Anti-Mullerian Hormone

Overview

Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) is a hormone made by small follicles in the ovaries that haven’t yet matured. Think of these follicles as tiny "seed pods" that hold your egg supply. The more seed pods you have, the more AMH your body makes. So, your AMH level gives a helpful estimate of your egg reserve, or how many eggs you may still have. This makes AMH a popular marker for understanding fertility potential, especially in women who are planning to get pregnant later in life, exploring IVF, or just want to learn more about their reproductive health. In men, AMH is usually tested during early life or in specific cases involving fertility or hormone-related conditions.

Testing Levels:

• High (53.5 pmol/L) - Higher-than-expected AMH levels may suggest a larger egg reserve. This is often seen in women with PCOS, where there are more small follicles present than usual. While having more follicles might sound like a good thing, PCOS can sometimes interfere with regular ovulation. In fertility testing, high AMH is usually reassuring, but it may also suggest a need to explore hormonal balance.
  
  
• Mid - A result within the normal range is generally a positive sign, indicating that the egg reserve is in a healthy state for your age. This suggests that the ovaries still have a good number of potential eggs and are functioning well, which is a positive sign for fertility and hormonal health.
  
  AMH levels at the higher end may simply reflect a strong ovarian reserve - common in younger women or those with PCOS. While not usually a concern, it’s worth understanding in the context of your overall hormone picture and reproductive goals.
  
  Lower-normal AMH may mean that your egg reserve is starting to decline, which is a natural part of ageing. If you’re planning to conceive soon, it’s usually not a problem - but if you’re planning to wait, it may be helpful to speak with a fertility specialist about your options or timeline.
  
  
• Low (1 pmol/L) - Low AMH levels usually suggest a reduced egg reserve, which might make conception more difficult. It can be a sign that the ovaries are producing fewer eggs or nearing menopause. While it doesn’t mean pregnancy is impossible, it’s a signal to consider fertility support, egg freezing, or IVF sooner rather than later if children are part of your future plan. It’s also a useful marker for diagnosing conditions like primary ovarian insufficiency.

Why We Test Anti-Mullerian Hormone

Testing AMH is useful for understanding your fertility timeline, especially if you're planning to conceive later, considering IVF, or have irregular cycles. It helps guide decisions around family planning, egg freezing, or fertility treatment. It’s also used in diagnosing PCOS, menopause, and other reproductive issues. Knowing your AMH level can be empowering when making informed choices about your reproductive health.

What Affects It

AMH levels naturally change with age - they're highest in your 20s and begin to decline as you approach your 30s and 40s. Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can cause higher AMH levels, while things like menopause, ovarian surgery, or certain medications can lower it. Lifestyle factors like smoking and long-term illness may also reduce levels. AMH isn’t affected by your menstrual cycle, so it can be tested any time of the month.

How to Improve

AMH levels reflect your biological egg reserve, which can't be directly increased - but you can take steps to support overall reproductive health. If AMH is high and linked to PCOS, lifestyle changes (like diet, exercise, and stress management) can help regulate cycles. If AMH is low or declining, it may be time to explore egg freezing, IVF, or other fertility options. Antioxidant-rich foods, avoiding smoking, and supporting hormone balance can help protect egg quality, even if AMH remains low. Always consult a fertility specialist for personalised advice.

Common Name: Anti-Mullerian Hormone (Serum)