AMH Levels by Age

What Is Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH)?

AMH is a critical indicator of ovarian reserve, helping you understand your reproductive potential. Produced by small follicles in your ovaries, AMH offers information about how many eggs you have left. Unlike other fertility hormones that fluctuate, AMH levels stay reasonably stable, making them a reliable indicator of your ovarian reserve.

While AMH doesn’t predict the exact moment menopause will arrive, it helps you understand where you stand in your fertility journey. Understanding AMH by age is important if you're considering fertility treatments or planning for future conception. Many people use an AMH test along with other fertility tests to evaluate their likelihood of conceiving naturally or to make decisions about the best timing for assisted reproductive treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF).

The Role of AMH in Female Fertility

Your AMH levels reflect the number of follicles in your ovaries, which directly correlate with your ovarian reserve. Higher AMH suggests a greater reserve, while lower levels indicate fewer remaining eggs. However, AMH doesn’t measure egg quality, another critical aspect of fertility.

As we age, egg quality naturally declines even if you have normal AMH levels. The decline is due to accumulated genetic abnormalities, which can increase the risk of miscarriage and chromosomal disorders. That’s why AMH should be considered alongside other fertility markers, like follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and antral follicle count (AFC), to get a full picture of your reproductive health.

AMH is different from other fertility markers like FSH and estradiol. Unlike FSH, which fluctuates throughout your menstrual cycle, AMH remains stable, making it a preferred indicator of ovarian reserve. AFC, another common fertility test, uses ultrasound imaging to count the number of small follicles in the ovaries, complementing AMH testing. While FSH levels rise as ovarian reserve declines, AMH levels decrease gradually, making AMH a more sensitive marker of ovarian aging.

How AMH Levels Are Measured

AMH is measured through a simple blood test that can be taken at any point during your menstrual cycle, but some specialists recommend testing at the beginning of the cycle. The test evaluates ovarian reserve and can predict how you may respond to fertility treatments. Higher AMH levels generally suggest a better response to ovarian stimulation, which is important if you’re undergoing IVF.

Because AMH levels can vary among individuals, it’s essential to interpret your results in the context of your age, reproductive goals, and overall health. A fertility specialist can help you understand your AMH levels and what they mean for your journey. Combining AMH with other markers like AFC and FSH provides a more complete assessment of ovarian function. 

For added convenience, at-home fertility testing options like the Mira Panorama Fertility Lab Test allow you to measure AMH and other key reproductive hormones such as TSH, fT4, and prolactin. These tests provide a comprehensive overview of your reproductive health and can help guide personalized fertility planning.

AMH Levels by Age: What’s Normal?

How AMH Declines Over Time

AMH naturally declines with age as ovarian reserve diminishes. This decline is gradual throughout your 20s and early 30s but becomes more pronounced in your late 30s and 40s. Understanding this trend can help you make informed decisions about family planning and fertility preservation.

AMH Reference Ranges by Age Group

These numbers represent general trends, but fertility is unique to everyone. A lower AMH level doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t conceive, just as a higher AMH level doesn’t guarantee pregnancy.

Factors That Influence AMH Levels

Several factors can influence AMH levels, including genetics, lifestyle, medical conditions, and using hormonal birth control.

Some people naturally have higher or lower AMH due to hereditary factors. Smoking, obesity, and exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals can affect AMH levels. Conditions like PCOS or ovarian surgery can elevate or reduce AMH levels. Some studies suggest that hormonal contraceptives may temporarily lower AMH levels.

Low AMH Levels: What It Means for Fertility

Causes of Low AMH

The most common cause of low AMH levels is natural aging. Early ovarian aging is linked to autoimmune disorders or conditions like endometriosis and can lead to premature ovarian aging. Cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy, can significantly lower ovarian reserve and lead to reduced AMH levels. Some surgical procedures like ovarian cyst removal can reduce your ovarian reserve.

How Low AMH Affects Conception

Having a low AMH level suggests a reduced ovarian reserve, but it doesn’t mean pregnancy is impossible. Many people with low AMH still conceive naturally. In assisted reproduction, lower AMH levels may indicate a lower response to ovarian stimulation during IVF, but personalized treatment plans can optimize outcomes.

High AMH Levels: What It Can Indicate

Causes of High AMH

High AMH is commonly associated with PCOS due to the increased number of follicles. Besides PCOS, certain medical conditions like ovarian tumors and some endocrine disorders may also lead to high AMH levels.

