If you’ve recently had an AMH test (Anti-Müllerian Hormone test), you might be wondering what the numbers mean and how they relate to your fertility. The AMH test is a key diagnostic tool for assessing ovarian reserve, or the number of viable eggs left in your ovaries.
However, understanding AMH results is not always straightforward. A low AMH level doesn’t necessarily mean infertility and a high AMH level isn’t always a good thing. This article explains how to read your AMH score, what it reveals about your reproductive health, and how it can guide your fertility decisions.
What is AMH?
Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) is produced by the granulosa cells in your ovaries. The level of AMH in your blood reflects the quantity of eggs in your ovaries, also known as your ovarian reserve. Unlike other hormones like FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) or estradiol, which fluctuate throughout your menstrual cycle, AMH remains relatively stable, making it a reliable marker of your egg count.
Why AMH Matters:
- Ovarian Reserve: AMH provides a snapshot of your fertility potential by assessing the number of eggs you have left.
- Fertility Prognosis: A low AMH level can indicate a diminished ability to conceive, while a higher AMH level generally indicates a larger ovarian reserve.
What Your AMH Score Means
Your AMH score helps doctors determine the state of your ovarian reserve. Here’s how to interpret the score and what it could mean for your fertility:
Normal AMH Levels:
- Young women (ages 25-34): A normal AMH level typically falls between 1.0 ng/mL and 4.0 ng/mL. This range indicates a healthy ovarian reserve and suggests you’re in a good place to try for a natural pregnancy.
- Women age 35-39: AMH levels tend to decrease gradually after age 35, but levels above 1.0 ng/mL are still considered normal, meaning fertility treatment options, like IVF, may be effective.
- Women over 40: AMH levels often drop significantly, so levels below 0.5 ng/mL are common, but a good fertility plan can still be tailored to your specific needs.
✅ Low AMH Levels:
- AMH below 1.0 ng/mL: Low levels typically indicate diminished ovarian reserve, meaning fewer viable eggs are available. If you’re under 35, this could mean fertility issues or a reduced ability to conceive without assistance.
- AMH below 0.5 ng/mL: A significantly low AMH level can suggest early menopause or poor ovarian reserve, making conception more challenging. However, IVF and egg freezing options might still be viable.
High AMH Levels:
- AMH above 4.0 ng/mL: Higher AMH levels are sometimes found in women with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). In these cases, the ovaries contain many immature eggs, which may result in irregular periods and ovulation issues. While high AMH doesn’t necessarily indicate infertility, women with PCOS may have difficulties with ovulation, affecting their fertility.
How AMH Relates to Fertility
Your AMH score is a key indicator of your ovarian reserve and can help you understand your fertility health. Here’s what the score can tell you about your fertility potential:
Low AMH and Fertility
- Diminished ovarian reserve: A low AMH suggests that your ovaries have fewer eggs available for ovulation, reducing your chances of natural conception.
- Fertility treatment: Low AMH can signal the need for more aggressive fertility treatments like IVF, but success is still possible with careful planning and proper intervention. Egg freezing may also be an option to preserve fertility for later.
High AMH and Fertility
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Women with high AMH often have PCOS, a condition where the ovaries contain many immature eggs. PCOS can cause irregular periods, anovulation, and fertility issues. While women with PCOS can still get pregnant, they may face challenges with ovulation, and treatments like ovulation induction or IVF may be needed.
- Fertility planning: High AMH doesn’t necessarily guarantee successful pregnancy but can indicate a healthy ovarian reserve. If you’re diagnosed with PCOS, your doctor can help develop a plan to manage the condition and optimize your chances of pregnancy.
When to Get an AMH Test
You may consider getting an AMH test if you have any of the following:
- Difficulty conceiving: If you’ve been trying to get pregnant for a year or more without success, AMH testing can provide insights into whether egg quality or quantity is affecting your fertility.
- Considering egg freezing: If you’re not ready to have children but want to preserve your fertility, testing your AMH levels can help you understand how much time you have before your ovarian reserve diminishes.
- Irregular cycles or PCOS: Women with irregular periods or PCOS may benefit from testing AMH levels to assess their ovarian reserve and fertility options.
AMH is a valuable tool in assessing a woman’s fertility potential, but it’s important to remember that it’s just one piece of the puzzle. A low or high AMH score doesn’t define your entire fertility journey. Many factors play a role, including age, lifestyle, and health conditions.
Final Thoughts
Understanding your AMH score can provide valuable insights into your fertility health and help you make informed decisions about your reproductive future. Whether you have low AMH and need to explore fertility treatment options or high AMH and want to manage a PCOS diagnosis, knowing your AMH level gives you a clear starting point for further action.
If you’re experiencing fertility issues or considering egg freezing, getting an AMH test is an important step. Please speak with your doctor to understand your results and how they relate to your fertility goals.
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Sources:
Anna Haotanto is the Founder of Zora Health and a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment. Anna’s personal experiences with egg-freezing, PCOS, perimenopause and the challenges of fertility have fueled her mission to provide high-quality information, financing, and support to help women and couples navigate their fertility journeys with confidence. She is also recognised for her achievements in finance, entrepreneurship, and women’s empowerment, and has been featured in various media outlets. You can also follow her on Linkedin or Instagram.
