Biomarker Glossary
AMH
AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) is produced by the small developing follicles in the ovaries. An AMH blood test gives an estimate of ovarian reserve (the remaining egg supply) and is widely used in the UK for fertility planning, IVF assessment and investigating polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Also known as: Anti-Müllerian Hormone, Anti-Mullerian Hormone, Mullerian Inhibiting Substance
AMH is most informative when read alongside related markers like Oestradiol and Progesterone. A single number rarely tells the whole story. If your reading sits outside the typical range, share the full report with your GP or healthcare professional before drawing conclusions.
What is AMH?
AMH is produced by the granulosa cells of small antral follicles in the ovary. The more antral follicles you have, the more AMH you produce. As a woman ages and her egg reserve declines, AMH falls.
AMH gives a snapshot of ovarian reserve at any time in the menstrual cycle, unlike FSH and LH which need to be tested on specific days. This makes it convenient for fertility planning.
AMH does not directly measure egg quality, only egg quantity. A woman with low AMH may still have healthy eggs, and high AMH does not guarantee good quality. Used alongside age, FSH, antral follicle count and clinical context.
Why test AMH?
- To assess ovarian reserve when planning a family or considering egg freezing.
- Before IVF or other fertility treatment to predict response to ovarian stimulation.
- To investigate suspected polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), where AMH is often very high.
- To estimate timing of menopause in some cases.
- To monitor recovery after chemotherapy or ovarian surgery.
To assess ovarian reserve when planning a family or considering egg freezing.
AMH normal range (UK)
| Result | What it means |
|---|---|
| Age 25 to 30: typically 2 to 6 ng/mL (14 to 43 pmol/L) | Healthy reserve |
| Age 31 to 35: 1.5 to 4 ng/mL (11 to 29 pmol/L) | Good reserve |
| Age 36 to 40: 1.0 to 3 ng/mL (7 to 21 pmol/L) | Moderate reserve |
| Age 41 to 45: 0.5 to 2 ng/mL (3.5 to 14 pmol/L) | Lower reserve |
| Below 1.0 ng/mL (under 7 pmol/L) | Low ovarian reserve at any age |
| Above 7 ng/mL (above 50 pmol/L) | Very high. Common in PCOS. |
AMH naturally declines with age. Ranges vary by laboratory and assay. Always interpret AMH alongside age, FSH, antral follicle count and clinical context. Low AMH does not mean you cannot conceive naturally, and high AMH does not guarantee fertility.
About these ranges. The ranges above are typical UK clinical lab ranges aligned to NHS and Royal College of Pathologists guidance. Your Chxhealth report will show the specific reference range used by our partner lab, Randox, for each marker. Lab ranges vary slightly between providers and assays. Always interpret your results in the context of the range printed on your own report.
What causes high AMH?
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most common cause of very high AMH
- Young age (AMH naturally peaks in the mid 20s)
- Granulosa cell tumour (rare)
What causes low AMH?
- Natural age related decline
- Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR)
- Previous chemotherapy or radiation
- Ovarian surgery
- Endometriosis
- Smoking
- Genetic causes (Fragile X premutation, Turner syndrome)
Symptoms of high AMH
- Often associated with PCOS symptoms: irregular or absent periods, acne, excess facial or body hair, weight gain, fertility difficulty.
- AMH itself does not cause symptoms.
Symptoms of low AMH
- AMH itself does not cause symptoms.
- Low AMH is often discovered when investigating fertility difficulties, irregular periods, or planning for fertility preservation.
How is AMH tested?
AMH is measured from a blood sample. Unlike FSH and LH, it can be tested on any day of the menstrual cycle.
Avoid biotin supplements for 48 hours before testing, as biotin can interfere with the assay.
If on hormonal contraception, AMH may read lower than your true reserve. Some clinicians prefer to test 2 to 3 months after stopping the pill for the most accurate result.
Chxhealth samples are analysed by Randox, a UK laboratory accredited by UKAS. Results return in 3 to 5 working days.
How to support healthy AMH levels
- Do not smoke. Smoking is one of the few modifiable factors that significantly accelerates ovarian decline.
- Maintain a healthy body weight. Both extremes affect ovarian function.
- Eat a Mediterranean style diet rich in vegetables, oily fish, olive oil and whole grains.
- Manage stress and prioritise sleep.
- If considering fertility preservation, speak to a fertility specialist early. Chxhealth does not provide fertility treatment.
These are general lifestyle suggestions. Chxhealth is an information service. For personal medical advice, please speak to a healthcare professional.
Chxhealth panels that test AMH
1 Chxhealth biomarker panels include AMH. Each is analysed by Randox, a UK laboratory accredited by UKAS. Reports are delivered in 3 to 5 working days.
AMH FAQs
What is a good AMH level?
It depends on your age. In your late 20s, 2 to 6 ng/mL is typical. By your late 30s, 1 to 3 ng/mL is normal. Below 1 ng/mL is considered low at any age.
Can low AMH mean I cannot have a baby?
No. AMH measures egg quantity, not quality. Many women with low AMH conceive naturally. It is one piece of information, not a verdict.
Does AMH change quickly?
AMH declines gradually with age. There is no quick fix or supplement that reliably raises AMH. The decline can be accelerated by smoking, severe stress, chemotherapy or surgery.
Why is AMH high in PCOS?
PCOS involves multiple small antral follicles in the ovaries that do not mature normally. Each follicle produces AMH, so the total level is high. AMH above 5 ng/mL is suggestive of PCOS in the right clinical context.
When should I test AMH?
Any time. AMH is stable across the menstrual cycle, unlike FSH and LH which must be tested on specific days. If you are planning a family or considering egg freezing in your 30s or 40s, knowing your AMH is helpful.
Often tested with AMH
The biomarkers below are commonly investigated alongside AMH because they reveal connected aspects of the same physiological picture:
- Oestradiol: AMH plus oestradiol give ovarian function context.
- Progesterone: Cycle hormones complement AMH.
- Testosterone: Useful in PCOS where androgens are also raised.
Choose the right test for your goal
If you are reading about AMH because of a specific health goal, our buying guides walk you through which Chxhealth panels fit:
- Best blood test for fertility planning
- Best blood test for women's hormones
- View all blood test guides
Sources and further reading
This page is informed by guidance from the NHS, NICE, Royal College of Pathologists and other UK authoritative bodies. For deeper detail or to verify the information, see:
- NHS: Polycystic ovary syndrome
- British Fertility Society: Ovarian reserve testing
- Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA): Fertility tests
- Lab Tests Online UK: Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH)
About this page. Last reviewed: 13 May 2026. Next scheduled review: May 2027. This page has not yet been independently reviewed by a clinician. It is written from authoritative UK medical guidance (NHS, NICE, Royal College of Pathologists, peer-reviewed sources) but has not undergone formal clinical sign off.
Important. Chxhealth is a UK information service. We do not diagnose, treat or prescribe. The reference ranges and information on this page are general educational content and should not be used as a substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare professional. For any concerns about your health or results, please speak to your GP or another healthcare professional.