What is the AMH Test and Why It’s an Essential Indicator of Women’s Reproductive Health
What is the Anti-Mullerian Hormone?
The anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is made by the tiny follicles present in a woman’s ovaries. These follicles are immature structures that later develop into mature eggs. This hormone plays a key role in indicating how many of these follicles are available. That is why AMH test is done. An anti-Mullerian hormone test measures the level of this hormone. It gives doctors an estimate of a woman’s ovarian reserve.
What is the AMH Test?
An AMH test, or anti-Mullerian hormone test, is a simple blood test. It is used to measure the amount of AMH in a woman’s blood. This hormone helps estimate your ovarian reserve. That means the number of follicles (which could later develop into eggs). This hormone AMH test does not predict your chances of getting pregnant naturally. It does not assess egg quality.
Test Results Interpretation
Discuss your report with a fertility specialist. The test results provide the following information:
- AMH < 0.5 ng/mL indicates a very low ovarian reserve. That means the ovaries may not produce enough follicles.
- AMH < 1.0 ng mL suggests limited follicle availability. This suggests there is a reduced chance of conception.
- AMH between 1.0 and 3.5 ng/mL is a moderate reserve. It typically indicates a positive response to IVF stimulation.
- AMH > 3.5 ng/mL reflects high AMH levels. It suggests there is an abundant number of eggs. However, it could also pose a potential risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).
Normal Range
There is no single “normal” AMH level. Doctors often consider levels of AMH around 1.5 ng mL or higher as good. When you receive your results, always refer to the laboratory’s reference ranges. Do not compare your numbers directly to others. AMH levels also vary a lot with age.
What are the Uses of the AMH Test?
The AMH test is used for many medical and fertility-related purposes. For example:
- Female Infertility Evaluation
AMH testing is commonly used to assess female infertility. The AMH fertility test does not directly determine whether a woman can conceive. But it helps doctors understand how many eggs remain in the ovaries. This helps them plan treatments, such as IVF. It also helps doctors choose the right dose of medication for IVF.
- Menopause Assessment
The AMH test cannot accurately predict the exact timing of menopause. However, it can provide clues if a woman is nearing it. Therefore, this test can help find early or premature menopause.
- Diagnosis of Ovarian Conditions
The AMH test can help diagnose some ovarian problems. For example, high AMH levels can be a sign of PCOS. The test can also help identify certain ovarian tumours. It is also used to check if a woman’s ovaries are recovering after surgery or chemotherapy.
- Conditions in Children
In children and adolescents, anti-Mullerian hormone AMH testing can check for normal puberty. High AMH levels in early puberty can mean there is a hormone problem. It also helps doctors identify the cause of ambiguous genitalia in babies.
- Fertility Preservation
The AMH test is useful for people planning to freeze their eggs. Before treatments like chemotherapy, AMH testing helps assess if egg freezing is a good option. It also guides women who want to preserve fertility for personal reasons. Because the AMH test can show the right time to act.
Why Is AMH Testing Necessary for Women?
AMH testing for women is primarily a planning tool. It gives you a clearer idea of your egg supply based on your age. Traditional fertility tests may change during your monthly cycle. The AMH test for female fertility, however, gives consistent results regardless of the cycle day.
It is especially useful if you are unsure about when or if you want to have children. The test can give you a clearer idea of your long-term reproductive health. The AMH test does not check for issues with your fallopian tubes or uterus. For that, you will need other tests.
When to get an AMH Test?
You can get an AMH test on any day of your menstrual cycle. You do not have to worry much about when to do AMH test. The best time to do so is flexible because AMH levels do not change much. You might want to get this test before you freeze your eggs. It is also a good idea before you start treatments that could harm your fertility. One such treatment is chemotherapy.
What is the Procedure of the AMH Test?
A clinician or phlebotomist takes a blood sample from a vein. The laboratory then measures hormones AMH levels. You do not need to fast. There is no need to schedule the test for a certain day of your cycle. You usually get your results in 24–48 hours. The results are either in ng/mL or pmol/L.
What are the Factors Affecting Results?
PCOS can increase your AMH levels. Birth control pills and certain other medicines can temporarily lower them. Additionally, factors like obesity, smoking, and previous ovarian surgery might also reduce your AMH values. Keep in mind that results can vary slightly between different labs.
What are the Benefits of the AMH Test?
This test helps personalise fertility treatments by giving the right amount of medication. This lowers the risk of OHSS (a complication people get from fertility drugs). It also helps figure out the best time to freeze eggs. Additionally, it guides how the resources are used in fertility clinics. For people who have had cancer treatments, it helps with counselling. When combined with ultrasounds and other hormone tests, it gives a more accurate prediction of fertility. It reduces the need for extra appointments. It also avoids invasive procedures.
FAQs
No, you do not need to fast. The test can be done at any time of the day.
Not exactly. It shows how many eggs you may have. It does not measure the quality of those eggs. The egg quality is a more important factor for a successful pregnancy.
High AMH levels suggest that you have a large number of eggs according to your age. It may also indicate conditions like PCOS.
It can help, but it is not enough on its own. Other tests and scans are also needed.
No, but it can show if you are getting close to menopause.
Lifestyle changes may not directly increase your AMH levels, but they can support overall reproductive health. A healthy lifestyle can help you maintain your existing ovarian reserve and improve fertility.