Anti-Mullerian Hormone

Note: this site is for informational purposes only. To view test results or book a test, use the NHS app in England or contact your GP.

The anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) test is a blood test in which a sample is drawn from a vein to measure the level of AMH produced by ovarian follicles. This test helps doctors assess your ovarian reserve before fertility treatment, investigate unusual sexual development in babies, or monitor certain ovarian tumours.

Also known as 
AMH; Mullerian-inhibiting hormone; MIH; Mullerian inhibiting factor; MIF; Mullerian-inhibiting substance; MIS 
Formal name 
Anti-Müllerian Hormone 

Who needs this test

Your doctor might suggest an AMH test if you’re planning to have fertility treatment like IVF. The results help your doctor choose the right treatment approach for you. 

Doctors also use this test when a baby is born with genitals that aren’t clearly male or female. The AMH level helps doctors understand the baby’s development. 

If you have a type of ovarian cancer that produces AMH, your doctor will use this test to check how well treatment is working.

Preparing for your test

You don’t need to do anything special before this test. You can eat and drink normally. 

The test uses a blood sample from your arm. For babies, a small sample is taken from the heel.

Understanding your results

What the test measures 

AMH is a hormone that plays different roles in males and females. 

In males, AMH is essential for normal development before birth. Boys have high AMH levels that decrease after puberty. 

In females, small structures in the ovaries called follicles produce AMH. The amount increases during puberty and peaks in early adulthood. As you get older, AMH levels fall and become undetectable after menopause. 

What your results mean 

For fertility treatment 

Low AMH suggests you have fewer follicles available. Your doctor will adjust your treatment plan to account for this. 

High AMH suggests you have plenty of follicles. Your doctor needs to carefully manage your treatment to avoid overstimulation. 

For sexual development in babies 

Baby boys have much higher AMH levels than baby girls. When a baby’s sex isn’t clear at birth, the AMH level helps doctors understand what’s happening.

Questions to ask your doctor

  • What does my AMH level mean for my fertility treatment plan?

  • How might my AMH level affect my treatment dose? 

  • What other factors are you considering alongside my AMH result? 

What happens next

Your doctor will explain what your AMH result means for your specific situation. They’ll work with you to plan your care.