Understanding the AMH fertility test
Most women know that as they age, the limited number of eggs they are born with begins to slowly and naturally decline. But, a woman’s ovarian reserve can also decline much earlier, making it difficult to conceive. Dr. Dan Gehlbach uses the AMH fertility test to see how many eggs you have remaining, also called your ovarian reserve.
Typically, he orders this simple blood test early in your menstrual cycle, in combination with testing for other hormone blood levels. However, the AMH fertility test can occur at any time during the month. It measures the level of AMH, which egg follicles secrete before they mature.
Your doctor breaks down your AMH fertility test results
The AMH fertility test measures a substance from granulosa cells in the microscopic follicles in your ovaries, which contain eggs that are just beginning to mature. The stage when the follicles are secreting this hormone is called the “pre-antral” or “small antral” growth stage. At this point, your egg-containing follicles are too tiny to appear on ultrasound, but we can detect their presence by measuring the blood levels of AMH that they secrete.
- A very high AMH level can indicate polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a hormone imbalance that can contribute to infertility.
- A good AMH level means that you may have a better response to ovarian stimulation medications for IVF.
- A low AMH level may mean that you have diminished ovarian reserve, or low egg supply.
Because the AMH fertility test is just one indicator of ovarian reserve, Dr. Gehlbach will interpret the results in combination with other female fertility tests, including blood tests for follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol. Even alone, your AMH fertility test results provide our Kansas fertility center specialist with valuable insight into your fertility.
Take our Kansas fertility center expert’s advice and get tested
If you’re wondering how fast your biological clock is ticking, or if you have been unable to get pregnant on your own after several months of trying, your doctor will likely order the AMH fertility test. Dr. Gehlbach will combine these results with other tests to educate you about your fertility and develop a custom treatment plan.
To learn more about the AMH fertility test for women, contact our Kansas fertility center to schedule a consultation.
