AMH test (anti-Mullerian hormone)

The AMH (anti-Mullerian hormone) test is a blood test that gives an estimate of your ovarian reserve, meaning roughly how many eggs you have left. AMH is produced by the small follicles in the ovaries, so the level in your blood acts as a rough headcount of those follicles.

What it can tell you

AMH is mainly useful for planning. A higher level suggests a larger pool of eggs and usually a stronger response to the medication used in IVF, while a lower level suggests fewer eggs and often a gentler response. That helps a clinic choose a dose and set realistic expectations before a cycle. It can also flag a very high reserve, which is common in PCOS, or a low reserve that is worth knowing about sooner rather than later.

What it cannot tell you

This is the part that gets misread most often.

How the test works

It is a single blood sample, and unlike some hormone tests it can be taken at any point in your cycle. Results usually come back within a few days. It is often done alongside an antral follicle count (an ultrasound), since the two together give a fuller view of ovarian reserve than either alone.

What to do with the result

An AMH value is most useful when a doctor interprets it together with your age, your goals, and any other tests. If your result is lower than expected for your age, it is a reason to talk through your options and timelines, not a reason to panic. Our guide on when to seek help covers when an assessment makes sense.