Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH)

Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH)

The Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) test measures the level of AMH in the blood. AMH is a hormone produced by cells in developing egg sacs (follicles) in the ovaries. It is a key indicator of a woman's ovarian reserve, or the remaining number of eggs. This test is commonly used in fertility evaluations and to assess reproductive lifespan.

1. What Is Anti-Mullerian Hormone?

• AMH is secreted by ovarian follicles during the early stages of egg development.

• The amount of AMH correlates with the number of antral (small developing) follicles and therefore with ovarian reserve.

• In men, AMH plays a role in the development of male reproductive organs but is not typically tested after infancy.

2. Why Is the AMH Test Performed?

This test is used to:

• Evaluate a woman's ovarian reserve (fertility potential).

• Predict the response to fertility treatments (e.g., IVF).

• Diagnose or monitor polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

• Monitor ovarian function during or after chemotherapy.

• Help diagnose premature ovarian insufficiency or menopause.

3. AMH Reference Ranges

• Reference ranges may vary by lab and age, but generally:

  - High (> 4.0 ng/mL): May indicate PCOS or high ovarian reserve

  - Normal (1.0 – 4.0 ng/mL): Indicates good fertility potential

  - Low (< 1.0 ng/mL): May suggest reduced ovarian reserve

  - Very low (< 0.5 ng/mL): May indicate diminished fertility or perimenopause

4. How to Interpret AMH Results

🔹 High AMH:

• Can be a sign of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

• May predict a strong response to ovarian stimulation during IVF

🔹 Normal AMH:

• Suggests a healthy ovarian reserve

🔹 Low or Very Low AMH:

• Indicates diminished ovarian reserve

• May impact fertility or suggest approaching menopause

5. What Can Affect AMH Levels?

• Age (AMH declines with age and becomes undetectable after menopause)

• PCOS (typically elevates AMH)

• Smoking (may lower AMH levels)

• Ovarian surgery or chemotherapy (can significantly reduce AMH)

• Hormonal contraceptives (may slightly suppress AMH, but not permanently)

6. When to See a Doctor

🚨 Contact your healthcare provider if you:

• Are under 35 and trying to conceive without success for 12 months (or 6 months if over 35)

• Have irregular or absent menstrual periods

• Have a family history of early menopause or fertility issues

• Are considering egg freezing or IVF

🔹 Key Takeaways

✅ AMH is a key marker of ovarian reserve and fertility potential.

✅ High AMH may indicate PCOS; low AMH suggests diminished ovarian reserve.

✅ AMH levels are useful for fertility planning and monitoring ovarian function over time.