Anti-Mullerian Hormone Test

What is an AMH test?

An AMH test measures the amount of anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) in your blood. Both men (people assigned male at birth) and women (people assigned female at birth) produce AMH, but healthcare providers frequently use the test in women — mainly to provide a snapshot of a woman’s reproductive health.

What is anti-mullerian hormone (AMH)?

AMH plays a key role in developing a baby’s sex organs while in the womb. AMH levels are higher in male babies, as this prevents them from developing female reproductive organs. Female babies only need a small amount of AMH for their development.

In women, cells inside the follicles of the ovaries produce AMH. Follicles are tiny fluid-filled sacs in the ovary that contain and release eggs.

AMH levels correspond to the number of eggs you have or your ovarian reserve:

• Higher AMH levels mean more eggs and a higher ovarian reserve.
• Lower AMH levels mean fewer eggs and a lower ovarian reserve.

When would providers do an AMH test?

Your provider may do an AMH test to determine if an ovarian mass is a granulosa cell tumor. AMH levels may also be used to check if:

• Treatment is working.
• The tumor has returned.

What does an AMH test tell you?

An AMH test tells you the number of remaining eggs you have and whether your ovaries might be aging too quickly. It may reveal that you have a shorter window to get pregnant.

An AMH test may also reveal how well you respond to injectable fertility drugs to stimulate your ovaries to mature multiple eggs in preparation for in vitro fertilization (IVF).

What can’t an AMH test tell you?

While AMH is connected to your egg count, it doesn’t predict your fertility (with or without treatments), or when you’ll go through menopause.

Also, keep in mind that even if your AMH levels are in the typical range, other factors may influence your ability to conceive, such as:

• Age, medical conditions, smoking, etc.
• Sperm count and motility.
• Not ovulating regularly, blocked fallopian tubes, pelvic scarring, endometriosis and uterine abnormalities like fibroids.

What is a normal AMH level?

AMH levels vary depending on your age. In women, AMH levels start rising during adolescence and peak around 25 years old. After that, AMH levels naturally decline.

Providers measure AMH levels in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). Experts debate how to define typical AMH levels, but these are general ranges:

• Average: Between 1.0 ng/mL to 3.0 ng/mL.
• Low: Under 1.0 ng/mL.
• Severely low: 0.4 ng/mL.

It’s important to note that because labs use different equipment, your results can vary slightly from lab to lab.

What is a good AMH level for your age?

AMH levels naturally decline with age, so it’s normal to see a lower ovarian reserve in your 30s, 40s and 50s.

For actual numbers, consider these estimates, which are on the lower side of the spectrum for each respective age:

• 25 years old: 3.0 ng/mL.
• 30 years old: 2.5 ng/mL.
• 35 years old: 1.5 ng/ mL.
• 40 years old: 1 ng/mL.
• 45 years old: 0.5 ng/mL.

Higher AMH levels aren’t always a good thing. AMH may be high in some people with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Do at-home AMH tests work?

You can easily buy an AMH test in stores or online. At-home AMH tests typically require a finger prick. While home tests are convenient, it’s best to see a specialist to help you interpret the results. Fertility is a complex issue and requires a comprehensive, expert evaluation.

How does the AMH test work?

The AMH test is a blood test. A healthcare professional uses a thin needle to take a blood sample from a vein in your arm. The process takes just a few minutes.

Do I need to schedule an AMH test around my period?

You can have an AMH test at any point during your menstrual cycle. Unlike other reproductive hormones, AMH doesn’t fluctuate much throughout the month.

How do I prepare for the AMH test?

You don’t need to do anything to prepare for an AMH test.

When should I know the results of the test?

If your blood sample is sent to a lab, it can take a few days to receive your results. If your healthcare provider ordered this test, they’ll schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss your AMH test results (and any additional results). Together, you will come up with the best pregnancy or treatment plan for you.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

There’s a lot of confusion about what AMH test results reveal about fertility. The AMH test can’t predict fertility. If you’re trying to get pregnant or want to know more about your reproductive health, see a specialist for a comprehensive assessment. And as always, talk to your healthcare provider. They're there to help.