Understanding AMH Levels and Their Role in Your Fertility
When you’re beginning your fertility journey, your doctor may recommend a series of tests to better understand your reproductive health. One of the most common is the AMH test, which measures your Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) levels. Because “AMH testing” is often one of the first fertility topics people search for, it’s important to clearly understand what these results mean, and what they don’t. AMH testing can be a valuable tool to assess ovarian reserve and guide personalized fertility care.
What Is AMH Testing?
Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) is produced by small follicles in the ovaries. The amount of AMH in your blood can be viewed as a surrogate marker for ovarian reserve, the number of eggs you have. Unlike other fertility hormones, AMH can be measured at any point in your cycle, making it both convenient and reliable..
- Higher AMH levels generally mean a greater number of eggs.
- Lower AMH levels may suggest a reduced ovarian reserve.
It’s important to note that AMH testing measures quantity, not egg quality. Age and other health factors still play a critical role in reproductive potential. It is important to understand that AMH does not reflect fecundability, the ability to get pregnant during a single menstrual cycle.
Why AMH Levels Matter in Fertility Care
AMH testing is often one of the first steps in fertility evaluation because it helps doctors:
- Estimate how patients' bodies will respond during ovarian stimulation to produce eggs
- Identify patients who may need a more tailored approach to fertility medications.
- Guide conversations about timelines for family building and whether options like egg or embryo freezing may help patients meet their goals.
For individuals considering IVF or egg freezing, AMH results can help personalize the stimulation protocol, giving the best chance of retrieving a healthy number of eggs while reducing risks such as ovarian hyperstimulation.
What Do Different AMH Results Mean?
While every lab may have slightly different ranges for what is considered normal, here’s a general guide to interpreting AMH levels:
- High AMH: Often seen in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This means more eggs are present. High AMH typically requires careful monitoring during ovarian stimulation.
- Normal AMH: Suggests a healthy ovarian reserve for your age group. Most patients in this category can expect an average response to fertility medications.
- Low AMH: Indicates fewer available eggs. It is important to remember that patients can still conceive with a low AMH, either naturally or with the support of fertility treatment.
No single AMH number determines whether you can or cannot get pregnant. It is one piece of a larger puzzle.
AMH in the Context of Age and Overall Health
While AMH testing is a powerful tool, it should always be considered alongside age, reproductive history, and overall health.
- A younger patient with a low AMH may still have higher-quality eggs compared to an older patient with normal AMH.
- Egg quality naturally declines with age, regardless of AMH levels.
- Additional testing (such as ultrasound follicle counts, hormone panels, and partner semen analysis) provides a more complete picture of fertility potential.
At NYU Langone Fertility Center, we emphasize that AMH results are not destiny; they are data points that help us craft the most effective and compassionate treatment plan for you.
When Should You Consider AMH Testing?
AMH testing may be recommended if you are:
- Planning to start a family and want to understand your fertility potential.
- Considering egg freezing or other fertility preservation options.
- Beginning fertility treatment, such as IVF or egg freezing, where AMH helps predict your response to stimulation.
- Concerned about conditions like PCOS or early menopause.
Takeaways
AMH testing is an important part of fertility evaluation, but it’s not the whole story. While it can be a marker for egg quantity it also helps predict response to treatment and guides planning. Always remember, it must always be interpreted alongside age, health, and family building goals.
At NYU Langone Fertility Center, we use AMH results as one of many tools to design individualized treatment plans, helping you feel informed, empowered, and supported every step of the way.
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The NYU Langone Fertility Center Blog
At NYU Langone Fertility Center, our first job is to support our patients as they become educated about their reproductive health and fertility treatment options. Our blog connects patients with the most up-to-date information, technologies, and insights into fertility care. From egg freezing to IVF to third-party reproduction options, we explore every facet of assisted reproductive technology and empower patients with the knowledge they need to navigate their family building journeys.