What is AMH and what does low AMH mean?

Understanding your fertility can feel overwhelming, especially when you come across unfamiliar terms like AMH. Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) is one of the key indicators used to assess reproductive health, yet many people are unsure what it actually means or how it affects their chances of getting pregnant.

Whether you’re actively trying to conceive, planning for the future, or simply curious about your hormone health, knowing your AMH level can provide valuable insight. With modern at-home testing options like Homed-IQ, it’s now easier than ever to check your hormone status privately, conveniently, and on your own terms.

Table of Contents

• What is AMH hormone?

• How do you test AMH at home and interpret the results?

• What does low AMH mean for fertility?

• What causes low AMH levels?

• Understanding your AMH results and next steps

• Frequently asked questions about AMH and fertility

What is AMH hormone?

AMH, or Anti Mullerian Hormone, is a hormone produced by cells inside the follicles in the ovaries. These follicles are small fluid-filled sacs that contain immature eggs. AMH levels correspond to the number of eggs you have, also known as your ovarian reserve.

AMH levels can vary slightly during the menstrual cycle, but these changes are relatively small (Khodavirdilou, R. et al., 2022). An AMH test can indicate the number of remaining eggs and may show whether the ovaries are aging faster than expected. It can also help assess how the ovaries might respond to fertility treatments such as IVF.

However, AMH does not predict fertility or your chances of getting pregnant. It is only one factor to consider, and even with typical AMH levels, other factors such as age, overall health, smoking, sperm quality, ovulation issues, or conditions like endometriosis and fibroids can also affect conception.

Source: Cleveland Clinic, 2022

How do you test AMH at home and interpret the results?

Testing your AMH levels at home is a straightforward process. With the Homed-IQ ovarian reserve test, it involves a simple finger-prick blood sample that you collect yourself and send to a certified laboratory.

Here’s how it works:

1. Order your test kit: Delivered to your home

2. Prepare for sampling: No specific timing in your cycle is needed

3. Collect your sample: A quick finger prick is used to collect a few drops of blood

4. Send it to the lab: Using the prepaid packaging

5. Receive your results: Often within a few days via a secure online portal

Homed-IQ offers a user-friendly experience with clear instructions and professional analysis, making it easy to understand your results without visiting a clinic.

Interpreting AMH levels

AMH levels change with age, rising during adolescence, peaking around age 25, and then gradually declining. They are measured in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL), though exact ranges may vary between labs. 

General ranges and what they mean:

• High (> 3.0 ng/mL): more eggs and a higher ovarian reserve (sometimes also associated with polycystic ovarian syndrome)

• Average (1.0 - 3.0 ng/mL): typical eggs and typical ovarian reserve

• Low (below 1.0 ng/mL): fewer remaining eggs and a lower ovarian reserve

• Severely low (around 0.4 ng/mL): very remaining eggs and a reduced ovarian reserve

Source: Cleveland Clinic, 2022

What does low AMH mean for fertility?

Low AMH levels generally indicate a lower number of remaining eggs, but this does not automatically mean you cannot get pregnant.

Fertility depends on multiple factors, including:

• Egg quality (which is more closely linked to age)

• Ovulation (regular egg release)

• Open, healthy fallopian tubes

• Sperm quality

• Absence of conditions like endometriosis, STIs

• Age

• Lifestyle factors like: Weight; Smoking & alcohol, Environmental exposure, Stress

Source: NHS, 2023

A common misconception is that low AMH equals infertility. However, If you receive a low AMH result, it can be helpful to speak with a healthcare professional or fertility specialist, consider additional testing, and discuss your family planning options to better understand your next steps (Cleveland Clinic, 2022).

What causes low AMH levels?

There are several reasons why AMH levels may be lower than expected:

1. Age: AMH naturally declines with age, especially after 35.

2. Genetics: Some women inherit a lower ovarian reserve or have a family history of early menopause.

3. Medical/ Health factors: Conditions and treatments such as endometriosis, ovarian surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation can reduce egg supply and lower AMH levels.

Source: Indira IVF, 2025

What can (and cannot) influence AMH?

Current evidence does not show a clear link between lifestyle factors such as diet, body weight, sleep, or smoking and AMH levels. However, research in this area is still limited, and more studies are needed to fully understand how lifestyle may affect ovarian reserve (Banerjee, K., et al 2022).

If you’re concerned about low AMH, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Understanding your AMH results and next steps

Your AMH result should be viewed as a useful starting point rather than a definitive conclusion. It provides insight into your ovarian reserve, but it does not determine your overall fertility or predict your future reproductive outcomes.

Key takeaways:

• AMH helps estimate egg quantity, not quality

• Low AMH does not mean you cannot conceive

• Results should be interpreted alongside other factors

If you’ve tested your AMH with Homed-IQ with the ovarian reserve test, you’re already taking an important step toward understanding your body. From here, you can:

• Discuss your results with a healthcare provider

• Explore further fertility testing if needed

• Make informed decisions about your reproductive future

Frequently asked questions about AMH and fertility

Does low AMH mean I cannot get pregnant?

No, low AMH does not automatically mean infertility. It simply indicates a fewer remaining eggs and a lower ovarian reserve. Many people with low AMH still conceive naturally. Your ability to conceive depends on many other factors such as age, egg quality, ovulation, sperm health or lifestyle factors (Cleveland Clinic, 2022; NHS, 2023).

Can lifestyle changes improve AMH levels?

Current evidence suggests that lifestyle changes do not significantly increase AMH levels (Banerjee, K., et al 2022). However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can support overall reproductive health and improve your chances of conception.

Focus on:

• Balanced nutrition

• Regular exercise

• Managing stress

• Avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol

While AMH levels cannot be significantly changed, you can still support your overall fertility health.