AMH: What is a good amh level to get pregnant?

Female AMH hormone: What your levels say about your fertility and hormonal health

We often hear that fertility is a matter of time. But what we know less is that this time can now be measured, in part, thanks to a hormone: AMH. Three letters, almost innocuous, behind which hides valuable information on our ovarian reserve, this concept that is often unclear but central when it comes to fertility, children's plans, PMA course or simply self-knowledge.

AMH at a glance: understanding this hormone at the heart of fertility

A hormone with a discreet name but with a fundamental role

The AMH hormone, or anti-Müllerian hormone, is still little known to the general public, but it is now establishing itself as a reference in terms of reproductive health. For women, it offers a valuable insight into ovarian reserve. Its name comes from its initial role, in the embryonic stage, in sexual differentiation. But it is especially in adulthood that it attracts attention, especially in fertility checks.

Where does AMH come from?

In the female organism, AMH is secreted by granulosa cells, located in the so-called “pre-antral” and “antral” ovarian follicles. These follicles are small structures that each contain one oocyte. Their number decreases over time and so does fertility. The AMH level therefore indirectly reflects the quantity of these follicles that are still active. In other words, it gives an estimate of the “oocyte capital” available at a given moment.

Why are we interested in it today?

For a long time, fertility was assessed on the basis of age, menstrual cycle, or even intrusive exams. Today, the dosage of the hormone AMH in women allows faster, more accessible and less dependent on the cycle access to data that was previously invisible. It thus becomes a tool for prevention, projection, and sometimes even guidance in life choices: oocyte freezing, hormonal monitoring, or simply better understanding your body.

A marker, not a prediction

It is important to remember that AMH does not say everything. It does not predict oocyte quality, the exact date of menopause, or the absolute chances of pregnancy. But it informs. It orients. It allows for an informed discussion between patient and doctor, and sometimes avoids wasting precious time when fertility becomes an active project.

A key marker of female fertility

What AMH tells us about ovarian reserve

When we talk about fertility, the question of “ovarian reserve” comes up often. It is a pictorial way of describing the number of oocytes that are still available in the ovaries. Unlike other cells in the human body, oocytes are not renewed: we are born with a stock, which decreases over the years. And among the tools for evaluating their quantity, theAMH hormone in women is distinguished by its reliability and simplicity.

A high level of AMH generally indicates a greater ovarian reserve. One low AMH, on the other hand, may indicate that this reserve is dwindling. This does not mean that it is impossible to conceive, but that the available “oocyte capital” is decreasing. It is useful information to anticipate or adapt a parenting project.

The natural curve of the AMH over the years

The AMH level is not stable over time. It follows a fairly logical curve:

This decline is neither pathological nor surprising: it is physiological. What varies is the intensity and the speed at which this decline occurs from one woman to another. Two people of the same age can have very different rates. Hence the importance of individualizing the reading of the AMH.

When does this information become critical?

Knowing your AMH level can become relevant in several situations:

• Before a pregnancy project, to better understand its possibilities;
• In case of irregular periods or a family history of early menopause;
• As part of a medically assisted procreation process;
• When you want to consider a fertility preservation (oocyte freezing).

The challenge is not to add one more injunction to the already complex picture of reproductive decisions, but to offer quality information, at the right time, to allow informed choices.

Take the time to understand

The AMH hormone in women does not provide an absolute truth, but it does allow for a discussion based on real biological data. It invites you to ask the right questions, at your own pace, and sometimes to consider scenarios that you would not have anticipated. It is also that, taking care of your reproductive health: knowing the tools available, without panic or haste.

AMH dosage: When, how and why?

A simple but revealing test

The dosage ofAMH hormone in women is a simple medical procedure: a blood test, taken at any time during the menstrual cycle. Unlike other reproductive hormones such as FSH or estradiol, AMH remains relatively stable over the weeks, which eliminates the need to schedule the exam at a specific time.

In practice, the analysis can be done:

• On medical prescription, in an analysis laboratory;
• In an autonomous way, via home kits offered by platforms like Hertility or Juno Bio that are still little known to the general public.

Its cost varies between 40 and 80 euros depending on the structure, and is not always covered by Health Insurance outside of a medical fertility course. It also depends on the countries where the test is being carried out.

Reference values... to be interpreted with caution

The test results are expressed in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) or picomoles per liter (pmol/L). Here are some general guidelines:

However, these numbers are only an indication. The interpretation depends on several factors: age, current hormonal treatment, medical history, etc. It is essential to place them in a global clinical context, accompanied by a health professional. Some dietary supplements can help support AMH but for this it is essential to know very well how different supplements, molecules and capsules work. That's why we created a dedicated program on dietary supplements in fertility.

Hormonal contraception and influence on AMH

Some contraceptive methods, including estrogen-progestogen pills, can temporarily lower AMH levels without this reflecting a real decrease in ovarian reserve. This does not mean that fertility is impaired, but that the dosage could be skewed if contraception is taken for a long time.

