What Is AMH and What Does the AMH Value Indicate?

Each egg is housed within a follicle. The cells lining the walls of small follicles produce Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH), which can be measured through a blood sample. The AMH value reflects the number of follicles, also known as the ovarian reserve. Blood samples can be taken at any point in the menstrual cycle, as AMH levels do not fluctuate significantly.

AMH testing can be performed on anyone, but it is commonly done as part of infertility evaluations, particularly for women over 35 or those with fewer visible follicles on an ultrasound (AFC, antral follicle count). It is also used during fertility preservation through egg freezing or in egg donation treatments.

AMH does not predict whether pregnancy will occur. Instead, it predicts ovarian response to ovarian stimulation during in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments and is used to guide treatment plans and medication dosages. A higher AMH value indicates a better response to stimulation, typically resulting in more retrieved eggs. This increases the likelihood of obtaining viable embryos for transfer, improving the chances of pregnancy.

A low AMH value predicts fewer retrieved eggs during treatment, which may lower the likelihood of achieving pregnancy. Conversely, a very high AMH value suggests an increased risk of ovarian hyperstimulation during IVF. This condition occurs when too many follicles grow, leading to symptoms such as severe bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and, in some cases, breathing difficulties (OHSS, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome).

As women age, the quality of their eggs declines, contributing to reduced fertility and increased risks of miscarriage and chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus. However, IVF should not be automatically denied to women with very low AMH levels. A realistic assessment of the individual or couple’s overall situation and the likelihood of pregnancy is crucial.