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Date issued: May 2024

Review date: May 2026 

Ref: B-479/HF/Obs and gynae/Anti Mullerian Hormone AMH test v2

PDF:    Anti Mullerian Hormone (AMH) test v2.pdf [pdf] 222KB

What is Ovarian Reserve?

• All women are born with a fixed number of eggs and this number reduces as we get older.

• Women with a reduced number of eggs have a low ovarian reserve.

What is AMH?

It is a marker of Ovarian Reserve.

Anti–Müllerian Hormone (AMH) is a hormone released by the small follicles in the ovary.

• Each follicle contains an egg.

• The AMH level reflects the number of remaining follicles and therefore eggs in the ovary.

• It does not tell us about the quality of the eggs which is known to decline as we get older.

How and when can I have my AMH tested?

• AMH assessment is done through a blood test.

• The range of AMH level remains relatively stable throughout your menstrual cycle so it can be taken at any point and will be organised by the fertility team.

Why am I being advised to have an AMH assessment?

• AMH tells us about the storage of eggs in your ovaries and helps us to counsel you regarding your chance of having a pregnancy and the best treatment options.

• During IVF/ICSI we use medications to stimulate your ovaries to produce eggs.

• AMH is the most reliable hormone to predict how well your ovaries will respond to medications.

AMH with Assisted Reproduction (IUI/IVF/ICSI)

• Women with a lower AMH may not respond as well to the drugs given resulting in a lower chance of pregnancy.

• If the AMH is high the risk of a complication called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is greater

• The result of your AMH assessment will help your fertility specialist decide what treatment and dose of drugs you need.

How do I find out my result? What is a good level?

• Your fertility clinician will inform you of your result at your appointment after the blood test.

Current Values in Derriford Hospital:

Current Values in Derriford Hospital

< 3 pmol/L	Very low
3 - 8	Low
9 - 25	Satisfactory
26 - 40	Optimal
> 40	High

It is important to know different laboratories use different testing methods. Therefore, if you have had a test in another clinic, we will repeat it, so we have the best understanding of your result.

• Low AMH level reflects fewer follicles and therefore fewer eggs.

• Usually women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) will have higher AMH levels because they have more follicles. This does not mean a better chance of pregnancy however.

Can I improve my AMH?

• You cannot change your AMH.

• AMH cannot tell us if you will achieve a pregnancy.

• It will never increase and only decreases as you get older.

• How much it decreases with age is different for every woman.                       

What can you do to Improve your health for getting pregnant?

• Both men and women need to have a BMI below 29.9 (preferably within the normal BMI range 20-25)

• Do not smoke.

• Eat a healthy diet.

• Women should take high dose Vitamin D (1000 IU = 25 micrograms) and 400 micrograms of folic acid.

• Some women, such as those with diabetes or epilepsy, are advised to take a higher dose of folic acid (5mg). This will be discussed during your consultation. 

• Men to take Zinc, Selenium and Vitamin C 1g (on top of your normal dietary intake)