Understanding AMH: A Key Test for Your Ovarian Reserve
Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) is a hormone that has emerged as one of the best tests for assessing ovarian reserve.
What Is AMH and Where Does It Come From?
AMH is produced by the small follicles in your ovaries. Levels rise steadily through adolescence, peak in your mid-twenties, and gradually decline until they become undetectable at menopause.
What Is AMH Testing Used For?
AMH is most commonly used to assess and plan for fertility treatments like IVF. It can also be measured before and after treatments that are known to affect ovarian reserve, such as chemotherapy, pelvic radiation, and ovarian surgery.
When Can the Test Be Done?
Unlike some hormone tests, AMH doesn't need to be timed to a specific day of your cycle, it stays stable throughout the month, so it can be drawn any time. If you're on hormonal contraceptives, you can still get a meaningful result, though some research suggests long-term use may slightly lower AMH levels by around 10%. The clinical significance of this isn't fully established.
There's a small amount of natural variation between cycles, but generally not enough to require repeat testing.
Making Sense of Your Results
In Canada, AMH is reported in pmol/L. Many online resources use American units (ng/mL) — to convert, multiply ng/mL by 0.14. It's worth keeping this in mind so you're comparing apples to apples.
Your result is always interpreted alongside your age, since what's considered typical varies across your lifespan. A higher AMH indicates a higher ovarian reserve. A level below 8 pmol/L (or 1.1 ng/mL) may suggest a diminishing ovarian reserve.
One important note: no AMH level diagnoses Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (formerly known as PCOS).
Questions About Your Results?
Your AMH is one part of a bigger picture. If you have questions about your ovarian reserve or what your results mean for your fertility journey, our team is here to help. Get a referral to PCRM and come discuss your fertility options.
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About the PCRM Blog
Welcome to the Pacific Fertility Centre for Reproductive Medicine Blog! Nationally and internationally recognized for providing exceptional reproductive care, our team believes in empowering people with the knowledge they need to navigate their unique fertility journeys.
From information on the latest fertility treatments to valuable insights on egg donation, surrogacy, and everything in between, the Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine Blog is your ultimate resource for all things reproductive care and support. Read on to learn more, and contact us today if you have any questions or want to schedule a new patient appointment.