Health Australia (Commonwealth Union) – In the intricate symphony of human reproduction, hormones take center stage, orchestrating the delicate balance that determines fertility. Among these hormones, the Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) stands out as a crucial player, offering insights into ovarian health and fertility potential.
The journey of human fertility begins in the ovaries, where tiny structures called follicles nurture the potential for future offspring. These follicles house immature eggs, or oocytes, that have the potential to develop into mature eggs and support conception. The AMH, produced by these ovarian follicles, is a hormone that serves as a marker of ovarian reserve, indicating the number and quality of eggs a person has.
As individuals age, their ovarian reserve naturally declines, reflecting a decrease in both the quantity and quality of eggs. Monitoring AMH levels has been known to provide valuable insights into this process, helping individuals and medical professionals gauge fertility potential and make informed decisions about family planning.
A study led by the University of Sydney has however uncovered misleading assertions made by numerous websites that sell home fertility tests, often referred to as the ‘egg timer’ test, directly to consumers.
The research findings raise concerns due to the potential impact on women’s decisions regarding these tests. Relying on information from these websites, women might base their choices about undergoing the test, planning conception, delaying pregnancy, or pursuing unnecessary fertility treatments like IVF or egg freezing.
Published in the JAMA Network Open, the study analyzed 27 websites that offer the ‘egg timer’ test for direct consumer purchase. These websites were sourced from seven different countries, including Australia.
The ‘egg timer’ test, which is scientifically termed AMH test, gauges the anti-Mullerian hormone levels in the bloodstream.
The findings revealed, three-quarters of the analyzed websites positioned the test as a means to obtain insights into fertility status or the likelihood of successful conception.
A significant portion of the websites exhibited subpar information quality or propagated assertions about the AMH test that lacked empirical backing. For instance, some websites marketed the test as a dependable predictor of fertility, contrary to established evidence indicating its inability to consistently forecast current or future fertility within the general population.
Furthermore, a majority of the examined websites asserted that the test could signal the onset of menopause or identify women at risk of premature menopause, even though such inferences are widely regarded as untrustworthy.
To address these issues, the researchers recommended the heightened regulation and oversight concerning the marketing practices of home fertility tests. Presently, the marketing of direct-to-consumer AMH tests is subject to limited regulatory control.
Dr. Rachel Thompson, a co-author from the Sydney School of Health Sciences Faculty of Medicine and Health, emphasizes the detrimental impact of inaccurate claims about the utility of the AMH test, asserting that they hinder women’s ability to make well-informed decisions.
“People may also be worried or reassured by the test results without basis and may change their reproductive plans and behaviour as a result.”
Additionally, the examination revealed a notable lack of uniformity and substantial divergence in the quantity and nature of information available on the websites.
Less than fifty percent of the websites incorporated disclaimers regarding the constraints of the AMH test.
Ms. Alexis Johnson, a study author and project officer associated with the Sydney School of Public Health, highlighted the absence of a consistent provision for users to consult a medical professional subsequent to undertaking the test.
“Only 5 of the 27 websites we reviewed – and only one of the three in Australia – include the option of a consultation with a physician after having the test,” explained Ms Johnson.
The researchers suggest that enhancing public understanding of fertility, possibly through fertility awareness initiatives, increased focus on reproductive well-being during routine medical care, and tackling obstacles to early parenthood, could prove more successful in aiding individuals to fulfill their reproductive goals.
