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Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) fertility test

The AMH test is currently the best tool available to estimate your ovarian reserve, helping you make informed decisions about your reproductive future.
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AMH - What is it?

An AMH (anti mullerian hormone) 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. To find out more about AMH testing and fertility options, book an appointment with us at your nearest clinic

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.

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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 $90 to $125* 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.

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The Biological Clock

This tool indicates:

  • Natural conception per month if you have no fertility issues
  • IVF success rate at the same age
  • When to seek help after months of unsuccessful attempts

If you are concerned at any stage – we recommend booking a doctor appointment or a free nurse consultation. The sooner you make a plan the better your chances in the long term.

When to seek advice early
  • If you have polycystic ovaries, endometriosis, or have been through a cancer diagnosis; we recommend you get in touch quickly so we can talk you through all your options and give you the greatest possible chance of success.
  • If you’re a single woman considering motherhood in the future; it’s best to approach us early and consider egg freezing as this can be an option for you while you have a higher ovarian reserve and healthier eggs.
Set your age and the months you’ve been trying to conceive
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Your chance of having a baby per month for fertile couples
Your chance of having a baby per IVF cycle (if experiencing infertility)

Body Mass Index calculator

Being overweight or underweight can reduce fertility, so it is important to keep your body weight within the normal healthy range.

Body Mass Index (BMI) is an indication of your body weight and can be calculated by dividing weight by height. You should aim for a BMI of between 20 and 25, as this will optimise your chances of conception.

Woman’s BMI below 19

Even in these modern times, nature knows best. If a woman's BMI falls below 19, the body senses famine and ovulation is switched off to prevent the risk of having a baby with malnutrition. Excessive exercise can reduce body fat and increase muscle mass to a point where periods cease for the same reason. Risk of miscarriage is also increased in women with a low BMI.

Being underweight

If a woman's BMI falls below 19, the body senses famine and ovulation is switched off to prevent the risk of having a baby with malnutrition. Excessive exercise can reduce body fat and increase muscle mass to a point where periods cease for the same reason. Risk of miscarriage is also increased in women with a low BMI.

BMI’s greater than 30

This can reduce fertility by 50%. Pregnancy for women with a 30+ BMI is often associated with problems such as maternal diabetes, high blood pressure, big babies and increased risk of caesarean section.

Add your height and weight to calculate your BMI
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