AMH test & AMH levels by age: What your results mean for your fertility

November 2, 2026

By Hanna Kim, MD at CCRM Fertility of Newport Beach

Fertility

Infertility

AMH, or anti-Müllerian Hormone, is an integral part of the fertility equation, a hormone present in the blood. An AMH test can help you understand your egg quantity and reproductive potential. Still, it’s not the only predictor of the female partner’s fertility health.

Here, we discuss some common misconceptions about AMH, including its benefits, limitations, implications of low AMH and high AMH, and why there’s no ‘magic’ AMH level, whether you’re pursuing in vitro fertilization (IVF), egg freezing, or trying to get pregnant naturally.

What is AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone)?

AMH stands for anti–Müllerian Hormone, a hormone made by the small, developing follicles in your ovaries. Think of AMH as a clue about your ovarian reserve, or an estimate of how many eggs you have remaining. It‘s measured with a simple blood test and is part of a typical female fertility assessment.

When (and where) to get an AMH test

You should get your AMH tested by an OB/GYN or a fertility specialist (reproductive endocrinologist) when you want to know more about your reproductive potential and your egg reserve. An AMH test is also performed before beginning fertility treatment.

Unlike some other fertility hormones, AMH does not fluctuate day to day, so the testing can be done at any point in your menstrual cycle.

It’s preferable to get your AMH tested with a fertility specialist rather than with an at-home AMH test since the tests at the doctor’s office are more reliable and generally more accurate.

Your insurance may cover AMH testing if it’s part of a diagnostic infertility workup or requested by a referring physician to evaluate another underlying condition such as PMOS, formerly known as PCOS. Check with your employer’s HR representative and/or your insurance provider to find out for sure.

What an AMH test can and can't tell you

The most important thing to note about AMH is that it can tell you about your egg quantity, (or your stockpile of eggs) but not the quality of eggs. It also can’t tell you exactly how many eggs you have or whether or not you can conceive naturally.

AMH levels by age

AMH naturally declines as we get older because we’re born with all the eggs we’ll ever have and therefore our egg supply decreases over time.

However, the exact rate of decline and pattern of decline is different for every person, and there’s no ‘normal’ number. Plus, different labs can also report the number differently, so it’s important to interpret your results with a healthcare professional to understand what your number means for you.

What's a normal AMH level?

There’s no single AMH number that’s ideal for everyone. Your age, medical history, the lab’s testing method, and your family-building goals all need to be considered.

Here’s a broad guide to ‘normal’ AMH levels:

Around 1–3 ng/mL: A commonly cited typical range

Below 1 ng/mL: May suggest a lower ovarian reserve

Higher levels: May suggest PMOS (polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome)

Low AMH for your age: What can cause it and what does it mean?

Low AMH generally means you have fewer eggs remaining in your ovaries than expected, or a lower ovarian reserve compared to other people your age.

What can cause low AMH?

Natural aging

Genetics and individual differences

Previous ovarian surgery

Chemotherapy or radiation

Certain conditions that affect ovarian function

Sometimes, no cause can be found

High AMH and PMOS

High AMH can mean there are many small follicles in your ovaries that don’t necessarily progress in development and ovulate appropriately. This can be seen in people with PMOS (polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome).

Other symptoms of PMOS include:

Irregular or absent periods from difficulty ovulating regularly

Higher levels of androgens, or male hormones, sometimes causing acne, weight gain, or excess facial hair

Other metabolic issues

High AMH alone doesn’t diagnose PMOS but it can be suggestive of PMOS when there are other symptoms. Remember though that some people with PMOS have normal AMH, and some people without PMOS can have high AMH.

How to increase AMH levels

This is one of the most common fertility questions, but the honest answer is there’s no proven way to reliably increase your ovarian reserve. You may see supplements, diets, or protocols advertised as ways to boost AMH, but the evidence is very limited and doesn’t actually prove that they’re effective.

Healthy habits support overall health, but no diet, supplement or lifestyle change has been shown to replenish your egg supply.

AMH and IVF

There’s no single ideal AMH level for IVF. A lower AMH may mean fewer eggs are retrieved, while a higher AMH may mean more follicles respond to medication. Still, more eggs don’t automatically mean better-quality eggs or a higher chance of having a baby. Your age, diagnosis, antral follicle count (AFC) and previous IVF response all help your fertility specialist choose the right plan for you.

Low AMH and IVF

You can still do IVF even with lower-than-average levels and no one protocol will work for every patient. Talk with your provider, who will come up with an individualized plan to fit your needs.

High AMH and OHSS risk

OHSS, or ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, occurs when the ovaries overrespond to fertility medications, causing them to swell and fluid to build up in the body. Symptoms can include bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, and rapid weight gain. The risk of OHSS can be higher in patients with high AMH since there are more follicles.

AMH vs. FSH, AFC, and other ovarian reserve tests

There are several ways to assess ovarian reserve, and each gives your fertility provider a different piece of information as they come up with your personalized treatment protocol.

AMH: A blood test that estimates ovarian reserve and helps predict your response to medications. It can usually be measured at any point in your cycle.

FSH: A blood test that measures a hormone called follicle stimulating hormone that’s involved in stimulating follicle growth. It’s usually checked early in the menstrual cycle, usually around cycle day 3, often alongside estradiol. Higher FSH can suggest reduced ovarian reserve.

Estradiol (E2): Another hormone measured early in the cycle to help interpret FSH and assess ovarian activity.

AFC (antral follicle count): A transvaginal ultrasound used to count the small follicles visible in your ovaries. This number helps estimate how your ovaries may respond to stimulation medications.

Which test is best?

AMH and AFC are generally the most useful markers for predicting ovarian response during IVF. Your doctor may combine these tests with others to help them come up with your personalized protocol which will maximize your chances of success.

The bottom line

An AMH test is a great way to measure the quantity of your eggs, but it can’t tell you or your fertility provider the quality of those eggs or whether you’ll be able to conceive naturally.

AMH naturally declines with age as egg quantity decreases, and therefore your AMH will lower too. There’s no ideal AMH number, but knowing your number is a great way to learn more about your reproductive potential. Your fertility specialist can help you interpret your AMH testing results and come up with a protocol to help you maximize your chances of success.

Want to test your AMH and learn more about your reproductive health? Schedule an appointment at a CCRM Fertility location near you to get started.

FAQs:

Can you get pregnant naturally with low AMH?

Yes. Conception only takes one egg, and AMH does not determine the quality of your eggs.

Can AMH levels change or fluctuate?

Yes, AMH levels change or fluctuate over months and years, but they remain steady day-to-day throughout the menstrual cycle.

How often should AMH be tested?

There is no universal AMH testing schedule. The right timing depends on why you’re testing in the first place. It does not need to be regularly checked every few months.