations. AMH would appear to be a useful marker for predicting ovarian aging and the potential for successful IVF.
Predicting Onset of Menopause
The duration of the menopausal transition can vary significantly in individual women, and reproductive capacity may be compromised before hormonal imbalances are evident. AMH levels can predict the occurrence of the menopausal transition.
Assessing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Blood AMH levels are elevated in patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and may be useful as a marker for the extent of the disease and the progress of treatment.
Inhibin B
If you have already had other tests, you may still be interested in finding out more about your underlying fertility problems. The Day 3 test can help to determine the quality and quantity of your ovarian reserve. Ovarian reserve often plays a dominant role in determining whether a not a couple will conceive. So if you are having difficulties conceiving, consult us about the Inhibin B test.
What is Inhibin B?
Inhibin B is a protein hormone produced by your ovaries. It works to inhibit FSH, which is responsible for helping your folicles to develop. Levels of Inhibin B decrease with age. Inhibin B is actually secreted directly by small follicles, developing in your ovaries. During the follicular phase of ovulation, small follicles eventually develop into mature eggs, ready for fertilization. Inhibin B has a sister hormone called Inhibin A, which is also produced by the ovaries.
The Inhibin B test is a simple blood test that measures the amount of in your blood. It is used in order to predict ovarian reserve, including egg quality and eqq quantity. Because Inhibin B is produced directly by ovarian follicles, the amount of it in your blood directly correlates to the number of eggs that you have in your ovaries. Inhibin B can also predict the ability of your ovaries to produce more follicles. This suggests that the hormone can predict the success of certain ovulation-inducing drugs, like Clomid.
Low levels of Inhibin B are associated with:
- impaired ovulation
- decreased success with IVF
- lower pregnancy rates
- increased risk of miscarriage
- Number of women can benefit from the Inhibin Test, including:
- women who have shown a poor response to drugs
- women with a positive CCCT
- women with unexplained infertility
- women over the age of 35
