When exploring fertility, one important hormone often discussed is the Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH). AMH plays a crucial role in assessing a woman’s ovarian reserve and understanding her reproductive potential. If trying to conceive or considering fertility treatments, knowing about AMH can provide valuable insights.
What is AMH?
Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) is produced by granulosa cells in the small follicles within the ovaries. It is involved in the early stages of follicle growth, mainly expressed in preantral and small antral follicles. As follicles mature to the preovulatory stage, the production of AMH diminishes significantly.
Because AMH levels correlate with the number of developing follicles, it is considered one of the best markers for assessing ovarian reserve—how many eggs a woman has left.
Why is AMH Important?
- AMH gives fertility specialists an idea of a woman’s remaining egg quantity without the fluctuations seen in other hormones during the menstrual cycle.
- It helps predict response to fertility treatments and tailor individualized plans.
- AMH levels naturally decline with age, reflecting the aging ovarian reserve.
- Low AMH does not necessarily mean infertility but may suggest fewer eggs and a potentially shorter fertile window.
- High AMH levels can be seen in conditions such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
Measuring AMH
AMH is measured through a simple blood test, which can be done at any time in the menstrual cycle. Typical reference ranges are:
- Normal: 1.0 to 3.5 ng/mL
- Low: below 1.0 ng/mL
- High: above 4.0 ng/mL
Conclusion
AMH is a powerful and reliable indicator of a woman’s ovarian reserve and fertility potential. Understanding AMH levels can help guide fertility decisions, timing, and treatment strategies. If fertility concerns arise, getting an AMH test can be the first step towards personalized care and proactive family planning.