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Blog > The rise of AMH tests – are they reliable?

The rise of AMH tests – are they reliable?

Fertility is a crucial aspect of many people's lives, influencing decisions about family planning and personal health. As awareness about fertility issues grows and infertility rates rise, so does the interest in reliable methods to assess reproductive health. Among these methods, Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) tests have gained prominence.

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Written by Apricity Team
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    AMH tests are a reliable measure of the remaining number of eggs a woman has in her ovaries and help contribute to an overall picture of an individual’s fertility when used in collaboration with other indicators.

    What does an AMH test measure?

    An AMH test measures the level of Anti-Müllerian Hormone in the blood. AMH is a hormone produced by the small follicles in the ovaries which helps follicles and eggs grow during the menstrual cycle.

    A woman is born with all the eggs she will ever have. As the number of follicles and eggs in the ovaries decreases with age, the amount of AMH falls too. There is no fixed pattern to how AMH levels drop, as it varies between individuals, but the rate of decline does accelerate from a woman’s mid-30s. This is why the hormone is a key indicator of a woman's ovarian reserve, which refers to the remaining quantity of eggs. 

    High AMH levels generally suggest a good ovarian reserve, whereas low levels may indicate a diminished reserve. AMH does not indicate egg quality, however. Even if AMH levels are high, this does not guarantee that natural conception or fertility treatment such as IUI or IVF will be successful as other factors aside from the number of eggs influence outcomes. 

    How is an AMH test done?

    The AMH test is a simple blood test. A small amount of blood is drawn from a vein in the arm or collected by a finger prick. The blood sample is then analysed in a laboratory to measure the concentration of AMH. The results help assess ovarian function and guide fertility treatment plans.

    The test can be carried out in various medical settings, including a GP's surgery, hospital or fertility clinic. However, there are also virtual fertility clinics, like Apricity, that offer easy-to-use at-home AMH tests that individuals can do in the comfort and privacy of their own homes. After collecting a finger prick blood sample, they simply return it via post for analysis.

    AMH Test: Your First Step Towards Fertility Planning


    Our easy-to-use AMH test, taken in the comfort of your home, offers valuable insights into your ovarian reserve, empowering you to make informed decisions about your reproductive future.


    • Delivered privately and securely to your doorstep

    • Take your personalised test whenever it suits you

    • Includes a one-on-one virtual consultation with a Fertility Nurse for expert guidance

    What is an AMH test useful for?

    Aside from simply measuring ovarian reserve, AMH tests provide crucial insights that can inform various aspects of fertility and reproductive planning.

    Gaining a better understanding of overall fertility levels

    An AMH test is beneficial for those who want to understand their reproductive health better and they are particularly useful for women who are considering trying to conceive or undergoing fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF). Understanding one’s ovarian reserve can help in making informed decisions about family planning and managing expectations regarding fertility.

    Informing choices for fertility preservation

    For women who wish to preserve their fertility, especially those planning to delay pregnancy, an AMH test can be a valuable tool. By assessing ovarian reserve, the test helps in determining the optimal time for egg freezing or other fertility preservation methods.

    Women with higher AMH levels might have more viable eggs available for preservation, while those with lower levels might need to consider earlier intervention or more egg freezing cycles to maximise their chances of a successful pregnancy in the future.

    Predicting the response to fertility medications

    The AMH test is used in the context of fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF). It helps predict how a woman's ovaries will respond to fertility medications, which stimulate egg production and is used to select the drug dose.

    Women with higher AMH levels tend to produce more eggs in response to these medications, which can improve the chances of successful fertilisation and pregnancy. Lower AMH levels might indicate a need for adjusted medication dosages or alternative treatment strategies to enhance outcomes. For example, it may be recommended that women with lower AMH levels undergo different regimes of IVF.

    Diagnosing and monitoring problems with the ovaries

    AMH testing plays an important role in diagnosing and monitoring various ovarian conditions. For instance, women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) usually have high AMH levels due to the increased number of small ovarian follicles.

    In contrast, those who have undergone treatments that might affect ovarian function, such as chemotherapy, or have a condition that leads to diminished ovarian function, generally have lower AMH levels. Regular monitoring of AMH can help track the progression of these conditions and inform treatment decisions.

    Detecting premature or early menopause

    Women approaching menopause typically experience a decline in AMH levels years before their menstrual cycles stop. Identifying this decline can provide early warning signs, allowing women to seek medical advice and consider their options sooner. For those at risk of premature menopause due to genetic factors, medical history, or other conditions, the AMH test offers valuable foresight into their reproductive lifespan.

    lab test analysis - round shape

    Is any preparation required for an AMH test?

    No specific preparation is required for an AMH test. As AMH levels remain consistent throughout a menstrual cycle, an AMH test can be conducted at any point throughout the cycle.

    Are there any risks to any AMH blood test?

    The AMH test is considered very safe with minimal risks. As with any blood test, there might be slight discomfort or bruising at the site where the blood is drawn, but these side effects are generally minor and short-lived.

    Are AMH tests reliable?

    AMH tests are an accurate way of measuring ovarian reserve. One study found that the specificity and sensitivity for AMH tests are 80% and 78.95%, respectively. While reliable for most women, it is worth noting that some contraceptives, including combined oral pills,, implants or depot injections can temporarily reduce AMH levels by 30-50%, though levels return to normal after 1-3 months off contraception.

    It is also important to be aware that although AMH tests are an incredibly reliable way to assess ovarian reserve, they do not provide a complete overview of an individual’s reproductive health. AMH tests don’t indicate the quality of a woman’s eggs, nor can they predict the likelihood of achieving pregnancy naturally.

    Instead, they are a valuable tool that, when used alongside other tests such as ultrasounds and thyroid profiles, can help individuals and their medical team make informed decisions about treatment and give them the best possible chance of becoming parents.

    Can AMH levels be improved?

    An individual cannot adopt any activities or behaviours that will change their AMH; AMH levels will never increase and only decrease with age. However, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, managing stress, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can support overall reproductive health. Smoking can irreversibly reduce ovarian reserve and therefore AMH levels.

    What if test results show AMH levels are low?

    Low AMH levels suggest a reduced ovarian reserve, but they do not necessarily mean that natural or treatment conception is impossible. There are various treatments and strategies to help achieve pregnancy including IUI, IVF, IVF with donor eggs and surrogacy.

    Apricity is the world’s first virtual fertility clinic, offering inclusive, tailored care and compassionate support that people can access from home. They offer a variety of at-home fertility tests, including AMH tests, that can help people plan ahead whether they are trying to conceive, thinking about preserving their fertility or exploring treatment options.

    For those wanting a better understanding of their fertility and family planning options, they can book a free consultation with an Apricity fertility advisor today.

    Written by Apricity Team

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