AMH - What is it?
An AMH (anti mullerian hormone) test can help predict how many eggs we are likely to be able to obtain during an IVF cycle and it can help identify those who may experience early menopause. Like most tests, reading AMH results takes in a number of variables, so it's useful to have the help of a fertility specialist to interpret the results. Talk to us about arranging your test.
For most women, age best predicts the chance of conception each month. However, despite having regular menstrual cycles and normal periods, about 10% of women lose their fertility sooner than expected. These women should think about having a family in their 20s or very early 30s. The AMH test is considered the best test currently available to estimate ovarian reserve.
- This test is more convenient and less expensive than alternative tests like Egg Check, because it uses a simple blood test rather than ultrasound scanning and can be done at any time in the menstrual cycle.
- It can help predict how many eggs you are likely to obtain in an IVF cycle.
- It may also identify women who may undergo early menopause, and therefore who may
lose their fertility earlier than average. - Although an AMH test can help pick up those who might lose their fertility more quickly, it cannot show who is more fertile than average, nor does it predict ovarian reserve in women with Polycystic Ovaries (PCO).
- It is available from all Beyond IVF clinics. To find out more about AMH testing and fertility options, book an appointment with us at your nearest clinic
Please remember that age is still a very important factor for fertility. The AMH tests can suggest when a women might have lower fertility than expected for her age. However, there is no evidence that ‘good’ AMH results mean that women have a higher fertility than expected for their age.
- We strongly recommend all women start their family well before 40 years of age.
- A normal AMH result does not exclude other possible causes of reduced fertility.
FAQs for AMH test
How do you test AMH?
It is a single blood test that can be done at any time during the menstrual cycle. It can help predict how many eggs you are likely to obtain in an IVF cycle. It may also identify women who may undergo early menopause, and therefore who may lose their fertility earlier than average.
Although an AMH test can help pick up those who might lose their fertility more quickly, it cannot show who is more fertile than average, nor does it predict ovarian reserve in women with Polycystic Ovaries (PCOS).
How can I get an AMH test?
Come to one of our clinics. The result is usually available within a day or so after the blood has been taken. Our doctor or nurse will tell you the result in person, by telephone or by sending you a letter.
How do I interpret AMH results?
Like
most fertility tests, an AMH test does not give a black and white
answer. We plot the AMH result on a graph (see above) that shows the 10th,
25th, 50th and 75th centiles for AMH for women attending a fertility
clinic. This lets you compare your results with women of a similar age and
helps predict how your AMH level may change over the years. We have shaded
areas of the graph green, orange and red to represent the average impact
of your AMH level.