Get your AMH tested and check your ovarian reserve

Around fertility and family planning, it helps to have something tangible in hand. An AMH blood test can give you a first reference point about your egg supply.

AMH is produced by the small, growing follicles in your ovaries. Its level can therefore give an impression of your ovarian reserve, that is, the number of egg cells you have left.

This test can be useful if you are thinking about your fertility, now or in the future. Think of women with a wish to conceive, those exploring their options, or simply those curious about their ovarian reserve.

AMH is also often measured around IVF or before freezing eggs. If you want your AMH tested, that can be done on any day of your cycle.

This test measures one hormone in your blood:

• AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone): produced by the small growing follicles in your ovaries and seen as an indication of your ovarian reserve (the number of remaining egg cells).

Because AMH stays relatively stable throughout your cycle, you do not need to account for a specific cycle day.

Your AMH value can give an impression of the size of your egg supply. A higher value may point to a larger reserve, while a lower value can fit with a reduced ovarian reserve.

Good to know: AMH says something about the quantity of egg cells, not about their quality. On its own, it also cannot predict a natural pregnancy.

This test requires a small blood draw at a certified sample point. In the Netherlands you can choose from more than 750 locations.

After ordering, you pick a location near you and schedule a moment that suits you. You do not need a referral from your GP.

Testing AMH can be valuable at different moments, for example:

• when you are planning a wish to conceive or want to know how much time you may still have
• around an IVF pathway, where your AMH value can help doctors fine-tune the dosage
• when considering freezing your eggs
• when there are questions about PCOS, where AMH can sometimes be higher than average

Because AMH gradually declines with age, an AMH value is assessed in relation to your age.

Your result shows your AMH value together with a reference range and a short explanation. What counts as usual varies by laboratory and depends, among other things, on your age.

A value below or above the range can mean different things. A lower value sometimes fits with a reduced egg supply, while a higher value can occur with PCOS, for instance. The doctor helps you place this value in the right context.

For an AMH test you do not need to fast, and no special preparation is required. You can have blood drawn on any day of your cycle, which makes planning a lot easier.

Your result is usually available online within a few working days. Each value is shown clearly with a reference range and an explanation, so you understand what you see.

Every blood test result includes a professional assessment from a BIG-registered doctor. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.