What Is AMH, and Why Every Fertility Doctor Cares About It

If you've started exploring your fertility, you've probably come across the term AMH. Maybe it's listed in your test results, or your doctor mentioned it during a conversation about egg freezing or IVF.

But what is AMH, exactly?

What Is AMH?

AMH stands for Anti-Müllerian Hormone. It's a hormone produced by the small follicles in your ovaries, the ones that haven't fully matured yet. These follicles are part of what’s known as your ovarian reserve, a fancy way of saying how many eggs your body still has to work with.

In general, the higher your AMH, the more of these follicles you have. And the more follicles you have, the more eggs your ovaries are likely to produce during a given cycle, either naturally or with fertility treatment.

Why Do Fertility Doctors Test AMH?

Because it gives them a snapshot of your current egg supply.

Doctors use AMH to help understand:

How many eggs you might be able to retrieve during an egg freezing or IVF cycle
Whether you’re a likely candidate for certain fertility treatments
How close you may be to menopause (though it's not exact)
Whether your ovaries are responding as expected to hormonal signals

It’s a valuable planning tool, especially if you’re trying to make decisions about timing, treatment options, or whether to freeze your eggs.

What’s a “Normal” AMH Level?

AMH levels are measured through a simple blood test. The “normal” range can vary slightly by lab, but here’s a general guide:

AMH Level (ng/mL)	What It May Suggest
3.0 or higher	High ovarian reserve
1.0–3.0	Average ovarian reserve
Below 1.0	Low ovarian reserve

Keep in mind:

A high AMH can be good, but in some cases (like PCOS), it may indicate that the ovaries are producing too many small follicles that don’t mature properly.
A low AMH doesn’t mean pregnancy is impossible. It just means your ovarian reserve is lower, which may impact the quantity of eggs retrieved, not necessarily the quality.

Can AMH Tell You Everything About Your Fertility?

No, AMH is just one aspect of fertility.

It doesn't tell you:

Whether you're ovulating regularly
The quality of your eggs
Whether you have blocked fallopian tubes, uterine issues, or sperm-related concerns

That’s why doctors usually order AMH alongside other tests, like:

FSH and LH (other key reproductive hormones)
Antral follicle count via ultrasound
Thyroid and prolactin levels
And sometimes genetic screening, depending on your situation

Further Reading: Egg Freezing 101: What to Know Before You Decide

When Should You Consider Testing Your AMH?

You might consider AMH testing if:

You’re thinking about freezing your eggs
You’ve been trying to conceive for a while and want more insight
You’re 35 or older and want to understand your options
You have irregular cycles and suspect something like PCOS or premature ovarian insufficiency
You’re planning for fertility preservation before medical treatment (like chemotherapy)

Some people choose to test their AMH even if they’re not planning a pregnancy soon, just to have the information.

Can You Improve Your AMH?

Not really, AMH isn’t something you can boost through lifestyle changes or supplements in a meaningful or sustained way.

That said, improving your overall reproductive health (e.g., reducing inflammation, managing stress, eating a nutrient-rich diet, avoiding smoking) can support healthy ovulation and egg quality, even if AMH itself doesn’t rise.

What If Your AMH Is Low?

It can feel discouraging, but it’s not the end of the road.

A low AMH may mean you’ll need to act sooner or take a more tailored approach, but many people with low AMH still go on to conceive, with or without fertility treatment.

It just means you may want to talk through your options sooner rather than later.

AMH is a useful tool, not a verdict. It helps you and your doctor understand where things stand so you can plan accordingly. Whether you’re 28, 38, or 42, it’s okay to ask questions, seek clarity, and explore your options without pressure.