Fertility Testing

AMH (Anti-Mullerian Hormone) Testing

Markers of ovarian reserve are helpful in predicting odds of conception, potential success of fertility therapies and help in the dosing in ART cycles. Coupled with age as another important predictor of fertility success, AMH has definite advantages over other markers such as FSH.

AMH (Anti-Mullerian Hormone), also known as MIS (Mullerian Inhibitory Substance) is an indirect predictor of the number of remaining follicles (oocytes) in the female ovary. AMH is secreted by the pre-antral and small antral follicles and is not cycle day dependent and can therefore be drawn as a blood test on any day of the menstrual cycle. Furthermore, it is not affected by hormonal conditions such as the use of oral contraceptives. Since AMH is secreted by all of the resting ovarian follicles, a higher value (greater than 0.7) indicates a normal ovarian reserve and is a positive predictor of pregnancy success. A low AMH (less than 0.7) indicates diminished ovarian reserve and is correlated with difficulty conceiving. Although AMH is more a marker of remaining egg numbers, it also may be associated with egg quality.

Other useful markers of ovarian reserve are day 3 FSH, estradiol levels, as well as Inhibin B. Could a combination of these tests provide a more predictive value in estimating ovarian reserve and help in counseling women about their “biologic clocks”? Repromedix, a diagnostic laboratory company, has designed a predictive fertility test that combines three markers of ovarian reserve: AMH, day 3 FSH and Inhibin B. In combination, this new blood test called Plan Ahead, can be used to counsel patients regarding the need to conceive sooner than later and not delay childbearing. Although no test is without error, Plan Ahead will give valuable information to women who are wondering how their ovarian reserve compares to women of their own chronological age.

Back to Top