Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) is a key indicator of female reproductive health. Produced by the ovaries, AMH levels reflect a woman’s ovarian reserve, or the quantity of eggs remaining. Assessing AMH provides valuable information for those considering their fertility.
Understanding AMH and Its Purpose
Anti-Müllerian Hormone is a protein produced by the small, developing follicles in the ovaries. Since these follicles contain immature eggs, AMH levels in the blood indicate a woman’s ovarian reserve, estimating her remaining egg supply.
Measuring AMH assesses ovarian reserve, making it a useful marker in fertility assessments. Unlike other hormones that fluctuate, AMH levels remain stable throughout the menstrual cycle. This consistency allows for testing at any point, providing a reliable measure of ovarian egg count. AMH levels are typically measured in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL).
Typical AMH Levels Across Different Ages
AMH levels naturally decline with age, reflecting a gradual decrease in ovarian egg supply. For women aged 20-24, typical AMH levels range from 3.0 to 5.0 ng/mL, indicating a robust ovarian reserve. In their late twenties (25-29 years), levels commonly fall within 2.5 to 4.5 ng/mL.
In their early thirties (30-34 years), AMH levels are often between 2.0 and 4.0 ng/mL. The decline becomes more noticeable in the late thirties (35-39), with levels typically from 1.5 to 3.0 ng/mL. By the early forties (40-44), concentrations usually range from 0.5 to 1.5 ng/mL. After 45, AMH levels are generally less than 0.5 ng/mL.
It is important to recognize that these are general guidelines; individual AMH levels can vary significantly, even among women of the same age.
Factors Affecting AMH Levels
While age is a primary determinant, other factors can influence AMH levels, leading to values higher or lower than typical for a given age. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) often causes elevated AMH levels due to an increased number of small, immature follicles in the ovaries.
Certain medical interventions can also impact AMH. Ovarian surgery, especially for cysts like endometriomas, can decrease AMH levels. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer treatment can also significantly lower AMH, reflecting damage to ovarian reserve.
Genetic factors influence AMH production and the rate of ovarian reserve decline; a family history of early menopause may indicate a predisposition to lower AMH. Lifestyle elements like smoking are linked to reduced AMH. Some autoimmune conditions can also lower AMH, and hormonal contraceptive use may temporarily suppress readings.
Interpreting Your AMH Test Results
Interpreting AMH test results involves understanding what low, normal, and high levels indicate about ovarian reserve. A normal AMH level (1.5 to 4.0 ng/mL) typically suggests a healthy egg supply. Levels below 1.5 ng/mL are often classified as low, indicating diminished ovarian reserve.
Conversely, an AMH level above 3.0 or 4.0 ng/mL is considered high. While this suggests a substantial ovarian reserve, very high levels can indicate conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). AMH primarily reflects egg quantity, not quality. Egg quality is largely influenced by age, and AMH levels alone do not predict the ability to conceive naturally.
AMH results are one piece of the broader fertility puzzle. Factors like age, overall health, and other hormone levels provide important context. Consulting a healthcare professional is essential for interpreting individual AMH results and discussing their implications. They can integrate this information with other clinical findings to provide personalized advice and explore next steps.