Your AMH level is NOT your fertility test!

When discussing fertility, Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) is often brought up as a critical marker. Many women are led to believe that their AMH level is a definitive measure of their ability to conceive. But here's the truth: AMH is not a fertility test! While it provides valuable insights, it’s just one piece of a much larger puzzle.

Let’s dive deeper into what AMH really tells you—and what it doesn’t.

What AMH actually measures

AMH is a hormone produced by the small follicles in your ovaries, which house immature eggs. Measuring AMH levels can help determine your ovarian reserve, or the approximate number of eggs you have left.

Here’s what AMH can tell you:

1. Egg Quantity: It reflects the size of your remaining egg pool.

2. Timing for Family Planning: A lower AMH level may suggest that it’s better to act sooner rather than later.

3. Response to Fertility Treatments: AMH can predict how your ovaries might respond to stimulation in treatments like IVF.

   
   

What AMH does not asses

AMH only offers part of the picture—it doesn’t evaluate your overall fertility or ability to conceive. Here’s what it doesn’t account for:

1. Egg Quality: Fertility depends heavily on egg quality, which AMH doesn’t measure. Age and health play a bigger role in this.

2. Ovulation or Cycle Health: Regular ovulation and balanced hormones are key factors that AMH doesn’t address.

3. Partner Factors: Male fertility, including sperm health, is just as crucial in conception.

4. General Reproductive Health: Issues like fallopian tube blockages, uterine health, or endometriosis can affect fertility but are unrelated to AMH levels.

   
   

Why AMH is misunderstood

AMH testing has gained popularity as part of modern fertility care, but it’s often misinterpreted. Low AMH doesn’t mean you can’t get pregnant, and high AMH isn’t always a sign of optimal fertility (it can sometimes indicate conditions like PCOS).

Think of AMH as a marker for awareness, not a verdict. It’s a useful tool to help guide decisions about fertility preservation or treatment timelines, but it’s not a standalone fertility test.

How to truly understand your Fertility

To get a complete picture of your fertility, consider:

1. Hormonal Tests: In addition to AMH, check levels of FSH, LH, and estradiol.

2. Ultrasound Scans:  Antral follicle count (AFC) can complement AMH testing to assess ovarian reserve.

3. Lifestyle and Health Factors: Assess your diet, stress levels, and overall health.

4. Partner Evaluation: Fertility is a two-person journey—don’t overlook male fertility testing.

5. Consult a Specialist: A fertility expert can help interpret results and suggest personalized next steps.

   
   

Empower your fertility journey with knowledge

Your AMH level is a tool—not a determinant of your future. It’s a starting point to help you make informed decisions about your reproductive health, but it should always be considered alongside other factors.

At Kind Fertility, we’re committed to empowering women with the tools and knowledge they need to take control of their fertility journey. From our at-home AMH, FSH, LH and complete fertility test kits to personalized consultations, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Remember: Your fertility is not defined by a single number—it’s a combination of many factors, and your journey is uniquely yours.