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Fertility is a deeply personal and important aspect of many people's lives. For those trying to conceive, understanding their fertility and reproductive health is crucial. Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) has emerged as a valuable tool in fertility testing and helping individuals make informed decisions about family planning.
What is AMH?
You’ve probably heard this blood test being mentioned in the fertility world, but what exactly is it and what does it mean?
AMH stands for Anti- Mullerian hormone (AMH). It is a blood test that detects the amount of AMH that is in your blood. In men AMH is made by the testicles, in females the AMH is made by the ovaries. The ovaries are glands where eggs are formed, and female hormones are made.
Women are born with the number of eggs they will ever have. In females of childbearing age, high levels of AMH mean that the ovaries have a larger supply of eggs. As females age, the number of eggs decreases, which causes AMH levels to decrease. When a woman reaches the point of menopause, she then has no eggs left and her AMH level drops down to zero.
What is the purpose of AMH?
The purpose of an AMH is to provide information about a variety of reproductive health conditions. It is mainly used with other tests to make decisions about female infertility.
If you’ve been asked to have an AMH blood test, then it is likely to be to:
- Check how many eggs you have left in your ovaries. This is called checking your ovarian reserve. It is normal for your ovarian reserve to decrease with age.
- Predict how well you may respond to fertility medicine. If you must have some fertility treatment, then the results of an AMH blood test will help the doctor decide what type of treatment and dosing of medication.
- Find out if you’re getting close to menopause or if menopause has already begun. While it is not used as an official form of diagnosis, it can help predict when you might reach menopause.
- Help to diagnose and monitor problems with the ovaries.
Interpreting AMH Levels
The results of an AMH should not be interpreted without a health professional and context. If you have access to myTamarin fertility support, book in a 1-1 consultation with one of our experts who can walk you through the results of an AMH test.
AMH levels can vary widely among individuals, and what constitutes a "normal" level can depend on the laboratory and the specific assay used. However, healthcare providers generally interpret AMH levels in the following way:
- High AMH Levels: High AMH levels may indicate polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition characterized by multiple small ovarian cysts and irregular menstrual cycles. In some cases, excessively high AMH levels can be associated with reduced fertility.
- Low AMH Levels: Low AMH levels suggest diminished ovarian reserve. Women with low AMH levels may have a reduced number of eggs in their ovaries, making it more challenging to conceive, especially as they age.
- Normal AMH Levels: Falling within the expected range for your age and the specific laboratory's reference values is typically considered normal. However, other factors, such as egg quality, play a role in fertility.
Other factors impacting fertility
It is also important to keep in mind that fertility can be affected by other factors such as:
- Age
- Medical conditions
- Lifestyle
- Sperm count and motility.
- Uterine abnormalities
- Ovulatory conditions
- Blocked fallopian tubes.
When and where to get AMH tests
An AMH blood test can be done at any time in your menstrual cycle. Unlike other hormones, AMH levels are relatively stable throughout the menstrual cycle, making it a convenient marker for fertility assessment.
Your GP is unlikely to do an AMH blood test for you without indication but you can have it done privately. The costs range from £80 to £105.
myTamarin Support
If you are considering fertility testing or have concerns about your fertility, it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider or fertility specialist who can provide personalised guidance based on your unique circumstances. myTamarin experts are here to support you through your fertility journey - If you have access through your employer we recommend you book a 1-1 consultation to help you navigate and understand your fertility.
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