Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) is a hormone produced by the cells of ovarian follicles. Follicles are small sacs in the ovaries that contain immature eggs. AMH is used as an indicator of ovarian reserve, meaning the number of eggs a woman has left in her ovaries.
What Does AMH Indicate?
AMH is a reliable marker of ovarian reserve. Generally:
✔ Higher AMH levels → Indicate a greater ovarian reserve.
✔ Lower AMH levels → May suggest a reduced ovarian reserve.
AMH levels can be measured through a simple blood test, which can be performed at any time during the menstrual cycle, as AMH levels remain stable throughout.
AMH and Fertility
While AMH is a useful indicator, it is not the only factor considered when assessing fertility. Other important factors include:
✔ A woman’s age
✔ Menstrual history
✔ Other hormone levels, such as FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) and Estradiol
AMH does not assess egg quality—it only provides information about the quantity of eggs available.
The Role of AMH in Fertility Treatments
In assisted reproductive treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), AMH is used to predict how a woman will respond to ovarian stimulation:
✔ High AMH → Stronger response to stimulation medications.
✔ Low AMH → Possibly reduced response to stimulation.
AMH levels naturally decline with age, but individual variations exist. Some women may have higher or lower AMH levels than expected for their age.
Conclusion
AMH testing is a valuable tool for evaluating ovarian reserve and customizing fertility treatments. However, it is not the sole indicator of fertility, as it does not assess egg quality or the likelihood of achieving a successful pregnancy. For this reason, fertility specialists consider multiple factors before determining the most suitable treatment plan.
