After experiencing my first miscarriage, I started researching possible causes and tests, and quickly learned about a test called AMH, or anti-Müllerian hormone. But I heard a lot of mixed opinions from doctors about how important the results of this test were when dealing with infertility, miscarriage, or getting a picture of your fertility before trying to conceive.

Whether you're exploring fertility testing for the first time or trying to understand your own results, here’s what you need to know about AMH testing and how it can impact your pregnancy journey.

What is AMH and Why is It Important for Fertility?

AMH, or anti-Müllerian hormone, is a protein produced by cells within the ovarian follicles, which contain your eggs. 

The level of AMH in your bloodstream reflects the number of eggs you still have—known as your “ovarian reserve.” The higher your AMH, the more eggs your body has in reserve, and vice versa. 

This can be a useful indicator for understanding your fertility potential, especially as age can naturally lower a person’s ovarian reserve.

AMH is helpful for gauging how many eggs might be available for conception and how you might respond to fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF). But while AMH levels can provide useful insight, it’s not the entire story.

How AMH Testing Works and What to Expect

One of the advantages of AMH testing is that it’s a simple blood test that can be done at any time during your menstrual cycle, unlike some other hormone tests. 

You can even take the test through testing services like Goodnatal, which offers an easy way to order your AMH test and receive results without visiting a fertility specialist.

After your blood is drawn, your AMH level will be measured, and you’ll receive results that indicate where you fall within a certain range for your age. AMH levels are measured in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) and vary widely based on age, lifestyle, and individual biology. Generally, higher AMH levels suggest a greater number of remaining eggs, while lower levels may indicate fewer eggs.

AMH Ranges

Here’s a general guideline of AMH levels based on age and ovarian reserve:

• High AMH: Above 3.0 ng/mL, generally associated with a higher ovarian reserve and often with conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
• Normal AMH: Between 1.0 and 3.0 ng/mL, typically considered a healthy ovarian reserve for most people.
• Low AMH: Below 1.0 ng/mL, often associated with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), which may make conception more challenging.

It’s important to note that these ranges are not definitive, as there’s no universal standard for AMH values. A fertility specialist can help interpret your specific results in the context of your full fertility profile.

What AMH Levels Can Tell You About Your Fertility

1. Ovarian Reserve: The primary purpose of AMH testing is to give an estimate of your ovarian reserve, or the number of eggs you have left. This is especially helpful if you're over 35 or have a family history of early menopause, as AMH can give an early indication of potential challenges.
2. Likelihood of Success with Fertility Treatments: For those pursuing fertility treatments, AMH levels can predict how well your ovaries may respond to stimulation. Higher levels often mean better response to medications used in IVF cycles, which can be encouraging for those looking at assisted reproductive technology (ART).
3. Timing and Family Planning: AMH levels can provide insights if you're planning to delay pregnancy. For those considering egg freezing or planning future pregnancies, knowing your AMH level can help you and your doctor develop a more personalized timeline.

What AMH Testing Cannot Predict

While AMH testing is certainly useful, it’s important to remember that it doesn’t offer a complete picture of fertility. Here are a few things AMH levels won’t tell you:

1. Egg Quality: AMH only measures quantity, not quality. Egg quality naturally declines with age, regardless of AMH level, so someone with high AMH may still have quality-related challenges if they’re older.
2. Fertility Status: AMH alone doesn’t determine whether you can or cannot conceive naturally. Many women with low AMH still conceive without issues, while others with high AMH may still experience fertility challenges.
3. Miscarriage Risk: AMH doesn’t predict your risk for miscarriage, which can be influenced by many factors like age, genetics, and hormones.

When Should You Consider AMH Testing?

AMH testing is helpful if you're trying to get a fuller picture of your fertility, but it’s not necessarily a “must” for everyone. Here are some common scenarios where AMH testing might be beneficial:

• Planning to Conceive Over Age 35: Since ovarian reserve naturally declines with age, testing AMH levels in your mid-30s or beyond can give you a clearer idea of where you stand.
• Experiencing Irregular Cycles or PCOS: Those with PCOS often have higher AMH levels due to a larger number of follicles. Understanding AMH can help guide treatment and family planning decisions in these cases.
• Considering Egg Freezing or Delaying Parenthood: If you’re thinking of freezing your eggs or delaying pregnancy, AMH testing can offer a helpful indication of your ovarian reserve and guide timing decisions.
• Previous Fertility Challenges: If you’ve faced previous fertility issues including infertility, or have a family history of early menopause, testing AMH might offer insight and help your doctor create a more personalized treatment approach.

Moving Forward with AMH Testing Insights

AMH isn’t everything. Many factors impact fertility, and low AMH doesn’t mean you can’t have a healthy pregnancy.

If you’re exploring AMH testing, remember that it’s just one piece of a much larger puzzle. If you get results that are lower than you expected, try not to panic. Use this information as a tool to discuss your options with your doctor or a fertility specialist who can help you understand the bigger picture.

Goodnatal offers an accessible AMH testing option for those who want to learn more about their ovarian reserve without the hassle of dealing with expensive specialists or extended waiting periods. 

With our convenient lab testing, you can get lab orders and receive fast results that guide your next steps, whether it’s to try naturally, start a conversation with your doctor, or explore other fertility treatments.

Want access to deep-dive lab testing? Learn more about our fertility testing here: