What is AMH?
AMH stands for Anti-Müllerian Hormone. It’s a hormone produced by the small follicles in your ovaries—the ones that are still immature and not yet ready to ovulate. These are called antral follicles, and the amount of AMH they produce gives doctors a pretty good estimate of your ovarian reserve. That’s essentially how many potential eggs your body still has left.
Unlike other fertility hormones that fluctuate during your menstrual cycle, AMH remains relatively stable throughout. That means you can take an AMH test at any point in your cycle—making it a convenient way to check in on your reproductive health.
Why is AMH such a big deal in fertility care?
Because it’s one of the only tests that gives us insight into egg quantity This is especially important if you’re trying to conceive, planning to freeze your eggs, starting IVF, or just curious about your fertility timeline.
Every person with ovaries is born with a fixed number of eggs, and that number naturally declines over time. An AMH test gives a snapshot of where you are in that process. It’s often part of a broader fertility hormone panel that includes FSH, LH, estradiol, and thyroid function—especially when trying to assess your egg count or understand why conception might be taking time.
So… does AMH tell me how fertile I am?
Not quite. This is where a lot of confusion arises, and where we at Arva want to clear the air.
AMH tells you how many eggs you might have left. It gives a sense of how your ovaries are functioning in terms of quantity. It can help predict how you might respond to fertility treatments like IVF, and whether your egg reserve is lower than average for your age.
But it cannot tell you whether the eggs you have are genetically healthy. It cannot predict your chances of natural conception or whether you will get pregnant. Fertility is influenced by a complex mix of age, egg quality, sperm health, hormones, uterine factors, and more.
In essence, AMH can only tell you your egg quantity, not quality.
What’s considered a normal AMH level?
There’s no universal “normal” AMH number because levels vary widely between individuals and naturally decline with age. But generally speaking, someone in their late 20s might have an AMH level between 2 to 6 ng/mL. By their mid-to-late 30s, it’s common for AMH to fall between 1 to 3 ng/mL. After 40, it’s often below 1.
In India, it’s not uncommon for women in their early 30s to be surprised by lower-than-expected AMH levels. That’s partly due to a lack of awareness around ovarian reserve testing—many people only explore ovarian reserve once they’re actively trying to conceive, rather than as part of routine reproductive health checks.That delay, combined with factors like PCOS, thyroid issues, stress, endometriosis, and certain lifestyle habits, can reveal hormonal shifts that started years earlier.
What if my AMH is low?
First of all, don’t panic. A low AMH result doesn’t mean your fertility journey is over.
It might mean you’ll need a more personalised fertility plan. You may respond differently to IVF medications, it may be worth considering egg freezing sooner, and it could be helpful to monitor your hormones and cycles more closely.
Fertility isn’t about quantity alone—you only need one good egg to conceive. AMH is just a data point, and your future can’t be reduced to a single number.
What if my AMH is high?
High AMH levels—typically above 6 ng/mL—can mean a higher egg reserve. But in many cases, especially in India, it could also point to PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). PCOS is a condition where many follicles develop but don’t always mature or ovulate regularly, making conception harder without support.
So while a high AMH level can seem reassuring at first glance, it doesn’t always translate to better fertility. It may reflect an underlying hormonal imbalance that needs attention—especially if you’re experiencing irregular cycles or other symptoms.
When should I test my AMH?
AMH can be tested any day of your cycle. It doesn’t fluctuate the way other hormones like LH or estradiol do, which makes it convenient and reliable for checking your egg count.
You might want to test your AMH if:
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You’re considering egg freezing or IVF
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You have irregular or absent periods
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You have a family history of early menopause
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You’ve been trying to conceive without success
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You’re simply curious about your reproductive health and want to plan ahead
At Arva, we usually recommend combining the AMH test with a full fertility hormone panel and an ultrasound scan (for antral follicle count) to get the most accurate picture of your ovarian reserve.
What else should you consider alongside AMH?
AMH is just one piece of your fertility profile. Your age is still the biggest factor when it comes to egg quality. An ultrasound can give you a physical look at your egg reserve. Hormones like FSH, LH, and estradiol help map out how your body is cycling. And lifestyle factors—like sleep, nutrition, stress, and movement—play a huge role in overall reproductive health.
If you’re just starting your fertility journey, or even just thinking ahead, AMH is a good place to begin. But don’t let the number define you.
At Arva, we believe in demystifying fertility through compassionate care. Whether you’re taking your first fertility test or planning your next step, our care team is here to guide you—with clarity, not confusion.