Fertility is a complex issue, and there are many different factors that can affect a woman’s ability to conceive. One marker is Anti-Müllerian Hormone or AMH. Testing AMH levels can help our fertility experts assess your ovarian reserve and help predict your response to fertility treatment.
The Anti-Müllerian hormone is produced in your ovaries, specifically in the follicles, the small, fluid-filled sacs that nurture developing eggs (oocytes). Each menstrual cycle, one egg matures and is released from the follicle for potential fertilisation.
As women age, they lose several follicles each month, and this process generally accelerates in their mid-thirties. There is also a decline in Anti-Müllerian Hormone levels. Measuring blood AMH level can provide an estimate of ovarian reserve at that time. Although AMH cannot predict whether you will conceive naturally, it can help assess fertility potential, guide fertility treatment planning, and provide an indication of how the ovaries may respond to stimulation during IVF treatment.
Higher AMH levels are commonly seen in women with Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), previously known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). This reflects the increased number of small follicles within the ovaries and may indicate an increased risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) during fertility treatment.
An Anti-Müllerian Hormone Test is a simple blood test and typically forms part of your initial fertility investigations. You can do an AMH test on any day of your menstrual cycle, as levels typically do not fluctuate.
Results are usually available within a few days and will be reviewed alongside any ultrasound findings and other investigations.
Where appropriate, recommendations for further investigations or treatment will be provided as part of your personalised care plan.
My AMH is low. Does that mean I cannot get pregnant?
No. A low AMH result does not mean that you cannot become pregnant.
AMH provides information about ovarian reserve, which refers to the number of eggs remaining in the ovaries. It does not directly measure egg quality, which is largely influenced by age and remains one of the most important factors affecting fertility.
However, a low AMH result can be significant, particularly when fertility treatment is being considered. Women with a lower ovarian reserve typically produce fewer eggs during IVF treatment, which may result in fewer embryos available for transfer or freezing. In some cases, very low ovarian reserve can be associated with cycle cancellation or no eggs being retrieved.
Whilst pregnancy is still possible, fertility treatment may become more time-sensitive, and success rates can be reduced compared with women with a higher ovarian reserve.
The significance of a low AMH result depends on several factors, including your age, ultrasound findings and overall fertility history. Our specialists will explain what your result means for your individual circumstances and discuss the most appropriate options available to you.
My AMH is high. Is that a good thing?
A higher AMH generally means a larger pool of follicles, which is associated with a stronger response to ovarian stimulation during IVF and typically more eggs at retrieval. For many patients, a high AMH is reassuring.
However, a very high AMH can also be a sign of Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) and, in the context of IVF, it can indicate a risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), where the ovaries over-respond to stimulation medication. This is manageable, but it does mean your protocol needs careful calibration.
If your AMH is elevated, we will discuss what that means in the context of your full assessment. A high number is not something to worry about, but it does influence how we approach treatment, and we will always plan your cycle with your safety as the priority.
Can I do anything to improve my AMH level?
Your ovarian reserve declines naturally over time, and no intervention can reverse that underlying process or increase the number of eggs you have.
That said, some factors can influence how AMH is measured or affect egg quality alongside reserve. Vitamin D deficiency, smoking, and significant weight changes have all been associated with lower AMH readings.
The most useful thing you can do is come and see us, understand your full picture, and make a plan based on where you are now.
I am not ready to start fertility treatment yet. Is it still worth having an AMH test?
Knowing your ovarian reserve now gives you information to make better decisions about your timeline, whether that means starting sooner, exploring egg freezing, or simply having a clearer picture as you plan ahead.
At Genus Fertility, we offer AMH testing as a standalone appointment, outside of a formal fertility treatment pathway. There is no obligation to proceed with treatment, and our team will talk you through your results in a way that is clear, balanced and genuinely useful, whatever stage of life you are at.