What Is the AMH Test?
Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) is a protein hormone produced by the small follicles in your ovaries. Because AMH levels reflect how many of these follicles are present and active, a simple blood test measuring AMH gives doctors a reliable snapshot of your ovarian reserve — essentially, an estimate of your remaining egg supply.
Unlike many other fertility hormones, AMH remains relatively stable throughout your menstrual cycle, meaning the test can be taken on any day of your cycle. This makes it a convenient and increasingly standard part of the fertility work-up.
Why Does Ovarian Reserve Matter?
Every person with ovaries is born with all the eggs they will ever have. That number declines with age, and the rate of decline varies between individuals. A lower ovarian reserve doesn't mean pregnancy is impossible, but it does influence:
- How well you may respond to fertility medications during IVF stimulation
- How many eggs are likely to be retrieved in an IVF cycle
- The overall timeline and strategy your clinic may recommend
- Whether egg freezing might be worth discussing sooner rather than later
How to Read Your AMH Result
AMH is typically measured in pmol/L or ng/mL. General reference ranges vary slightly between labs, but a broad guide is:
| AMH Level (pmol/L) | AMH Level (ng/mL) | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Above 25 | Above 3.5 | High — may indicate polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM) |
| 15 – 25 | 2.1 – 3.5 | Good / optimal reserve |
| 7 – 14 | 1.0 – 2.0 | Satisfactory / average reserve |
| 3 – 6 | 0.4 – 0.9 | Low reserve — closer monitoring advised |
| Below 3 | Below 0.4 | Very low reserve — specialist guidance important |
Note: These are general guides only. Always interpret your result in context with your age, other test findings, and in discussion with your doctor.
What AMH Does NOT Tell You
This is arguably the most important section. AMH measures quantity, not quality. A low AMH does not directly tell you:
- Whether your remaining eggs are healthy
- Your chance of conceiving naturally
- Whether IVF will or won't work for you
- That pregnancy is impossible
Egg quality is largely determined by age and other factors, and many people with low AMH have successful pregnancies — both naturally and through IVF. Conversely, a high AMH doesn't guarantee success either.
AMH and Age: The Bigger Picture
AMH naturally declines with age, so context is everything. A result that is considered low for a 28-year-old may be entirely expected for a 42-year-old. Your clinic will always interpret your AMH alongside your age, your antral follicle count (AFC) on ultrasound, and other hormone tests such as FSH and oestradiol.
Can You Improve a Low AMH?
Currently, there is no proven intervention that significantly raises AMH levels or "restores" ovarian reserve. However, some factors that may support overall follicle health include:
- Stopping smoking — smoking is strongly associated with accelerated ovarian ageing
- Maintaining a healthy body weight
- Reducing chronic oxidative stress through diet and lifestyle
- Some research is exploring supplements like CoQ10, though evidence is still developing
Key Takeaway
The AMH test is a valuable tool — but it's one piece of a larger picture. Use it as the start of a conversation with your care team, not as a final verdict on your fertility. Understanding your results helps you make informed, empowered decisions about next steps.