Ovarian Reserve Test

Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH)

Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) is a hormone produced in the reproductive organs of males and females. After puberty, the ovaries begin producing AMH, which is responsible for the growth of follicles, or sacs on the ovaries that contain an immature egg. During the menstrual cycle, one follicle will mature and rupture, releasing an egg. This is called ovulation. AMH levels are related to the number of follicles capable of maturing, providing an indication of the number of eggs available to be fertilized. The higher the AMH level in the blood, the more eggs are available for fertilization. Thus, an AMH test indicates how many potential egg cells a woman has left, also known as ovarian reserve. As the number of eggs available for fertilization decreases with age, so does AMH. A low AMH level indicates that less potential egg cells are left, which is particularly important when trying to conceive. High AMH can also indicate certain reproductive health conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

What do the results of this test mean?

This test measures the level of anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) in your blood. The results of this test indicate the amount of eggs available to be fertilized for pregnancy. This is also known as ovarian reserve. A low AMH level can indicate that there are fewer available eggs for fertilization. But this value alone is not enough to predict the chance of pregnancy. Other factors, such as the quality of the egg cells, fallopian tubes, or the partner’s sperm, are also important. Low AMH indicates a lower ovarian reserve, but does not mean you are infertile, or will have problems getting pregnant naturally. If you have regular periods and are ovulating, it is still possible to get pregnant with low AMH levels. If your AMH is low, discuss your test results with your doctor. 

It is also important to note that high AMH can indicate certain health conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). If your AMH is high, consult your doctor for further testing and advice. 

Falsely lowered AMH

While this test can be performed by women using hormonal birth control, research has shown that hormonal contraceptives can temporarily lower AMH. This means that your AMH may be lower while on hormonal birth control but return to normal after you stop using it. If your AMH level is on the lower end of the normal range but you are using birth control, this is no cause for concern.

Fertility problems:

• Having trouble getting pregnant
• Decreased menstrual bleeding
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Permanent stop to the menstrual cycle

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS):

• Irregular periods
• Excess body hair, usually on the face, chest, or buttocks
• Acne or oily skin
• Thinning hair or baldness