Ovarian Reserve: Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH)

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a hormone secreted by the small follicles in a woman’s ovaries. It has emerged as a new and better way to measure ovarian reserve that is becoming more commonly used. Ovarian reserve is a concept that correlates the number and quality of eggs that are available in the ovaries. Basically, it measures “how much gas is left in the tank?”

There are other ways of measuring ovarian reserve, such as age, cycle day 3 FSH levels, basal antral follicle counts and seeing how well the ovaries respond to fertility medications. These are useful tests that help your physician evaluate and counsel you regarding your treatment options. AMH has emerged as an important tool that has very specific advantages over the other tests: it can be measured at any point of the menstrual cycle (not just on day three of your period, like FSH) and does not require a sonogram (like basal antral follicle count). A woman can also have her AMH tested while still on birth control pills.

While no single test is perfect, nor can it predict with 100% accuracy what is going on in your body, AMH has become one of the most reliable and useful tools for your fertility specialist to use to help outline your choices about fertility treatments and potential for success.