AMH - What is it?
An AMH test can help predict how many eggs we are likely to be able to obtain during an IVF cycle and it can help identify those who may experience early menopause. Like most tests, reading AMH results takes in a number of variables, so it's useful to have the help of a fertility specialist to interpret the results. Talk to us (or your GP) about arranging your test.
For most women, age best predicts the chance of conception each month. However, despite having regular menstrual cycles and normal periods, about 10% of women lose their fertility sooner than expected. These women should think about having a family in their 20’s or very early 30’s. The AMH test is considered the best test currently available to estimate ovarian reserve.
- This test is more convenient and less expensive than alternative tests like Egg Check, because it uses a simple blood test rather than ultrasound scanning, and can be done at any time in the menstrual cycle.
- It can help predict how many eggs you are likely to obtain in an IVF cycle.
- It may also identify women who may undergo early menopause, and therefore who may
lose their fertility earlier than average. - Although an AMH test can help pick up those who might lose their fertility more quickly, it cannot show who is more fertile than average, nor does it predict ovarian reserve in women with Polycystic Ovaries (PCO).
- It is available from all Fertility Associates clinics.
Please remember that age is still a very important factor for fertility. The AMH tests can suggest when a women might have lower fertility than expected for her age. However, there is no evidence that ‘good’ AMH results mean that women have a higher fertility than expected for their age.
- We strongly recommend all women start their family well before 40 years of age.
- A normal AMH result does not exclude other possible causes of reduced fertility.
Download AMH leaflet PDF for more information.
FAQs for AMH test
How do you test AMH?
It is a single blood test that can be done at any time during the menstrual cycle. It can help predict how many eggs you are likely to obtain in an IVF cycle. It may also identify women who may undergo early menopause, and therefore who may lose their fertility earlier than average.
Although an AMH test can help pick up those who might lose their fertility more quickly, it cannot show who is more fertile than average, nor does it predict ovarian reserve in women with Polycystic Ovaries (PCO).
How can I get an AMH test?
Your doctor or nurse will give you a separate blood form for the test and tell you where you can have your test done. The result is usually available a week or so after the blood has been taken. Your doctor will tell you the result in person, by telephone or by sending you a letter. The interpretation of the AMH result will depend on your medical history, your family’s fertility history, lifestyle, and other investigations to your fertility.
How much does an AMH test cost?
In most areas of New Zealand, the AMH test Is not publicly funded. Unless you live in one of those areas where the test is publicly funded and you meet the criteria, Fertility Associates will send you an invoice for it. This may arrive a few weeks after you have had your test because the blood collection labs only bill us once a month. The cost is typically $85 to $110* depending on the lab.
Fertility Associates does pay for an AMH test immediately before publicly funded treatment to help decide the best drug dose.
How do i interpret AMH results?
Like most fertility tests, an AMH test does not give a black and white answer. We plot the AMH result on a graph (see below) that shows the 10th, 25th, 50th and 75th centiles for AMH for women attending a fertility clinic. This lets you compare your results with women of a similar age and helps predict how your AMH level may change over the years. We have shaded areas of the graph green, orange and red to represent the average impact of your AMH level.
Download AMH leaflet PDF for more information.