If in doubt, it may be advisable to temporarily discontinue treatment (under medical supervision) before performing the test, or to cross-reference the data with an antral ultrasound.

What is the purpose of this test, exactly?

The dosage ofAMH hormone in women is not a mandatory exam. It is not systematic either. But it becomes relevant in very specific contexts:

• Anticipate a delayed pregnancy project;
• Understand the origin of menstrual irregularities;
• Adapting an ovarian stimulation strategy in ART;
• Consider fertility preservation by oocyte freezing ;
• Support certain gynecological pathologies (PCOS, ovarian failure...).

Rather than predicting the future, this test above all makes it possible to better understand the present. And, to a certain extent, to take a more informed look at the possibilities ahead.

Normal values and thresholds: What the numbers (really) say

Not a magic number, but a useful indicator

The rate ofAMH hormone in women is not intended to establish an absolute truth. It won't tell you if you are fertile or not. It does not predict the outcome of a pregnancy journey. But it gives an idea: how many follicles are still available in your ovaries. In other words, the density of your ovarian reserve at a given moment.

This level, expressed in ng/mL or pmol/L, can be interpreted in light of your age and personal circumstances. Because the same number can have different meanings from one person to another. A low level (e.g. <1 ng/mL) does not imply absolute sterility, but a reduced reserve. Conversely, a very high rate (>7—8) may indicate a polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Beyond the thresholds, a contextual reading

It is tempting to assign a judgment to a number: “my rate is good”, “it is too low”, “it is reassuring”. But the body doesn't work all or nothing. A low AMH level in a 42-year-old woman does not have the same impact as in a 28-year-old woman. And a low ovarian reserve doesn't necessarily mean pregnancy is impossible. It may simply require specific support, or more time.

Conversely, a high rate does not guarantee abundant fertility. It may reflect an important reservation, but also disorders such as PCOS, where ovulation is disturbed despite a high number of follicles.

One tool among others, not a standalone diagnosis

THEAMH hormone in women should always be analyzed in addition to other elements:

• A pelvic ultrasound to observe antral follicles;
• Other hormonal assays (FSH, LH, estradiol);
• An overall health check (history, cycle, age, project).

It is part of a set of tools that allow a better understanding of fertility, but it is never a sentence. Its interest lies above all in the ability to guide a dialogue between you and the medical profession, in order to anticipate, support or simply understand.

AMH and the fertility journey: what it changes for women in ART

When AMH levels guide the protocol

In a journey of medically assisted reproduction (PMA), the dosage ofAMH hormone in women has become an essential reference point. Not to decide whether or not to use IVF (in vitro fertilization), but to adjust the strategy: what hormonal stimulation to choose, what dosage to prescribe, what expectations to formulate.

In fact, AMH makes it possible to anticipate the ovarian response to stimulation: that is to say, the number of follicles likely to develop under the effect of treatments. Information that influences both the chances of success and the risks to avoid (especially that of hyperstimulation).

Three response profiles according to the AMH

In general, fertility centers distinguish three main types of response depending on the AMH level:

This table is indicative only. Some women with low AMH respond better than expected, while others with normal AMH may produce few oocytes. But it is a basis for reflection for the medical team.

Better anticipate your parenting project

For some women, a Very low AMH levels detected early can be the trigger for an important decision: that of maintaining their fertility. La oocyte freezing (or vitrification) then becomes an option considered before the reserve decreases further. We designed a program dedicated to oocyte preservation who will explain all the steps, when, how and why to do it.

Others, faced with PCOS, will see their high AMH levels as a complementary diagnostic element and sometimes an explanation for irregular or absent cycles. In these cases, AMH helps to put a word on a disorder that is often misunderstood, and to better guide treatments.

A decision aid, not a prediction

It is important to note that the rate ofAMH hormone in women does not predict the success or failure of an ART journey. There is no magic number that would guarantee pregnancy. Rather, this rate makes it possible to modulate the intensity of treatment, to set realistic expectations, and sometimes to open the discussion on alternatives such as oocyte donation or adoption.

What matters is that this number is not read alone. Not like a green light, not like a cleaver. It is part of a broader approach, that of personalized and caring support.

AMH and gynecological pathologies in women

A tool for making certain diagnoses

Beyond fertility, the dosage ofAMH hormone in women can also contribute to a better understanding of certain gynecological disorders. It is not a diagnostic tool by itself, but it can be a Complementary signal, a context element. In particular, it is used in three situations: the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thepremature ovarian failure (IOP), and some ovarian tumors.

PCOS: an AMH level that is often very high

The polycystic ovary syndrome, which affects about 10 per cent of women of reproductive age, is often accompanied by an abnormally high level of AMH. We sometimes talk about two to three times the expected average for the age. This is explained by the presence of a large number of small follicles blocked in their development, which artificially increases the visible reserve... but without optimizing ovulation and fertility.

