AMH Testing: What It Reveals About Your Fertility

AMH testing is a key part of fertility testing that provides insight into a woman's ovarian reserve. Learn what Anti-Mullerian Hormone is, how it's measured, and what AMH levels can tell you about your reproductive potential.

When you're trying to conceive or planning for the future, understanding your fertility can help guide your decisions. One of the most informative fertility tests for females is the Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) test. While it’s not a crystal ball that predicts exactly when you’ll get pregnant, it offers valuable insight into your ovarian reserve — the number of eggs you have left.

In this article, we’ll explore what AMH is, how it fits into fertility testing, and what your levels can reveal about your reproductive health.

What Is AMH?

Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) is a hormone produced by the small follicles in your ovaries — the ones that haven’t yet matured into an egg for ovulation. Essentially, the more follicles you have, the higher your AMH level. That’s why AMH is considered a reliable indicator of ovarian reserve.

It’s important to note that while AMH gives an estimate of the quantity of your remaining eggs, it does not assess quality. Egg quality typically declines with age and is influenced by a range of genetic and environmental factors.

How Is AMH Testing Done?

One of the advantages of AMH testing is that it’s a simple blood test that can be done at any point in your menstrual cycle, unlike some other fertility tests that require precise timing.

Because AMH levels are relatively stable month-to-month, this test is often used early in fertility assessments to help determine how your ovaries are functioning. Results are usually available within a few days.

Why Is AMH Testing Important?

AMH testing has become a common component of fertility testing for females because it provides key information about how your body is likely to respond to fertility treatments.

Here’s what AMH testing can help with:

• Estimating ovarian reserve: Higher AMH levels typically suggest a higher number of eggs remaining.
  

• Assessing response to IVF: Women with higher AMH levels may respond better to ovarian stimulation.
  

• Identifying potential issues: Low AMH may indicate reduced ovarian reserve, while very high AMH can be a sign of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
  

• Family planning decisions: Some women use AMH results to help decide whether to consider egg freezing or pursue conception sooner rather than later.
  
  

What Do AMH Levels Mean?

Here’s a general guideline (note that reference ranges may vary slightly between labs):

It’s crucial to interpret these numbers in context. A low AMH level doesn’t mean you can’t get pregnant — many women with low AMH conceive naturally. Conversely, a high AMH doesn’t guarantee fertility.

AMH and Age

Naturally, AMH levels decline with age. Women are born with all the eggs they will ever have, and this number steadily decreases over time. In general:

• Women in their 20s have higher AMH levels.
  

• AMH begins to drop significantly in the early 30s.
  

• By the time a woman reaches her 40s, AMH levels may be quite low.
  

This makes AMH testing especially useful for women in their 30s and beyond who are considering pregnancy or fertility preservation.

Limitations of AMH Testing

While AMH is a powerful tool, it does have limitations:

• It doesn’t predict natural conception: You could have low AMH and still conceive without intervention.
  

• It doesn’t reflect egg quality: Age is a better predictor of this.
  

• It’s not diagnostic on its own: AMH should be interpreted alongside other fertility tests like antral follicle count (AFC), FSH levels, and overall reproductive history.
  
  

Other Fertility Tests for Female Fertility

AMH testing is often part of a broader fertility evaluation. Other common tests include:

• FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone): Typically done on day 2-5 of the cycle to assess how hard your body is working to produce eggs.
  

• LH (Luteinising Hormone): Helps detect ovulation issues.
  

• Ultrasound Scans: Used to check the ovaries and uterine structure and count antral follicles.
  

• Hysterosalpingography (HSG): Assesses the patency of the fallopian tubes.
  

Each of these fertility tests provides a piece of the puzzle and helps healthcare providers recommend the best course of action.

View IVF Matters full range of Female Test Kits and Services. 

When Should You Get an AMH Test?

You might consider AMH testing if:

• You’ve been trying to conceive without success.
  

• You’re considering IVF or other fertility treatments.
  

• You’re thinking about egg freezing.
  

• You have irregular cycles or symptoms of PCOS.
  

• You’re curious about your fertility status and want more information.
  

It’s best to discuss the results and next steps with a GP or fertility specialist, as they can help you interpret the findings in the context of your individual health and goals. If you do take your AMH Test Kit with IVF Matters, your results will be emailed to you and you can schedule a complimentary call with our in-house fertility expert Dr Irfana Koita, who will review your results with you, interpret what they mean and help you explore possible treatment options if required. 

Final Thoughts

AMH testing is a valuable part of fertility testing for females, offering a glimpse into your ovarian reserve and how your body may respond to fertility treatments. While it isn’t the whole story, it plays a key role in the broader picture of reproductive health.

If you’re thinking about your future fertility, trying to conceive, or exploring your options, understanding your Anti-Mullerian Hormone levels can be an empowering first step. Knowledge is power — and in this case, it might also be the key to unlocking your next chapter.

Need Support for AMH Testing?

If you would like to evaluate your fertility and test the status of your hormones, you can order an AMH Test Kit for home-delivery directly through IVF Matters, or schedule a FREE Advisory Call or book a full consultation to discuss your fertility plans in more detail first.