Anti-mullerian hormone or “egg timer” test explained

Published in City News (Consult an Expert column)

Recent media reports have drawn considerable attention to the anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) or as some dub it “egg timer” test.

City Fertility Centre’s clinics in Brisbane, Gold Coast and Melbourne have had this test available since its inception and will continue to offer it as and when required.

The AMH blood test measures the AMH levels in the blood which reflect the number of small follicles present in a woman’s ovaries. These follicles enable reproduction by ensuring monthly ovulation.

Low levels of AMH (follicles in ovaries) in the blood are indicative of poor ovarian reserve and in many cases is therefore often a useful marker of fertility.

However, it is important to note, that many women who have low AMH levels still fall pregnant. It is therefore appropriate for this test to be ordered by gynaecologists and fertility specialists who are trained to interpret the results and explain them in detail to the woman involved.

Patients who wish to have the anti-mullerian hormone test at any of our clinics should obtain a referral from their GP.

By Dr Ashish Das
www.cityfertility.com.au