Female fertility investigations: AMH testing and ovarian reserve

Understanding your fertility and gathering information early can help you make confident decisions about your future. Whether you are planning to start a family now, considering fertility preservation or you are simply curious about your reproductive health, an AMH test can provide valuable insight into your ovarian reserve.

However, AMH is often misunderstood. While it is an important part of female fertility investigations, it does not provide a complete picture of fertility on its own. The best understanding of your reproductive health comes from evaluating AMH alongside other fertility examinations and your individual medical history.

What you will learn in this article about female fertility investigations:

• What is AMH and ovarian reserve?
• Why should I have an AMH test?
• When should I consider AMH testing?
• What does AMH testing involve?
• What can AMH results tell me about my fertility?

What is AMH and ovarian reserve?

AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) is a hormone secreted by small follicles in the ovaries. Measuring AMH through a blood test helps assess the ovarian reserve.
Ovarian reserve describes the number of eggs remaining in the ovaries. Women are born with all the eggs they will ever have, and this reserve naturally declines with age. However, the rate of decline varies significantly between individuals.

It is important to understand that ovarian reserve reflects the quantity of eggs, not their quality. Egg quality is primarily influenced by age and cannot be determined through an AMH test.

Why should I have an AMH test?

An AMH test can be considered as a proactive way to learn more about your reproductive health.mFor women who are planning a pregnancy in the future, AMH testing can offer reassurance or help guide future family planning discussions with a fertility specialist.

AMH testing may be particularly useful if you:

• Want to understand your current reproductive health
• Are considering postponing pregnancy
• Are interested in fertility preservation options, such as egg freezing
• Have concerns about declining fertility
• Have a medical condition that may affect ovarian function
• Have a family history of early menopause

Beyond the medical information, many women find that understanding their fertility reduces uncertainty and helps them make decisions with greater confidence.

Key benefits of AMH testing

1. Insight into ovarian reserve: Gain information about the functional reserve of your ovaries and how it compares with what may be expected for your age.
2. Support for future family planning: Understanding your ovarian reserve along with other important details (e.g. age) can help inform family planning discussions and fertility preservation decisions. 
3. Individualized fertility guidance: AMH results are interpreted by fertility specialists as part of a broader fertility assessment tailored to your individual circumstances. 
4. Treatment planning: If fertility treatment becomes necessary, AMH can help predict how the ovaries may respond to ovarian stimulation during treatment.

When should I consider AMH testing?

There is no single "right" age for AMH testing. Instead, the best timing depends on your individual goals, medical history and life situation.

Because ovarian reserve naturally declines over time, obtaining information earlier gives you more options and allows for proactive decision-making.

You may consider AMH testing if:

• You want to learn more about your fertility
• You are approaching your mid-30s and planning future pregnancies
• You have irregular or absent menstrual cycles
• You have been diagnosed with PMOS (previously called PCOS)
• You have been diagnosed with endometriosis
• You have undergone previous ovarian or pelvic surgery
• You have a family history of early menopause
• You are considering egg freezing
• Pregnancy has not occurred despite trying

It is important to remember that AMH testing is not only intended for women experiencing fertility challenges. Many women choose to have their AMH levels measured simply to better understand their reproductive health and future options.

What does AMH testing involve?

An AMH test is one of the simplest female fertility examinations available.

The test involves a blood sample, which is analyzed to measure the level of Anti-Müllerian Hormone in your body. Unlike many other reproductive hormones, AMH levels vary very little throughout the menstrual cycle, which means the test can usually be performed at any time during the cycle.

At Ovumia, AMH testing is often combined with other fertility examinations to provide a more complete understanding of reproductive health. Together, these assessments provide a more comprehensive picture than any single test alone. One of Ovumia’s fertility specialists will explain how to interpret the results of your AMH measurement.

What can AMH results tell me

AMH results can provide valuable information about the number of remaining follicles in the ovaries and how the ovaries may respond during fertility treatment.

Generally:

• Lower AMH levels may indicate a reduced ovarian reserve.
• Higher AMH levels may indicate a larger number of remaining follicles.
• AMH levels are often higher in women with PMOS (earlier PCOS).
• AMH naturally declines with age.

For women considering fertility treatment, AMH can help fertility specialists estimate the likely ovarian response to hormone stimulation during IVF treatment. This information helps in estimating the likelihood of a successful treatment.

Whether you are actively trying to conceive, considering fertility preservation, or simply seeking greater clarity about your fertility, having the right information today can help you feel more confident about tomorrow.