AMH measures your ovarian reserve — the quantity of eggs remaining. It does not measure egg quality. A normal AMH for reproductive-age women is roughly 1.0-3.5 ng/mL, but "normal" varies by age and lab. AMH is most useful for predicting IVF response and identifying premature ovarian insufficiency. It can be tested any day of your cycle with a simple blood draw.
What AMH Actually Measures
Anti-Müllerian Hormone is produced by the granulosa cells in your ovarian follicles — specifically the small antral and pre-antral follicles. The level of AMH in your blood correlates with the number of these follicles, which reflects your remaining egg supply (ovarian reserve).
- AMH reflects quantity, not quality. You can have a low AMH and excellent egg quality. You can have a high AMH and poor egg quality. Quality is primarily determined by age.
- AMH declines naturally with age. This is not pathological — it's biology. The decline accelerates after 35 and drops sharply after 40.
- AMH does not predict natural conception. Women with low AMH who ovulate regularly can still conceive naturally. AMH's predictive power is strongest for IVF response.
AMH Levels by Age: What the Numbers Mean
| Age | Low (ng/mL) | Normal (ng/mL) | High (ng/mL) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 30 | Below 1.5 | 1.5 - 4.0 | Above 4.0 |
| 30-34 | Below 1.0 | 1.0 - 3.5 | Above 3.5 |
| 35-37 | Below 0.7 | 0.7 - 2.5 | Above 2.5 |
| 38-40 | Below 0.5 | 0.5 - 1.5 | Above 1.5 |
| 41-43 | Below 0.3 | 0.3 - 1.0 | Above 1.0 |
| 44+ | Below 0.1 | 0.1 - 0.5 | Above 0.5 |
AMH can be reported in ng/mL or pmol/L depending on the lab. To convert: multiply ng/mL by 7.14 to get pmol/L. An AMH of 1.0 ng/mL = 7.14 pmol/L. Always check which unit your lab uses before comparing to reference ranges.
What AMH Tells You (and What It Doesn't)
Low AMH: What It Means and What to Do
A low AMH means you have fewer eggs than average for your age. This is most significant in two scenarios:
If You're Considering Egg Freezing
AMH predicts how many eggs a single retrieval cycle will yield. Low AMH (under 1.0 ng/mL) typically means fewer eggs per cycle — you may need 2-3 retrieval cycles to bank enough. See our complete egg freezing guide.
If You're Planning IVF
Low AMH means your RE will likely use a more aggressive stimulation protocol. Success rates are lower per cycle but not zero — many women with low AMH conceive with IVF. For detailed treatment comparisons, visit ConceiveGuide.
If You're Trying Naturally
Here's the reassuring part: if you're ovulating regularly (confirmed by OPKs, BBT, or progesterone testing), a low AMH doesn't significantly change your monthly odds of natural conception. You still release one egg per cycle. What it does suggest is that your timeline may be shorter, so consider seeking evaluation sooner rather than later.
High AMH: Usually Good, Sometimes a Sign of PMOS
High AMH (above 3.5-4.0 ng/mL in reproductive-age women) usually means a robust ovarian reserve. However, very high AMH (above 5.0-6.0) can indicate PMOS/PCOS, because the many small follicles characteristic of the condition each produce AMH.
In IVF, high AMH means strong response to medication — but also higher risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Your RE will adjust your protocol accordingly.
When to Get Tested
- Proactive fertility awareness: Any time after age 25 to establish a baseline, especially if you're not planning pregnancy soon but want to understand your timeline.
- Before egg freezing: Essential for planning how many cycles you'll need.
- After 6-12 months of trying: Part of the standard fertility workup alongside FSH, estradiol, and semen analysis.
- Family history of early menopause: If your mother or sisters went through menopause before 45, check AMH earlier.
- PMOS/PCOS diagnosis: Elevated AMH supports the diagnosis and helps guide treatment.
How the Test Works
AMH is one of the simplest fertility tests: a single blood draw, any day of your cycle, no fasting required. Results typically come back within 3-7 days. Cost ranges from $50-$150 through your doctor or at-home test kits.
At-home options include Modern Fertility ($179 for a comprehensive panel including AMH) and LetsGetChecked ($139 for ovarian reserve). See our at-home fertility test guide for full reviews.
Supplements That Support Ovarian Reserve
While no supplement can increase your egg count (you're born with all the eggs you'll ever have), some evidence suggests certain supplements support egg quality and ovarian function:
- CoQ10 (Ubiquinol, 400-600mg/day): Supports mitochondrial function in eggs. Most studied supplement for egg quality. Shop CoQ10 →
- DHEA (25mg 3x/day): May improve response in low-reserve patients. Discuss with your RE first. Shop DHEA →
- Vitamin D (2000-4000 IU/day): Deficiency is associated with lower AMH. Correcting a deficiency may support ovarian function. Shop Vitamin D →
- Melatonin (3mg at bedtime): Antioxidant that protects developing oocytes. Used in IVF prep protocols. Shop Melatonin →
For a comprehensive supplement strategy, see our CoQ10 and egg quality guide on LifeFertile.
Understand Your Fertility
Whether you're planning ahead or actively trying, knowing your numbers is power. Take our quiz to find your next step.
Take the Quiz →Frequently Asked Questions
Through your doctor, typically $50-$150 with insurance coding it as a diagnostic test. At-home kits range from $100-$180 for panels that include AMH plus other hormones.
Yes, but minimally. AMH is relatively stable across the menstrual cycle. Fluctuations of 0.2-0.5 ng/mL between tests are normal and don't indicate a meaningful change.
Hormonal birth control can suppress AMH by 20-30% while you're using it. Most REs recommend testing AMH 2-3 months after stopping birth control for the most accurate reading.
AMH (blood test) and AFC (antral follicle count via ultrasound) both measure ovarian reserve and correlate with each other. AMH is more convenient (blood draw, any day), while AFC provides real-time visual data. Most fertility evaluations include both.
Not medically, but the clinical utility is limited before age 25. For most women, proactive AMH testing at 28-30 provides useful baseline information.
Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized guidance.