Fertility is one of those topics that can feel like a rollercoaster—full of hope, confusion, and a whole lot of medical jargon. One term that gets thrown around a lot in fertility discussions is AMH levels. If you’ve been trying to conceive or just exploring your reproductive health, chances are you’ve heard about Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) and its connection to fertility. But what do these levels really mean? Are they the ultimate predictor of your ability to conceive, or is there more to the story?

Let’s break it down in a way that actually makes sense—without all the complicated medical talk.

What Are AMH Levels?

AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) is a protein hormone that plays a crucial role in reproductive health. It is produced by the small follicles in a woman’s ovaries. These follicles contain immature eggs, and AMH is a good indicator of how many eggs are still left in the ovaries—also known as the ovarian reserve.

Since women are born with a fixed number of eggs, this reserve naturally declines with age. AMH levels help doctors estimate how many eggs you have left, which can be important for understanding fertility potential.

How Are AMH Levels Measured?

Measuring AMH levels is pretty simple. It requires a blood test that can be done at any time during the menstrual cycle. Unlike other fertility hormones, AMH levels remain relatively stable throughout the month, making it a convenient marker for ovarian reserve.

The results of this test are usually given in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). While there is some variation in what is considered a “normal” AMH level, here’s a general guideline:

• High AMH levels (above 4.0 ng/mL): Often seen in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which can mean a higher egg count but not necessarily better egg quality.
• Normal AMH levels (1.0 – 4.0 ng/mL): Generally indicates a healthy ovarian reserve.
• Low AMH levels (below 1.0 ng/mL): Suggests a diminished ovarian reserve, meaning fewer eggs are available.

Do AMH Levels Determine Fertility?

Now, here’s the big question: If your AMH levels are low, does that automatically mean you can’t get pregnant? Not necessarily.

While AMH levels provide valuable insight into ovarian reserve, they don’t tell the whole story when it comes to fertility. Here’s why:

1. AMH Levels Predict Quantity, Not Quality

One of the biggest misconceptions about AMH is that it measures egg quality. It doesn’t. It only reflects the number of eggs available. Egg quality—meaning whether the eggs are genetically normal—is just as important, if not more so, for successful conception. A woman with lower AMH levels can still have healthy, viable eggs that result in pregnancy.

2. Natural Conception Is Still Possible with Low AMH

Many women with low AMH levels worry that they won’t be able to conceive naturally. However, AMH is not an absolute predictor of fertility. Women with low AMH can and do get pregnant without medical intervention. It may take longer, and it may require lifestyle adjustments, but it’s definitely possible.

3. Other Factors Matter, Too

Fertility isn’t just about ovarian reserve. Other factors, such as overall reproductive health, sperm quality, uterine health, hormonal balance, and lifestyle choices, all play a role. Even if AMH levels are low, a healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition, and stress management can improve fertility outcomes.

How AMH Levels Affect IVF and Fertility Treatments?

While AMH levels may not dictate natural conception, they do have a significant impact on fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF).

1. AMH and Ovarian Stimulation in IVF

For women undergoing IVF, AMH levels help doctors determine how well the ovaries will respond to stimulation. Women with higher AMH levels tend to produce more eggs during an IVF cycle, which can improve the chances of retrieving healthy embryos. On the other hand, women with low AMH may not respond as well to fertility medications, which could make the process more challenging.

2. Can Women with Low AMH Still Do IVF?

Yes! While low AMH levels might mean fewer eggs are retrieved, successful pregnancies have been achieved even in women with diminished ovarian reserve. Some clinics adjust their protocols to maximize egg retrieval, while others may suggest using donor eggs if necessary.

3. AMH and Freezing Eggs

For women considering egg freezing, AMH levels are an important factor. Since the procedure aims to retrieve multiple eggs for future use, having a higher AMH level can increase the number of eggs that can be frozen in one cycle. Women with low levels of AMH need to undergo multiple retrievals to store enough viable eggs.

Can You Improve Your AMH Levels?

While you can’t reverse ovarian aging, there are ways to support ovarian health and potentially slow down the decline of AMH levels.

1. Nutrition for Better Ovarian Health

Certain foods are known to support egg health and hormonal balance. Here are some fertility-friendly nutrients:

• Antioxidants: Found in berries, nuts, and leafy greens, antioxidants protect eggs from oxidative stress.
• Healthy Fats: Avocados, olive oil, and nuts help maintain hormone balance.
• Protein-Rich Foods: Lean meats, fish, and plant-based proteins provide essential amino acids for reproductive health.
• Vitamin D: Studies suggest that vitamin D plays a role in ovarian function. Sunlight and supplements can help maintain healthy levels.

2. Lifestyle Adjustments

• Manage Stress: Chronic stress can disrupt hormonal balance, so activities like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can be beneficial.
• Avoid Toxins: Exposure to environmental toxins, such as BPA found in plastics, can affect reproductive health.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Both underweight and overweight conditions can impact AMH levels and overall fertility.

3. Supplements for Ovarian Reserve

Some research suggests that supplements like CoQ10, DHEA, and Omega-3 fatty acids may support ovarian function. However, always consult a fertility specialist before starting any supplements.

When Should You Get Your AMH Levels Tested?

If you’re trying to conceive or planning for future fertility, getting an AMH test can be a useful step. It’s especially recommended if:

• You’re over 30 and thinking about pregnancy in the near future.
• You’ve been trying to conceive for over six months without success.
• You have irregular periods or PCOS.
• You’re considering IVF, egg freezing, or fertility treatments.

Final Thoughts: 

AMH levels are an important piece of the fertility puzzle, but they are not the only factor that determines your ability to conceive. A low AMH doesn’t mean pregnancy is impossible, and a high AMH doesn’t guarantee an easy conception. It’s just one of many indicators that can help guide your fertility journey.

If you’re concerned about your AMH levels, the best step is to speak with a fertility specialist. They can provide a comprehensive assessment and create a personalized plan to optimize your chances of conception—whether naturally or through assisted reproductive technologies.

So, if you’ve recently had your AMH tested and are feeling anxious about the results, take a deep breath. Fertility is complex, and there’s always hope. Every journey is unique, and with the right guidance, support, and lifestyle choices, your dreams of parenthood can still become a reality.