With many variables involved in an individual’s fertility, learning more about your reproductive health can help you manage expectations about your body’s response to fertility treatment. The anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) test, which measures your body’s levels of a hormone associated with ovarian reserve, is one potential source of information for those experiencing infertility.
While the AMH test can reveal certain factors related to your reproductive health, it is not relevant to all aspects of fertility, or all types of fertility issues. Here’s more about the AMH test, including what it can and can’t tell you.
What is anti-mullerian hormone (AMH)?
Anti-mullerian hormone is a hormone that affects how a baby’s reproductive organs develop while in the womb. Male babies have higher levels of AMH than female babies.
AMH is also related to a woman’s ovarian reserve. Cells inside the ovarian follicles — fluid-filled sacs that release an egg during ovulation — produce AMH. An individual's levels of AMH correspond to their egg count, with higher levels of the hormone typically indicating a higher ovarian reserve.
Unlike many other hormones related to reproductive health, AMH levels remain steady throughout an individual’s menstrual cycle. This means that you can have your AMH levels measured at any time, unlike some other fertility-related blood tests.
What is an AMH test?
An AMH test is a blood test that measures your levels of AMH, revealing the approximate number of eggs in your ovarian reserve that may be used for ovulation. It provides a snapshot into one aspect of your fertility, rather than a precise look at the whole picture.
The AMH test consists of a simple blood draw. It typically takes about a week for test results to arrive. There are at-home AMH tests available, however, it is important to discuss the results with a healthcare provider.
Below are general ranges of AMH levels, measured in nanograms per milliliter. Your provider can give you a clearer sense of what your AMH levels indicate.
Average: 1.0 ng/mL to 3.0 ng/mL
Low: less than 1.0 ng/mL
Very low: 0.4 ng/mL
What an AMH test can tell you
An AMH test is an indication of the number of eggs remaining in your ovarian reserve. This is particularly relevant to in vitro fertilization (IVF), since one goal of IVF is to retrieve as many mature eggs for fertilization as possible. Your AMH test results may also inform your individual medication protocol for IVF, as they can help your provider anticipate your body’s response to ovarian stimulation medication.
The AMH test can also indicate the pace at which your ovaries are aging.
What an AMH test can’t tell you
While AMH levels are helpful for determining egg quantity, they do not reveal anything about the quality of your eggs. Egg quantity factors into IVF success rates — the more eggs retrieved, the higher your chances are of producing multiple healthy embryos that may be placed into the uterus — but quality is also extremely important. It is possible to have a low ovarian reserve but a high percentage of viable eggs, in which case a successful IVF cycle would be more likely.
It is also possible to experience infertility despite having normal AMH levels. Other factors that may affect your ability to conceive include your age, lifestyle habits, ovulation disorders, uterine abnormalities, and endometriosis, among others. Sperm count and mobility also factor into a couple’s fertility. There are many diagnostic tests a reproductive specialist may use to evaluate your remaining egg supply and recommend the best treatment plan.
Read Infertility, Explained for a more comprehensive overview of common fertility issues.
A fertility pharmacy partner you can rely on
At Alto, we’re here for you at every step of your fertility journey. We offer free same-day delivery of your medications, with discreet packaging, fertility resources like personalized injection guide videos and one-on-one consultations with fertility-trained pharmacists, and support with insurance and savings opportunities.
To learn more about how Alto can support your fertility treatment, reach out any time through secure in-app messaging or by phone at 1-800-874-5881.
This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
