What is AMH and When Should You Get Tested? A Complete Guide

Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) testing has become one of the most commonly discussed fertility tests, but many women are left wondering: what exactly is AMH, when should you get tested, and what do the results actually mean for your fertility future?

What is AMH?

AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) is a hormone produced by small follicles in your ovaries. It serves as a marker of your ovarian reserve—essentially, how many eggs you have remaining. Think of it as giving you (some) insight into your reproductive timeline, though it's important to understand what it can and cannot predict. It’s a blood test that can be done at home via a finger-prick test or in clinic via a venous blood draw.

Key points about AMH:

• Produced by follicles containing immature eggs

• Levels naturally decline with age

• Provides insight into ovarian reserve

• Helps guide fertility treatment protocols

• Partly genetically determined

• Can be tested at any point in your menstrual cycle

When Should You Consider AMH Testing?

While there's no universal "right time" to test AMH, certain situations might make testing particularly valuable:

Proactive fertility planning:

• You're in your late twenties or early 30s and want to understand your reproductive timeline

• You're career-focused or haven’t met the right partner yet, and are considering egg freezing

• You have a family history of early menopause

• You have endometriosis or a reproductive health condition that may impact your fertility

• You want baseline information before making reproductive decisions

Concerning symptoms:

• Irregular or absent periods

• Diagnosed with PCOS, endometriosis, or other hormonal conditions

• Previous ovarian surgery or cancer treatment

• Unexplained fertility challenges

Understanding Your AMH Results

AMH levels are typically measured in pmol/L (in the UK) or ng/mL (in other countries). Here's a general guide to interpreting results:

High AMH

• May indicate PCOS

• Generally associated with good ovarian reserve

• Might require adjusted IVF protocols to prevent overstimulation

Normal AMH

• Suggests adequate ovarian reserve for your age

• Good response to fertility treatments typically expected

Low AMH

• Indicates diminished ovarian reserve

• May require more aggressive fertility treatment protocols

Very low AMH

• Significantly reduced ovarian reserve

• May indicate approaching menopause

• Fertility treatments may be less effective

AMH reference ranges vary between laboratories and have evolved over time as testing methods improve. Always interpret your results with your healthcare provider using your specific lab's reference ranges and your age range.

What AMH Cannot Tell You

Whilst AMH is helpful, it's crucial to understand the limitations of AMH testing:

AMH does not predict:

• Your ability to conceive naturally

• Egg quality (which is often more important than quantity)

• Your fertility "expiration date"

• Success rates for natural conception

• Miscarriage risk

AMH is just one piece of the puzzle. Other factors like egg quality, fallopian tube health, sperm quality, and overall health play significant roles in fertility outcomes.

Supporting Your Fertility Health Regardless of AMH Levels

Whether your AMH results are high, normal, or low, there are evidence-based ways to support your fertility health:

Nutrition support:

• Focus on nutrient-dense foods rich in antioxidants (berries, leafy greens, antioxidants)

• Ensure adequate protein intake at every meal for hormone production

• Include healthy fats for hormone synthesis

• Consider targeted supplements based on individual needs and as advised by a professional

Lifestyle factors:

• Prioritise quality sleep (7-9 hours nightly)

• Manage stress through proven techniques (acupuncture can be particularly effective for both stress and fertility)

• Maintain regular, moderate exercise

• Limit alcohol and avoid smoking or vaping

Medical integration:

• Work with healthcare providers who understand both conventional and integrative approaches

• Consider functional testing to identify underlying imbalances such as gut dysbiosis, hidden inflammation, nutrient deficiencies or hormonal imbalances

• Address any diagnosed conditions like PCOS, autoimmunity or thyroid disorders

Next Steps After AMH Testing

If you've received AMH results that concern you, remember:

1. You're not behind—you're now informed. Having this information empowers you to make educated decisions about your reproductive health.

2. Quality matters more than quantity. Even with low AMH, egg quality can often be supported through nutrition and lifestyle approaches.

3. You have options. Whether that's natural conception support, fertility treatments, or egg freezing, knowing your AMH helps guide decisions.

4. Integration is key. The best outcomes often come from combining medical expertise with nutritional and lifestyle optimisation.

AMH testing can provide valuable insight into your reproductive health, but it's important to view results within the broader context of your overall fertility and health picture. Whether you're considering testing proactively or processing recent results, remember that knowledge empowers choice—and there are always steps you can take to support your fertility health, regardless of your AMH levels.

If you're navigating AMH test results and wondering about your next steps, consider booking in a free 30 minute discovery call to talk about how my 1:1 3 Month package could support you on your conception journey.

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