Anti-Müllerian Hormone

Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) is a protein produced by the small, developing follicles in the ovaries. Each follicle contains an immature egg, and the amount of AMH they collectively release into the bloodstream provides a useful window into your ovarian reserve, essentially, a reflection of the number of eggs you have remaining. This makes AMH one of the most valuable markers for women who are thinking about their fertility timeline or considering options such as egg freezing or IVF. Understanding your AMH level matters because, unlike many other hormones that fluctuate significantly throughout your menstrual cycle, AMH remains relatively stable from day to day, which makes it a convenient and reliable test that can be taken at any point in your cycle. Your ovarian reserve naturally declines with age, this is a completely normal part of reproductive biology, and AMH provides an objective measure of where you sit on that spectrum compared to other women of a similar age.

It is important to understand, though, that AMH reflects the quantity of remaining eggs, not their quality, and egg quality is influenced more by age than by AMH levels. Think of AMH as a fuel gauge for your ovarian reserve: it tells you roughly how much is left in the tank, but it does not tell you about the quality of the fuel or how efficiently the engine is running. A higher AMH generally suggests a larger pool of remaining eggs, while a lower reading suggests a smaller pool. In the context of assisted reproduction, knowing your AMH helps fertility specialists tailor treatment protocols to give you the best possible chance of success.

Several factors can influence your AMH level. Age is the most significant, levels typically peak in your early twenties and gradually decline from there. Hormonal contraception can temporarily suppress AMH readings, so your clinician may advise testing after a break from the pill. Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can be associated with higher than-expected AMH levels. Smoking has been linked to lower levels, and vitamin D status may also play a small role. If you would like to understand what your AMH result means for your personal fertility journey, your GP or a fertility specialist can provide tailored guidance and discuss any next steps that might be appropriate for you.