An AMH level greater than 5 or 6 ng/mL may therefore be an indicator of PCOS, especially if other signs are present: acne, menstrual irregularities, weight gain or excess hair. This is not at all the only factor in diagnosing PCOS so make sure you are well monitored for a proper diagnosis.

Premature ovarian failure: when AMH falls too soon

THEIOP is a situation where the ovaries stop working properly before the age of 40. It often occurs through the cessation of periods, hot flashes, or sleep disorders. One Very low AMH levels, sometimes undetectable, can confirm this hypothesis and lead to further diagnosis.

Early ovarian failure may include:

• Women with a family history of early menopause;
• Those who have undergone certain treatments (chemotherapy, ovarian surgery);
• Or situations without an identified cause

In all cases, early detection via AMH can make it possible to make informed decisions, in particular on the preservation of oocytes or the rapid use of medically assisted reproduction.

Granulosa cell tumors: an oncological use of AMH

Some rare ovarian tumors, such as granulosa cell tumors, can lead to excessive production of AMH. This dosage then becomes a tumor marker : it is used both for diagnosis and for follow-up after treatment. If the rate falls after surgery, it suggests that the tumor was removed effectively. On the other hand, a sudden increase could be a sign of recidivism.

Cross-reading and personalized

In all of these situations, theAMH hormone in women does not replace a comprehensive clinical evaluation. But she is becoming a fulcrum, a Alert indicator that deserves attention — no more, no less. Its interpretation requires a precise medical dialogue, a plural perspective, and above all, attention to what each body says beyond numbers.

AMH in adolescents and young women: a marker to be handled with caution

A rarer use, but sometimes necessary

The dosage ofAMH hormone in women to fertility and parenting issues. But in some cases, it can also be offered to adolescents or very young women, when there is doubt about the proper functioning of the ovaries.

These situations remain rare and highly regulated. AMH is never a routine test for minors. But it can play a useful role in addition to other tests, when clinical signs suggest a hormonal development or maturation disorder.

Some possible indications before the age of 25

In adolescents, AMH dosing may be considered in some cases:

• Delayed puberty or absence of periods after 15—16 years of age;
• Cycles that are very irregular or absent in the long term (amenorrhea);
• Suspicion of ovarian pathology (e.g. polycystic ovaries as early as adolescence);
• Known genetic abnormalities in the family (e.g. Turner syndrome).

In these situations, AMH does not provide a diagnosis in itself, but reinforces or refines a hypothesis. In particular, it can distinguish an absence of ovulation linked to a very low reserve, from a simple temporary hormonal variation.

An indicator of reserve, not reproductive maturity

It is essential to remember that among young women,AMH hormone does not reflect the ability to conceive right away. Many young people have a naturally high rate, a sign of good reserve, without this affecting their future fertility.

On the other hand, a lower AMH level than expected can sometimes alert to a reduced ovarian reserve. But this does not prejudge the possibility of having a child, nor the quality of the oocytes present.

This is why any AMH dosage before age 25 should be justified, contextualized and accompanied by a clear explanation. The risk, otherwise, is to introduce confusion and even unnecessary anxiety.

Accompany information, even when it is unclear

Adolescence is not the age of reproductive decisions, but it is sometimes the age of the first signals. When theAMH hormone in women is dosed so early, it should be an opportunity for a benevolent exchange, where we talk about the body, its diversity, and the fact that each hormonal path is unique.

Sometimes it's better not to measure everything right away — or else do it in a reassuring, supervised environment, with real time for discussion. What the AMH says at 17 is only a snapshot, not a clear trajectory.

Ovarian reserve and fertility: Key statistics

Numbers, sometimes more than words, give the measure of a silent reality. That of fertility, its limits, and the knowledge we have about it:

• Worldwide, 1 in 6 women have problems conceiving. This figure, far from being marginal, reminds us that fertility is never a given;
• Environ 10% of women of reproductive age are concerned by the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition that is often underdiagnosed, which affects both menstrual cycles and AMH levels;
• And yet, nearly 70% of women have never heard of AMH before consulting for a fertility check. A figure that illustrates how little is known about this hormone, despite its growing importance in reproductive health consultations.

These data, which come in particular fromINSERM and work carried out by Hertility Health, underline the importance of better access to information. Not to over-medicalize, but to restore the power to act, discernment, and a form of clarity.

What the AMH doesn't say about your women's health

THE AMH does not predict oocyte quality, only their number.

A “normal” AMH does not guarantee intact fertility. Other factors are essential: tubal permeability, uterus, spermogram...

Interpretation should never be isolated. It always requires medical support.

Read the AMH to position yourself and get support

Know your rate of AMH hormone, it is not projecting yourself into a verdict. At some point, it means choosing to look at your body differently. Carefully, without judgment. The AMH doesn't tell you everything, but it does give an initial clue. The ideal is to be accompanied by a health professional, and if you cannot find your answers, to learn by yourself through reliable sources such as Reflet programs.