Risks and Concerns With High AMH

While high AMH suggests a strong ovarian reserve, it doesn’t necessarily mean good egg quality or predict ovulation regularity. In fertility treatments, very high AMH levels can increase the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), requiring careful monitoring by a fertility specialist.

AMH and Fertility: Can You Improve Your Levels?

While AMH levels naturally decline with age, you can support ovarian health through lifestyle choices and targeted interventions.

Natural Ways to Support Ovarian Health

A balanced diet rich in antioxidants, lean proteins, and healthy fats supports hormonal balance and ovarian function. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and flaxseeds, have been associated with better reproductive health. Reducing sugar intake and maintaining a healthy weight may help support ovulatory function, particularly in individuals with conditions like PCOS.

Besides nutrition, chronic stress can negatively impact your hormone levels and menstrual regularity. Practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises can help you manage stress and promote overall well-being. Getting adequate sleep and maintaining consistent sleep patterns support hormonal regulation and reproductive health.

For personalized guidance, fertility specialists and reproductive endocrinologists can provide recommendations based on your fertility status and goals. The Mira Hormone Health Clinic for Fertility offers consultations with experts to talk about targeted therapies or lifestyle modifications to help optimize ovarian function.

Supplements and Treatments That May Help

Certain supplements may support ovarian health and your overall reproductive function. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an antioxidant that may improve mitochondrial function in eggs, supporting ovarian health. DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) is sometimes recommended to individuals with diminished ovarian reserve, but there is limited evidence in medical research on it. Consult your healthcare provider before taking DHEA.

• Herbal supplements like Mira Fertility Tea contain ingredients traditionally used to support hormonal balance and reproductive health. 

• High-quality Prenatal Multivitamins, including folic acid and vitamin D, can help maintain reproductive health and prepare your body for pregnancy. 

• If PCOS is in the picture, Mira PCOS Supplements can offer additional support.

Fertility treatments like IVF can be an option if you have low AMH. Ovarian stimulation protocols may be customized to maximize egg retrieval success. Some people also consider egg freezing as a proactive fertility preservation strategy if AMH levels suggest a declining ovarian reserve.

AMH Testing: When and Why to Get Tested

The Best Time to Test AMH

AMH can be tested at any time during your menstrual cycle as it doesn’t fluctuate significantly. You might benefit from AMH testing if you're trying to conceive, considering egg freezing, or undergoing fertility treatments. Some healthcare providers also recommend AMH testing as part of routine fertility assessments.

AMH vs. Other Fertility Markers 

AMH differs from other markers like FSH, estradiol, and AFC. Unlike FSH and estradiol, which fluctuate throughout your cycle, AMH remains relatively stable. AFC, measured via ultrasound, complements AMH by directly counting ovarian follicles. While FSH levels rise as ovarian reserve declines, AMH decreases more gradually, providing earlier insights into reproductive aging. AMH doesn’t reflect egg quality, so it's best used alongside other assessments for a comprehensive understanding of reproductive health.

AMH Levels and Your Reproductive Choices

Fertility Preservation Options for Low AMH

If you have low AMH and wish to delay pregnancy, egg freezing might be a proactive option. If you are looking to conceive, IVF treatments can also help by retrieving as many eggs as possible through controlled ovarian stimulation. IVF success rates can vary, so consulting a fertility specialist for personalized guidance is recommended.

If your AMH levels are extremely low and your ovarian reserve is significantly diminished, donor eggs might be an option.

Consulting a Fertility Specialist 

A reproductive endocrinologist or fertility specialist can assess your AMH levels alongside other fertility markers for a comprehensive evaluation. Clinics specializing in hormone health can develop personalized treatment plans tailored to your reproductive goals. 

Understanding your AMH levels and age gives you knowledge and control over your reproductive health. Whether you’re planning for a baby now or in the future, staying informed empowers you to make confident decisions about your fertility journey. If you have concerns, a fertility specialist can provide guidance on your best path forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good AMH level to get pregnant?

A good AMH level for conception typically ranges from 1.0 to 4.0 ng/mL, indicating a healthy ovarian reserve. However, successful pregnancy is possible even outside these ranges.

How to increase AMH hormone levels?

You cannot significantly increase AMH levels, but lifestyle changes like maintaining a healthy weight, reducing stress, and avoiding smoking can help support your overall ovarian health.