What does your AMH level really mean?

AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone) is one of the most common blood tests in fertility care. It gives an estimate of how many eggs you have left, often called your ovarian reserve. Here’s what your result can and can’t tell you.

What is AMH?

AMH is a hormone made by the small follicles in your ovaries. The more follicles you have, the higher your AMH level tends to be. Because it stays fairly steady through your cycle, the test can be done on any day.

What do the numbers mean?

Labs use slightly different ranges, so your doctor will explain your result in context. As a general guide:

• A higher level suggests a larger egg reserve.
• A lower level suggests fewer eggs, which is common with age.
• A very high level can be linked to PCOS.

AMH tells you about the number of eggs, not their quality, and not whether you can get pregnant naturally.

What AMH can’t tell you

A low AMH doesn’t mean you can’t conceive. It mainly helps your doctor plan treatment, for example the right medicine dose in IVF, or whether egg freezing is worth considering.

When should you get tested?

1. If you’ve been trying for a year (or six months over 35).
2. Before starting IVF or egg freezing.
3. If you’re planning to delay pregnancy.

The bottom line

AMH is a useful piece of the puzzle, but only one piece. Talk to a fertility specialist about what your result means for you.