Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH)

For most women, age best predicts the chance of conception each month. However, despite having regular menstrual cycles and normal periods, about 10% of women lose their fertility sooner than expected. These women should think about having a family in their 20’s or very early 30’s.

There are several tests which help predict whether a woman may have a faster biological clock – one of these is the Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) test. This test helps to estimate what is called ‘ovarian reserve’ by measuring the number of follicles developing in the ovary at a particular time. Once the test is complete, we compare the results with those of other woman of the same age. 

AMH is a hormone made by small follicles as they grow in the ovaries. This test is more convenient and less expensive than alternative tests like Egg Check, because it uses a simple blood test rather than ultrasound scanning, and can be done at any time in the menstrual cycle. It is available from all Fertility Associates clinics. An AMH test can pick up who might lose their fertility more quickly but it does not show who is more fertile than average. AMH does not predict ovarian reserve in women older than 40 or those with Polycystic Ovaries (PCO).

Important points

• Please remember that age is still a very important factor for fertility. The AMH tests can suggest when a women might have lower fertility than expected for her age. However, there is no evidence that ‘good’ AMH results mean that women have a higher fertility than expected for their age.
• We strongly recommend all women start their family well before 40 years of age.
• A normal AMH result does not exclude other possible causes of reduced fertility.

Graph of Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) Levels

The graph shows the average AMH level for women without fertility problems according to age (the dark line) and the 10th, 25th and 75th centiles for this group of women.

GREEN	Above the 25th centile for younger, fertile women.	Very likely normal ovarian reserve - age is best predictor of your future fertility.	80% chance of 6 or more eggs in IVF.
ORANGE	Between the 25th and 10th centiles for younger, fertile women.	Some women in this range will have reduced ovarian reserve.	50% chance of 6 or more eggs in IVF.
RED	Below the 10th centile for younger, fertile women.	Very likely reduced ovarian reserve.	20% chance of 6 or more eggs in IVF.