Low AMH: What It Means and Why IVF Isn’t the Only Option

When I was diagnosed with low AMH, I felt an overwhelming sense of panic. Like many women, I had never even heard of AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) before my fertility journey. Yet, within minutes of my results, I was being nudged towards IVF, as if it were my only hope.

But here’s the truth: IVF is a huge industry, and while it has helped many people build families, it is often pushed before women are given the full picture. Optimising egg health through nutrition and lifestyle changes can be incredibly effective—and research backs this up.

So let’s break it down.

What Is AMH?

Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) is a hormone produced by the follicles in your ovaries. It’s often used as a marker of ovarian reserve—essentially, how many eggs you have left.

A low AMH result is frequently interpreted as poor egg supply and diminished fertility. However, this is only part of the picture. AMH does not tell you anything about egg quality, only quantity. And as many fertility experts will confirm, quality matters more than quantity when it comes to conception.

What Does Low AMH Mean?

If you’ve been told you have low AMH, it can feel like a fertility death sentence—but it isn’t. While a lower ovarian reserve may mean that fewer eggs are available, it does not mean you cannot conceive naturally. I wish I had understood this when I first got my results.

Many women with low AMH go on to conceive naturally, and some even get pregnant while preparing for IVF. This is because egg quality can be improved, and a single healthy egg can lead to a successful pregnancy.

Why IVF Is Pushed So Quickly

IVF clinics are businesses. While they do provide an incredible service, they also profit from patients opting for fertility treatments. This means that many women with low AMH are encouraged to start IVF immediately, often without exploring other options.

The reality is that the human body is dynamic. Egg health is influenced by lifestyle factors, and making changes before jumping into expensive fertility treatments is a logical first step.

Can You Improve Egg Health? Science Says Yes.

The idea that egg quality is fixed is outdated. Research shows that nutrition, supplementation, and lifestyle interventions can influence egg and sperm health.

Key Nutrients for Egg Health

Several studies highlight the role of nutrition in ovarian health:

• Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10):

• CoQ10 is critical for mitochondrial function in eggs. A study in the Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics found that CoQ10 supplementation improves ovarian response and embryo quality in women undergoing IVF.

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids:

• Omega-3s play a role in reproductive longevity. Research from the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism shows that women with higher omega-3 intake tend to have better ovarian reserve.

• Vitamin D:

• A 2019 study in Human Reproduction linked adequate vitamin D levels to higher AMH levels and improved fertility outcomes.

• Antioxidants (Vitamin C, E, and Glutathione):

• Oxidative stress damages eggs, but antioxidants protect against this. Studies show that diets high in antioxidants improve egg quality and fertility outcomes.

Lifestyle Factors That Boost Egg Health

• Reducing Toxins: Endocrine disruptors found in plastics, household products, and pesticides can negatively impact fertility.

• Managing Stress: Chronic stress raises cortisol levels, which can interfere with reproductive hormones.

• Improving Sleep: Melatonin is not just a sleep hormone—it also plays a role in egg maturation.

My Journey with Low AMH

When I first heard my diagnosis, I felt lost. The consultant gave me the impression that time was running out and that I needed to act fast. But I took a step back and started researching.

I focused on nutrition, reducing stress, and prioritising sleep. I changed my diet, added targeted supplements, and made lifestyle adjustments. The pressure to jump straight into IVF lessened, and I started to feel more empowered.

I’m not saying that IVF isn’t a valid option—it absolutely is, and for many women, it’s life-changing. But I am saying that we deserve full transparency. We should be told that fertility is dynamic, that we can improve our reproductive health, and that IVF isn’t the only path forward.

Low AMH does not mean no chance of pregnancy. It means you may need to be proactive about your fertility health, but there is hope.

Before jumping into expensive and invasive fertility treatments, consider what you can do naturally. Research supports the role of nutrition and lifestyle in optimising egg health. IVF should be an informed choice, not a rushed decision made out of fear.

If you’ve been diagnosed with low AMH, take a breath. Explore your options. And remember—you have more power over your fertility than you might think.

If you want to optimise your egg health and do all you can to improve your chances of conceiving, sign up to my Bud or Full Bloom programmes today.