Anti-Müllerian Hormone Test

Why this test may be ordered

• In females: to check ovarian reserve (how many eggs are left), to predict response to fertility medicine (especially for IVF), to help diagnose PCOS, to check for menopause or primary ovarian insufficiency, and to monitor treatment for certain ovarian cancers.
• In male babies or children: to check for healthy testicles when testicles are not felt in the scrotum.
• In a baby with genitals that are not clearly male or female: to help diagnose the cause, usually along with other tests.

Preparation and collection

You don't need any special preparations for an AMH test.

A health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.

There is very little risk to having a blood test. You may have slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly.

Understanding results

What the AMH test results mean depends on the reason the test was done.

• AMH level when trying to get pregnant: In general, a high level of AMH means you have more eggs available, and a low level means your egg supply is shrinking and you may have difficulty getting pregnant. Limitation: Its levels can also very depending on your sex and age. Next step: If you're healthy and trying to get pregnant, ask your provider to explain what your AMH test results mean for your fertility based on your age and other test results.
• High AMH when tested for PCOS: If you were tested for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a high level of AMH is a sign that you may have the disease. Limitation: An AMH test alone cannot diagnose PCOS. Next step: So, to diagnose the condition, your provider will have to consider other test results, your symptoms, and your medical history.
• Low AMH when tested for menopause: If you were tested for menopause, low AMH may mean you're getting close to menopause. If your test result showed no AMH in your blood, it means you are in menopause. Limitation: But AMH test results can't predict how long you have until menopause. Next step: If you have questions about test results, talk with your provider.

• An AMH test can tell you the size of your ovarian reserve but cannot tell you about the health of your eggs or predict whether you'll be able to get pregnant.
• An AMH test alone cannot diagnose PCOS.
• AMH test results cannot predict how long you have until menopause.

What to do next

If you have questions about test results, talk with your provider.

• Ask your healthcare provider to explain what your AMH test results mean for your fertility based on your age and other test results.
• If you have questions about test results, talk with your provider.
• Omit

Evidence source

Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Practices and reference ranges may differ in your country.

U.S. National Library of Medicine: Anti-Müllerian Hormone Test

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