Understanding AMH: A Key to Personalized Fertility Care at TFI
When it comes to fertility, knowledge is power—and one of the most insightful tools available today is the AMH test. At Tennessee Fertility Institute (TFI), we use AMH testing to help patients better understand their reproductive health and guide personalized treatment plans.
What Is AMH and What Does It Measure?
AMH, or anti-Müllerian hormone, is a protein produced by small follicles in the ovaries. These follicles contain immature eggs, and the amount of AMH in your blood reflects the number of these follicles—essentially giving a snapshot of your ovarian reserve, or how many eggs you have left.
Unlike other hormones that fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle, AMH levels remain relatively stable, making it a reliable marker for assessing egg quantity.
Egg Count by Age: A Snapshot of Ovarian Reserve
Women are born with all the eggs they will ever have. Here's a general overview of how egg quantity changes over time:
|
Life Stage |
Approximate Egg Count |
|
At birth |
1 - 2 million eggs |
|
At puberty |
300,000 - 500,000 eggs |
|
Age 30 |
100,000 eggs |
|
Age 35 |
25,000 eggs |
|
Age 40 |
10,000 eggs |
|
Menopause |
1,000 eggs or fewer |
This natural decline is part of the aging process. AMH levels mirror this trend, gradually decreasing as egg quantity diminishes. Understanding your AMH level can help you make proactive decisions about fertility preservation, egg freezing, or treatment timing.
What AMH Can—and Can’t—Tell You About Fertility
It’s important to understand that AMH measures egg quantity, not egg quality. A high AMH level suggests a larger pool of eggs, while a low level indicates fewer eggs remain. However, AMH does not reveal how healthy or viable those eggs are.
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Can reveal: Approximate number of eggs (ovarian reserve), potential response to fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF).
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Cannot reveal: Egg quality, ability to conceive naturally, or exact timing of menopause.
Women with low AMH can still conceive naturally, and those with high AMH may face challenges if egg quality is compromised. That’s why AMH is just one piece of the fertility puzzle.
When Do Fertility Specialists Recommend AMH Testing?
AMH testing is commonly recommended in the following scenarios:
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Women over 35 trying to conceive for 6+ months
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Women under 35 trying for 12+ months
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Individuals considering egg freezing or IVF
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Those with irregular cycles or a family history of early menopause
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Patients undergoing treatments that may affect fertility (e.g., chemotherapy)
Because AMH levels decline with age, early testing can help patients make informed decisions about their reproductive timeline.
How TFI Uses AMH Testing for Personalized Fertility Evaluations
At TFI, AMH testing is a cornerstone of our comprehensive fertility assessments. We use it to:
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Evaluate ovarian reserve and tailor treatment protocols
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Guide decisions around egg freezing and IVF stimulation
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Help patients understand their reproductive potential
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Combine AMH results with other diagnostics like FSH, LH, and ultrasound for a full fertility profile
Our goal is to empower patients with clear, science-backed insights so they can make confident choices about their fertility journey.
Ready to Learn More About Your Fertility?
If you're curious about your AMH levels or wondering how they might impact your fertility, TFI is here to help. Schedule a consultation today to receive a personalized fertility evaluation and take the next step toward building your family.