When it comes to fertility, numbers like the Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) level can feel confusing. AMH provides insight into your ovarian reserve, helping assess egg quantity, but it doesn’t reveal everything about your fertility. Dr. Pritam Prakash Sulakhe emphasizes looking at AMH alongside other factors for a complete understanding.
What is AMH?
AMH is a hormone produced by small follicles in your ovaries — the same follicles that have the potential to develop into mature eggs. The level of AMH in your blood reflects how many eggs are still available in your ovaries.
In simple terms:
- Higher AMH = more follicles, higher ovarian reserve
- Lower AMH = fewer follicles, lower ovarian reserve
Because AMH stays fairly stable throughout your menstrual cycle, it can be tested at any time.
What is Ovarian Reserve?
Women are born with all the eggs they’ll ever have, and this number naturally declines with age. By understanding your ovarian reserve through AMH testing, your doctor can assess your fertility potential and plan ahead — especially if you’re considering pregnancy later in life or exploring fertility treatments.
What AMH Can and Can’t Tell You
What it can tell you:
- How many eggs are likely left in your ovaries
- How your body might respond to IVF stimulation
- Whether early fertility planning or egg freezing might be advisable
What it can’t tell you:
- Your ability to conceive naturally
- Egg quality or embryo health
- Exact timing of menopause
Common Myths
Myth: Low AMH means you can’t get pregnant.
Truth: Many women with low AMH conceive naturally or with treatment.
Myth: High AMH means easy conception.
Truth: It may suggest PCOS rather than higher fertility.
Myth: AMH predicts menopause.
Truth: It gives a snapshot of current reserve, not future fertility decline.
Factors That Affect AMH
- Age: AMH naturally drops as you grow older.
- PCOS: May cause elevated AMH levels.
- Ovarian surgery or endometriosis: Can reduce ovarian reserve.
- Lifestyle: Smoking, stress, and poor nutrition can negatively affect fertility.
Supporting Your Ovarian Health
While AMH levels can’t be increased drastically, healthy habits can support your fertility:
- Maintain a balanced diet and healthy weight.
- Avoid smoking and manage stress.
- Treat hormonal imbalances early.
- Consider fertility preservation if delaying pregnancy.
When to Consider AMH Testing
You should consider AMH testing if:
- You’re over 30 and planning to delay conception.
- You’ve struggled to conceive for over six months.
- You have a history of ovarian surgery, endometriosis, or PCOS.
- You’re exploring IVF or egg freezing
Dr. Pritam Prakash Sulakhe
