Anti-Mullerian Hormone, usually shortened to AMH, is one of the most talked-about tests in fertility planning. It is produced by the small follicles in the ovaries, and the level in your blood gives an indication of how many eggs you have in reserve. It is a helpful piece of information — but it is often misunderstood, so it is worth being clear about what it does and does not tell you.
What AMH actually measures
Women are born with all the eggs they will ever have, and that number gradually declines with age. AMH reflects the size of the remaining pool — your ovarian reserve — because it is released by the follicles that house developing eggs. A higher level generally suggests a larger reserve, while a lower level suggests fewer eggs remaining. Because it is fairly stable across the menstrual cycle, AMH can be tested on any day, unlike many other reproductive hormones.
What AMH cannot tell you
This is the part most often missed. AMH says nothing about egg quality, which is closely tied to age and matters just as much as quantity. A good AMH result does not mean natural conception is assured, and a low result does not mean pregnancy is impossible — many women with lower AMH conceive without difficulty. It is best read alongside the wider picture:
- Your age — the single biggest factor in fertility.
- Antral follicle count on ultrasound, which complements AMH.
- Other hormones such as FSH and oestradiol, measured on day 2–5 of the cycle.
- Your overall health and menstrual history.
When an AMH test is useful
AMH is most valuable in a few clear situations: planning IVF, where it helps predict how the ovaries will respond to stimulation; considering egg freezing; investigating suspected polycystic ovary syndrome, where AMH is often high; or simply wanting information to inform decisions about the timing of trying for a family. It is less useful as a standalone screening test with no particular question behind it.
Check your AMH
An AMH test estimates ovarian reserve for fertility planning — and because the level is stable through the cycle, it can be taken on any day.
Check your AMHHow to interpret your result
AMH is reported against age-related ranges, so a level that is expected at 25 may be considered low at 40. Because results carry emotional weight, they are best discussed with a clinician who can put them in context, explain what they mean for your individual plans, and advise on next steps such as a fertility review or ultrasound.
When to get checked
Consider AMH testing if you are thinking about egg freezing or IVF, want to understand your reserve before delaying a family, are being investigated for PCOS, or have a family history of early menopause. If you have been trying to conceive for a while without success, speak to a clinician about a full fertility assessment rather than relying on AMH alone.
Check your AMH
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Specialist interest: Cardiovascular Medicine · OneMedicine, CQC-registered clinic