Understanding Your Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) Test
What It Is: The Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) test is a blood test that measures the level of AMH in your body. AMH is a protein hormone produced by the granulosa cells in the ovarian follicles. This test provides insight into your ovarian reserve, which is the number of eggs you have left in your ovaries.
Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), also known as Mullerian-inhibiting hormone (MIH), is a protein hormone produced by the testes in males and the ovaries in females. The AMH test measures the level of this hormone in your blood, providing valuable information about reproductive health.
Why It's Important:
Development and Functioning: AMH plays a crucial role in the development and functioning of reproductive organs. Its levels and functions vary by gender and age.
Fertility Assessment in Men: In men, high levels of AMH are produced by the testes before puberty. After puberty, the levels decrease, making AMH a useful marker for evaluating fertility issues.
Diagnosing Reproductive Disorders in Infants: In infants, the test can help understand conditions like ambiguous genitalia, where the genital parts are not clearly defined.
Normal AMH Levels: Generally indicate a healthy ovarian reserve.
Low AMH Levels: Suggest a lower number of eggs and a diminished ovarian reserve. This might indicate a reduced fertility potential1.
High AMH Levels: Can be associated with conditions like PCOS.
 
Understanding the Results:
Normal AMH Levels: Suggest healthy reproductive organ development and function.
Low AMH Levels in Women: May indicate a lower ovarian reserve, which can affect fertility.
High AMH Levels in Women: Can be associated with conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Low AMH Levels in Men Post-Puberty: Can help identify issues related to fertility.
High AMH Levels in Infants: Can aid in diagnosing conditions like ambiguous genitalia.
Why It's Done:
Assessing Fertility: The AMH test is commonly used to evaluate a woman's reproductive health and fertility potential. It helps estimate the number of eggs available for fertilization2.
Planning for IVF: For women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF), the AMH test can help predict how well they might respond to ovarian stimulation.
Diagnosing Ovarian Disorders: The test can also help diagnose conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and other ovarian disorders.
Monitoring Ovarian Health: AMH levels can be used to monitor ovarian health over time, especially for women who are concerned about their fertility.
How the Test Works:
Preparation: No special preparation is usually needed, but it's always best to follow your healthcare provider's instructions.
Sample Collection: A healthcare professional will draw a small sample of your blood, usually from a vein in your arm.
Laboratory Analysis: The blood sample is sent to a lab where the level of AMH is measured.
 Your Doctor Might Order This Test:
Fertility Assessment: To provide a snapshot of your reproductive health and fertility potential.
IVF Planning: To help determine the appropriate dosage of medications for ovarian stimulation during IVF.
Diagnosing Ovarian Disorders: To help diagnose conditions like PCOS or other ovarian issues.
Monitoring Ovarian Health: To keep track of ovarian health over time, especially for women concerned about their fertility.
Symptoms of Ovarian Disorders:
Irregular or absent menstrual periods
Excessive hair growth (hirsutism)
Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
Acne or oily skin
Pelvic pain
If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to discuss them with your healthcare provider.
Lifestyle and Management: Depending on your results, your healthcare provider might recommend lifestyle changes, medications, or further tests to manage your reproductive health. Regular check-ups and monitoring are key to maintaining good reproductive health.