Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) is a key indicator in fertility discussions, offering insights into a woman’s ovarian reserve. It provides a measure of the remaining egg supply, a significant factor for fertility potential. Understanding AMH levels helps assess reproductive health and plan for pregnancy.
What AMH Measures
Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) is a protein produced by granulosa cells within small, developing ovarian follicles. These follicles house immature eggs. The level of AMH in the blood reflects the number of these small follicles, providing an estimate of the ovarian reserve.
AMH levels are typically measured in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). It is important to understand that AMH primarily indicates the quantity of eggs, not their quality. A higher AMH level suggests a larger egg supply, but it does not provide information about the genetic health or viability of those eggs.
How AMH Levels Relate to Pregnancy
AMH levels correlate with the likelihood of conceiving, naturally and with assisted reproductive technologies (ART). For women of reproductive age, an average AMH level typically falls between 1.0 ng/mL and 4.0 ng/mL.
Levels naturally decline with age, peaking around 25 before gradually decreasing. For instance, an AMH level around 3.0 ng/mL might be typical at 25, declining to 1.5 ng/mL by 35, and 1.0 ng/mL by 40.
Low AMH levels, often considered below 1.0 ng/mL, indicate a diminished ovarian reserve, suggesting a smaller number of remaining eggs. While a low AMH presents challenges, it does not eliminate the possibility of pregnancy, as only one healthy egg is needed to conceive.
For assisted reproductive technologies like IVF, AMH levels between 1.0 and 3.5 ng/mL are often favorable, indicating a good response to ovarian stimulation. Conversely, high AMH levels, typically above 3.0 ng/mL or 4.0 ng/mL, suggest a robust egg supply but can also be associated with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
In such cases, monitoring is advised to manage the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome during fertility treatments. AMH is one piece of the fertility puzzle; its interpretation should always consider other factors, including age and overall reproductive health.
What Can Affect Your AMH Levels
Beyond the natural decline with age, several factors can influence AMH levels. Age is a primary determinant, as the ovarian reserve naturally diminishes over time.
However, certain medical conditions can also impact AMH. For example, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is often associated with higher AMH levels due to many small follicles. Conversely, conditions like endometriosis or primary ovarian insufficiency can lead to lower AMH levels.
Specific medical treatments also play a role. Chemotherapy and certain ovarian surgeries can significantly reduce functional follicles, decreasing AMH. The use of hormonal contraceptives, such as oral birth control pills, has been observed to temporarily lower AMH levels.
Lifestyle factors like smoking are linked to lower AMH levels and a potentially earlier onset of menopause. While some research suggests a healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition and stress management, can support overall fertility, it is not definitively proven to increase AMH levels.
Interpreting Your AMH Results
Receiving AMH test results requires careful interpretation, ideally in consultation with a healthcare professional. An AMH test provides valuable information about ovarian reserve but is not a standalone predictor of pregnancy success.
Your fertility specialist or OB/GYN can help explain what your specific AMH level means in the context of your age, medical history, and reproductive goals.
AMH results are often considered alongside other fertility markers for a comprehensive assessment. These can include Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) levels, Antral Follicle Count (AFC) measured by ultrasound, and a thorough review of your overall medical history.
For instance, while AMH indicates egg quantity, AFC directly visualizes the number of small follicles, and FSH provides insights into ovarian function. It is important to avoid self-diagnosis based solely on AMH levels, as a complete fertility assessment considers many interconnected factors to provide personalized guidance and treatment options.