Understanding AMH Levels & Test Results

27th September 2023 in IVF

This information was correct at the time of publishing. It may not reflect our current practices, prices or regulations.

blue gloves holding a test tube

At Manchester Fertility, your Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) levels are tested as part of your initial screening when you begin fertility treatment. 

This involves a simple blood test that can be performed at any point in your cycle. Unlike other hormones, AMH levels tend not to fluctuate throughout the month.

Your AMH test result helps us to determine how many eggs you have available and the best course of action.

As both low and high levels of AMH can affect fertility differently, let’s explore what AMH is, what your results mean and how they relate to your treatment options.

What is Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH)?

Anti-Müllerian Hormone is not the most talked about hormone, yet it develops within both males and females - in the testes and ovaries - and has many essential functions depending on sex and age.

In a developing foetus, AMH helps form the male and female reproductive organs, and in females of child-bearing age, AMH plays a significant role in fertility – our main area of focus.

Post-puberty, females begin to produce more levels of AMH in their ovarian follicles - each containing a developing egg. Higher levels of AMH indicate that the ovaries have a larger supply of eggs, also known as your ovarian reserve.

Females are born with a defined number of eggs – around 1 to 2 million – which steadily declines over time. This process is due to monthly ovulation and the natural breakdown of ovarian follicles.

As you age, your ovarian reserve decreases, as does the level of AMH in your body. Ovarian reserve generally starts diminishing around your mid-thirties, and it's common for AMH levels to drop in your forties. When menopause is reached, levels will eventually reach zero.

What’s the normal range for AMH?

Once your AMH level has been tested, our team will assess the result and see if it falls within a normal range. The table below outlines the expected AMH levels for your age. As you can see, there is overlap in the age ranges:

 

 Age Range AMH (pmol/l)
 20-29 years 13.1 - 53.8
 30-34 years 6.8 - 47.8
 35 - 39 years 5.5 - 37.4
 40-44 years 0.7 - 21.2
 45 - 50 years 0.3 - 14.7
 
* Ref: TDL-The reference intervals below are derived from a population of apparently healthy women not taking any contraceptive medication. The reference intervals represent the 10th – 90th percentile values for the women in each age bracket.

Our doctors will discuss your results and how they relate to your fertility. AMH levels can help determine how you will respond to fertility treatments and, therefore, the best treatment for your individual circumstances.

What does it mean if I have a low AMH level?

A lower AMH level can indicate that you have fewer eggs in your ovarian reserve. This is more common as you age, especially in your forties, but it can happen at any age.

For younger women in their twenties and early thirties, a low AMH level can occasionally indicate the possibility of early menopause, but it doesn't mean you can't conceive or that your remaining eggs are of lower quality.

Whatever your age, if you have tested for low levels of AMH in your blood and are struggling to conceive, there are many fertility treatment options to improve your chance of conception.

Depending on your results, some treatments will be more suitable than others. That’s why our consultants at Manchester Fertility will thoroughly assess low AMH results in line with your personal circumstances and discuss the following treatment options:

IVF

In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) involves the collection of mature eggs from the ovaries, which are mixed with partner or donor sperm in a laboratory to create embryos. An embryo is implanted back into the uterus in the hope that pregnancy is achieved.

Although IVF with low AMH levels is possible, the process relies on mature eggs. With a low egg reserve, the response to ovarian stimulation is likely to be poor, meaning a reduced chance of success when using IVF treatment.

Our doctors will assess your unique situation and provide personalised recommendations. If there are thought to be limitations in using IVF, rest assured there are other treatments that have favourable results.

Donor eggs with IVF

If you find out that you have a low ovarian reserve, you may wish to consider using donor eggs. Using the eggs from a donor can be a successful option in achieving pregnancy.

The process is very similar to an IVF cycle, except eggs from a donor are mixed with the male partner’s sperm or donor sperm to create embryos. These are either implanted into your uterus or that of a surrogate, should you wish to use that option.

The specific treatment recommended for you will depend on your unique circumstances and fertility evaluation results. Our specialists will discuss options, risks, and success rates associated with each treatment, guiding you toward the most suitable approach to achieve your fertility goals.

What does it mean if I have a high AMH level?

If your test results indicate that you have a high AMH level, it could be a sign that you may have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

PCOS is a condition where the ovaries develop follicles with eggs, but these eggs don't mature properly and can develop into cysts. This can cause irregular ovulation and sometimes a lack of ovulation.

It's important to note that PCOS can present differently in each person. Additional common signs include changes in weight, increased body hair, oily skin, and challenges with conceiving.

While many women with PCOS can conceive naturally, some may benefit from fertility treatments to enhance the likelihood of successful conception.

A personalised treatment is essential as women with PCOS are at a higher risk of developing Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS). OHSS is when the ovaries over-respond to fertility medications and produce too many mature eggs, causing complications.

Our doctors at Manchester Fertility have vast experience helping patients with PCOS through fertility treatment, with many options available. These include IVF, ICSI and IUI. As with low AMH levels, you may also consider using donor eggs.

Read more about PCOS and fertility.

Can I improve my AMH levels naturally?

It's reassuring to keep in mind that lower AMH levels are often associated with the natural aging process. While maintaining a healthy lifestyle can support fertility, it's important to understand that levels will naturally decline.

That being said, adopting a healthy lifestyle is always beneficial. Maintaining an optimal weight, reducing stress, getting enough sleep, limiting alcohol and avoiding smoking can all help boost fertility and may have some degree of impact on AMH levels.

What next…

If you have any further questions about AMH levels or want to book in a fertility assessment, please get in contact with our friendly team. You can call us on 0161 300 2737 or request a callback via our website.

Last updated: 7th November 2023