What is the Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) Blood Test?
The Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) blood test is widely used in reproductive medicine to assess a your ovarian reserve, which refers to the number of eggs remaining in the ovaries. AMH is a hormone produced by the granulosa cells of ovarian follicles, and its levels reflect the number of developing follicles in the ovaries. A higher AMH level generally indicates a greater quantity of eggs, whereas a lower AMH level suggests a diminished ovarian reserve. This test has become a crucial tool in fertility assessments because it provides insight into your reproductive potential, particularly in relation to age and overall fertility status.
From a fertility perspective, AMH testing is extremely useful if you are undergoing fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF). Clinicians use AMH levels to predict how a woman might respond to ovarian stimulation, which is a key step in IVF.
Higher AMH levels suggest that a woman is likely to produce more eggs in response to stimulation, increasing the chances of retrieving viable eggs for fertilisation.
Conversely, low AMH levels can indicate a poor ovarian response, which may prompt adjustments in treatment protocols or lead to discussions about alternative approaches, such as egg donation. However, it is important to note that AMH levels do not necessarily predict egg quality, only quantity, so it is not a sole indicator of fertility.
AMH biomarker in menopause and perimenopause monitoring.
For women approaching perimenopause, the AMH test serves as a marker of the transition to menopause, helping to assess how close you may be to this stage of life. As women age, their AMH levels naturally decline, reflecting the progressive depletion of ovarian follicles. Low or undetectable AMH levels in a woman in her late 30s or 40s can be a sign that perimenopause, the phase leading up to menopause, is underway.
This can be valuable for both clinical and personal planning, as it may help you make informed decisions regarding family planning, hormone therapy, or lifestyle adjustments as hormonal changes become more pronounced.
AMH and PCOS
The AMH test can also be helpful in diagnosing conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common cause of infertility. Women with PCOS often have elevated AMH levels due to an increased number of small follicles in their ovaries, which may disrupt normal ovulation. While a high AMH level might seem positive in terms of ovarian reserve, it can also be indicative of hormonal imbalances associated with PCOS. Therefore, AMH testing can assist in diagnosing PCOS and guiding appropriate treatments to restore regular ovulation and improve fertility outcomes.
Bigger picture with AMH and other screenings at One Day Tests.
In clinical practice, while the AMH test is highly informative, it is not a definitive predictor of your ability to conceive naturally or through assisted reproductive technologies. It should be used alongside other tests, such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, ultrasound scans, and an evaluation of overall health and reproductive history.
1 Biomarker