Dr. Aruna Ashok MBBS, MS OG, DNB OG
- Clinical Director
Aruna Ashok | 16 July 2023
When it comes to fertility planning, the AMH test is a significant diagnostic tool that is frequently recommended by healthcare providers. Understanding this crucial test and associated price plays a key role in making informed decisions
This blog aims to break down everything you need to know about the AMH test, including the AMH test price
An Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) is generally a hormone that is produced by both men and women. In men, it ensures the genitalia development of the genitalia, whereas in women, it ensures normal ovarian function
An AMH test is an important blood test, especially during fertility treatments like IVF. Your healthcare provider may suggest the test to assess a female partner’s ovarian reserve (egg production). In simple terms, the AMH test exhibits the approximate timeline of her reproductive ability. By providing valuable insights about the female reproductive timeline, it helps individuals to better understand when to plan for a pregnancy, whether to consider fertility treatments, or if proactive measures like egg freezing might be beneficial.
It is essential to understand that the AMH test indicates only the quantity of remaining eggs in a woman’s ovaries. It does not definitively predict the quality of them.
For example, younger women often have higher-quality eggs with higher AMH levels. This is a crucial indicator of a healthy ovarian reserve, potentially optimal for conception. Conversely, older women, too, may have higher quality eggs but with lower AMH levels. This is also an indicator of a healthy ovarian reserve, potentially optimal for conception. Though sometimes it may require medical help to achieve conception if the quality of the egg is poor.
That is why the AMH test is denoted as a valuable tool for assessing ovarian reserve (egg count), and not definitively predicting fertility.
It is a well-known fact that the AMH test is required during fertility treatments to assess how quickly a woman’s ovaries age by measuring her remaining egg supply. But do you know that there are other potential reasons why your healthcare provider may prompt the need for an AMH test? Here are some of the scenarios:
Obviously, to determine the remaining egg supply, especially after 30 years, and to find out the causes of your infertility or irregular periods.
To analyse how a woman’s ovaries respond towards ovarian stimulation medications during IVF treatments. Based on the analysis, your healthcare provider tailors the medication dosage
With the AMH levels, assessing the proximity of menopause is likely possible, though it cannot predict the exact date. Consistently low AMH levels are strong indicators of approaching menopause within the next few years. This is because the ovarian reserve (AMH levels) may naturally decline with age.
The AMH test can help estimate potential success with egg freezing. By providing insights about women’s reproductive timeline and the onset of menopause, it helps individuals to take proactive measures like egg preservation (freezing).
AMH levels help to monitor the normal ovarian function, especially when endometriosis, autoimmune conditions and certain ovarian cancers are diagnosed. It can also be used to analyse the impact of chemotherapy and ovarian surgery on the ovaries, which might potentially impact egg loss.
AMH results help to estimate a woman’s reproductive timeline, thereby guiding choices about family planning and future fertility. Higher AMH levels generally suggest a larger supply of eggs, which potentially denotes more time for menopause. This helps to make informed decisions about interventions like family planning, fertility treatments, or egg freezing.
You may need an AMH test if you have the symptoms of PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). The common symptoms may include
An Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) test is a simple blood test that is usually completed within 5 to 10 minutes. It involves no risks and special preparations to perform the test. The common requirements may include:
The collected blood sample is sent to the laboratory to determine AMH levels.
After analysis, the results are often reported in ng/mL (nanograms per millilitre).
Interpreting AMH results often involves comparing your result with the standard age-specific level. Though your healthcare provider’s consultation is important for the personalised interpretation.
Remember that AMH tests can measure only the quantity of egg, not its quality.
The normal AMH level for fertility planning is usually between 1.0 and 4.0 ng/mL. These levels generally indicate an excellent ovarian reserve. Women with a normal AMH level may have regular menstrual cycles and better chances of natural conception, though slightly above 4.0 ng/mL are often considered great.
An AMH level >4.0 ng/mL may indicate a higher ovarian reserve (more eggs), suggesting a potential for natural or IVF conception. However, the higher AMH levels are largely associated with the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) condition. Despite having high ovarian reserve, the condition can cause irregular periods and ovulation. This can interfere with the ability to conceive naturally. While higher AMH levels are a positive sign for conception, they don’t guarantee the quality of the egg. Therefore, medical guidance is often required for personalised fertility plans.
