What is AMH? Understanding your egg reserve biomarker

When it comes to our hormonal health, knowledge is power. Our bodies contain many different biomarkers that, when tested, can help us gain a clearer understanding of our hormonal health, fertility status, and where we are in our reproductive life cycle.

One of the most useful biomarkers for women to test is Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH). AMH is produced by the follicles in your ovaries and indicates how many eggs you have left.¹ Testing your AMH levels won’t give you the full picture of your reproductive health, but it can bring some clarity where there’s confusion and a sense of direction where there’s doubt.

For women experiencing symptoms of perimenopause, that clarity matters. Hormonal shifts at this stage can feel unpredictable and unsettling. An AMH test may help explain the changes, calm some of the uncertainty, and put the pace of the process into perspective. 

For those thinking about fertility, it could help to plot a path forward. Whether that means acting sooner, exploring IVF, or considering egg freezing, AMH testing can provide a piece of confidence in a complex puzzle.

What is AMH?

AMH is produced by the follicles in your ovaries. These are the tiny sacs that house your eggs. The more active follicles you have, the more AMH you have in your body. Because of this, your AMH level is one of the clearest signals of your ovarian reserve.¹

You’re born with all of your eggs, meaning that, as you lose one or more each menstrual cycle, your egg supply naturally falls throughout your reproductive life. AMH follows the same pattern, with a steady decline from your mid-20s, a sharper drop after your mid-30s, and a steep fall as menopause approaches.²

Normal AMH levels vs Low AMH levels

• Normal-high AMH levels usually indicate a ovarian reserve that’s either expected for your age range or above.¹ However, high levels of AMH could also be an indicator of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).³ If you’re also experiencing irregular cycles, acne, or excess hair growth, AMH testing can give you a clearer understanding of what’s going on.

• Low AMH may suggest a smaller egg reserve or conditions such as premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), Chron’s disease or rheumatoid arthritis.⁴ Lifestyle factors like smoking, obesity, poor nutrition, and low vitamin D can also push levels down.

What is a ‘normal’ AMH level?

AMH is measured in picomoles per litre (pmol/L). The normal range for AMH depends on your age group:⁵ 

• 18 to 24 — 8.7-83.6 pmol/L

• 25 to 29 — 6.35-79.3 pmol/L

• 30 to 34 — 4.11-58 pmol/L

• 35 to 39 — 1.05-53.5 pmol/L

• 40 to 44 — 0.19-39.1 pmol/L

• 44+ — 0.07-19.3 pmol/L

When to test and why it matters

Unlike other hormones, AMH levels don’t fluctuate much across your cycle, meaning testing can be done at any time of the month.

AMH testing is useful for:

• Assessing ovarian reserve before IVF or egg freezing.⁶

• Identifying conditions such as PCOS or POI.^3,4

• Giving an indication of perimenopause, when measured alongside other biomarkers and age markers.⁴

• Understanding whether you meet the criteria for NHS-funded fertility treatment (some clinics require an AMH above 5.4 pmol/L).⁷

It’s important to remember that AMH tells you about quantity, not quality. An AMH test doesn’t measure the health of your eggs, your uterus, or your fallopian tubes, and is just one part of the fertility picture. 

Your wider health, cycle history, and other tests matter just as much, and it’s important to get a comprehensive assessment if you’re struggling with menopause symptoms or have fertility concerns.

How can I test my AMH levels?

AMH levels are determined via a blood test. Numan’s Perimenopause Blood Test measures AMH alongside seven other biomarkers to give you a comprehensive overview of your hormonal health. Although the test is titled ‘Perimenopause Blood Test’, if you’re still menstruating and want to measure your AMH levels, it’s perfectly safe for you to use.

The numan take

It’s never a bad time to learn more about your biomarkers and their impact on your body. AMH testing won’t predict exactly when menopause will happen, or how long it may take you to conceive, but it can start a conversation about fertility options, guide treatment, and highlight issues that might otherwise stay hidden.

If you want to be proactive about your reproductive health, AMH testing is a good place to start.

Resources

1. Shrikhande L, Shrikhande B, Shrikhande A. AMH and Its Clinical Implications. The Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology of India. 2020 Aug 19;70(5):337–41.

2. Oh SR, Choe SY, Cho YJ. Clinical application of serum anti-Müllerian hormone in women. Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine. 2019 Jun 1;46(2):50–9.

3. Dumont A, Robin G, Catteau-Jonard S, Dewailly D. Role of Anti-Müllerian Hormone in pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: a review. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology [Internet]. 2015 Dec;13(1).

4. Nelson SM, Davis SR, Kalantaridou S, Lumsden MA, Panay N, Anderson RA. Anti-Müllerian hormone for the diagnosis and prediction of menopause: a systematic review. Hum Reprod Update. 2023;29(3):327–46.

5. Numan supplier laboratories

6. Dewailly   D , Andersen CY, Balen A, et al.  The physiology and clinical utility of anti-mullerian hormone in women. Hum Reprod Update.2014;20(3):370-385.

7. Fertility treatment and referral criteria for tertiary level assisted conception (IVF/IUI). Nhs.uk. [accessed 4 Sept 2025] Available from: https://www.hweclinicalguidance.nhs.uk/clinical-policies/fertility-treatment-and-referral-criteria-for-tertiary-level-assisted-conception-ivfiui/