You are born with your lifetime supply of eggs, and over time, these eggs gradually decrease in quantity. The good news is that a simple blood test gives an indication of the egg reserve. It’s called an AMH (Anti-Mullerian Hormone) test.
AMH is a hormone secreted by cells in developing egg follicles. Research performed at Repromed has proven that AMH testing gives the best indication of your egg supply.
Your ovarian reserve, and subsequently fertility, gradually declines with age. However, your fertility may decline at a faster rate than expected, even though your menstrual cycles are normal.
The AMH test can identify those who may lose their fertility earlier than average and may help in deciding whether to start a family sooner or later.
In 75% of cases, the AMH levels can also help predict how someone will respond during IVF treatment. Your fertility doctor uses your AMH level to prescribe an appropriate dose of drugs to stimulate the ovaries to obtain a sufficient amount of eggs or to minimise the risk of hyper-stimulation.
AMH doesn’t change during the cycle so this blood test can be taken at any time, including while using oral contraception. Some patients may find that the contraceptive pill artificially lowers the AMH level and so the test may be repeated 8 weeks after stopping the pill. GPs can organise an AMH test, or Repromed can organise this.
The graph below shows the change in normal AMH range with age. The breadth and value of this range reduces with age, which reflects the diminishing ovarian reserve.
How do I check my egg count?
An AMH test is a simple blood test that can be done at any point in your menstrual cycle to check your egg reserve levels. You’re born with your lifetime supply of eggs and over time, these decrease in both quantity and age. An AMH test (sometimes called a female fertility test), offers insight into the number of fertile years you may have, helping us to estimate the number of eggs you might produce in an IVF cycle. It can also be helpful in identifying when you might experience menopause so you can make informed decisions about family planning.
What do AMH levels indicate about fertility?
AMH levels provide an estimate of your ovarian reserve, or remaining egg supply. Lower AMH levels can indicate diminished ovarian reserve and fewer remaining eggs, which can have an impact on your fertility. An AMH test does not provide an indicator of egg quality, which is why age is still the biggest factor.
Your fertility doctor uses your AMH level to prescribe an appropriate dose of medication to stimulate the ovaries in order to obtain enough eggs or to minimise the risk of hyper-stimulation.
Our clients often ask us what the normal range of AMH is for females, but this largely depends on your age. For example, if you are in your early thirties, a normal ovarian reserve will typically show an AMH level that sits somewhere between 10 and 30 pmol/L.
When should I get an AMH test?
We would recommend that anyone wanting to have a family should have an AMH test to help understand your current egg levels — anytime from your mid 20’s is insightful. Around 10% of people in their early 30’s have low ovarian reserve levels so doing an AMH test early can help you plan your family earlier if necessary.
How can I get an AMH fertility test?
Your fertility doctor will order the blood test. We are often asked if there is a female fertility test to use at home, but at this stage, you need to visit your local laboratory for an AMH test. Typically, the results of your test will be ready about a week after your blood sample is collected. Your doctor will then share these results with you and discuss anything that might require further investigation.
Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test?
There is no need to worry about any special preparations before your AMH blood test. You don’t need to fast, so feel free to eat and drink normally before your appointment. Because AMH levels tend to remain relatively stable throughout your menstrual cycle, you can comfortably schedule the test at any time that works best for you.
What factors influence AMH levels?
Factors like age, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), ovarian surgery, chemotherapy, oral contraceptives, obesity, vitamin D deficiency, and BRCA gene mutations can all play a role in influencing your AMH levels.
How much does an AMH test cost?
The cost of an AMH test varies from lab to lab, but it’s usually between $85 – $100. This is charged directly by the lab where you complete your blood test.
What if I have low AMH?
Currently an AMH test is the best indication of your egg supply, but like everything fertility related, there are many other factors that may influence your chances of getting pregnant. It’s best to talk to a fertility specialist who can do further investigations, and assess your personal situation. Pregnancy is certainly an option for those with low egg reserve levels, both naturally and with fertility treatment like IVF. It just takes one quality egg to successfully conceive
You can find out more information on our ReproFacts sheet, click here.
If you are new to Repromed, we offer a free 15 minute phone consultation with a fertility doctor to discuss your situation.
Book a free 15 minute phone consultation with a fertility doctor.
DipNurs
Megan leads the nursing team through the continually changing face of IVF. She works in a multidisciplinary team, providing the essential organization between the doctors and laboratory and ensuring communication between all departments.
Megan started her IVF nursing career in the United Kingdom, working in two large London clinic’s before returning to New Zealand. She is also the Secretary of Fertility Nurses of Australasia.
I love working with people and see nursing as a vocation, not a job. I usually spend my downtime absorbed in a good book and planning my next travel adventure.