An AMH level below <1.0 ng/mL generally indicates diminished reserve (fewer eggs), which can potentially impact fertility chances. Though pregnancy is still possible with fertility treatments like IVF and ICSI, lower AMH levels sometimes require more efforts or donor eggs to achieve conception. This is because low AMH levels can often lead to fewer eggs retrieved in an IVF cycle, poor ovarian stimulation response, and increased risk of premature menopause.
An AMH level between 1.0 and 4.0 ng/mL is generally considered optimal for conception and response to IVF. It denotes a healthy ovarian reserve. However, this range may naturally decrease as you age. That’s why many healthcare providers consider a woman’s age when it comes to fertility.
The table below is a general breakdown of the normal AMH range for conception by age:
| Age | Normal AMH Range (ng/mL) | Fertility Implication |
|---|---|---|
| 20 - 29 Years | 2.5 – 5.0 | A healthy, excellent ovarian reserve. |
| 30 - 34 Years | 2.0 – 4.0 | Good ovarian reserve, but it has started to decline. |
| 35 - 39 Years | 1.0 – 3.0 | Reduced ovarian reserve, though pregnancy is still possible. |
| 40 - 44 Years | 0.5 – 2.0 | Lower ovarian reserve, though pregnancy is still possible. |
| 45+ Years | Below 1.0 | Significantly reduced ovarian reserve with very low chances of conception. |
The price of an AMH test in Chennai may typically vary depending on factors like location and advanced equipment. However, the price may range anywhere between ₹1500 and ₹3000.
| Factors | Influence on the Final Price |
|---|---|
| Type of Facility | The cost in some facilities can be higher than in a general diagnostic centre, as it may include specialist consultations and expert reviews. |
| Lab Quality & Technology | Labs using advanced and FDA-approved technology may charge more due to higher accuracy and quality standards. |
| Location | AMH test prices can be higher in metropolitan cities because of increased demand and operational expenses. |
| Included Services | Additional conveniences such as digital reports, home sample collection, or bundled fertility packages can increase the overall cost. |
| Test Kit Brand | The brand and quality of the testing kit used can influence the base price of the test. |
| Turnaround Time | Centres offering faster report delivery may charge an additional fee for expedited processing. |
An AMH is a simple blood test. It is widely used to achieve valuable insights about the female ovarian reserve (the remaining quantity of eggs in the ovaries). This crucial diagnosis is generally preferred in fertility treatments like IVF.
The AMH test results help the medical professionals to not only assess how quickly a woman’s ovaries are ageing, but also help to predict their IVF response, diagnose conditions like PCOS, estimate menopause timing, guide egg freezing decisions, and provide insights into family planning and fertility treatments.
1. What is the cost of an AMH test in Chennai
The price of an AMH test in Chennai may typically vary depending on factors like location and advanced equipment. However, the price may range anywhere between ₹1500 and ₹3000
2. Is the AMH test used for males?
The answer to the question is yes. However, AMH tests for males are less common than in females. The AMH test for males is primarily used to diagnose the presence of testicles in male infants if born without them. Normal AMH levels often indicate the working testes, while low or zero levels indicate poor functioning or complete absence. Additional diagnosis may be required to determine if the condition is associated with anorchia (absent testes) or cryptorchidism (undescended testicles).
3. What level of AMH denotes the inability to conceive?
The ability to conceive is not predominantly determined by the levels of AMH. The AMH test can only predict the remaining quantity of eggs, and not their quality. Despite having lower AMH levels, women with good-quality eggs can still achieve conception. However, the diminished ovarian reserve that influences conception is <0.1 ng/mL
4. Who should get AMH tested?
Women who are
5. What is the normal level of AMH for fertility planning?
The normal level of AMH for fertility planning is usually between 1.0 and 4.0 ng/mL. These levels generally indicate an excellent ovarian reserve. Women with a normal AMH level may have regular menstrual cycles and better chances of natural conception, though slightly above 4.0 ng/mL are often considered great.
