AMH and fertility

Is AMH really the most reliable indicator of female fertility?

AMH is considered to be a strong indicator for determining ovarian reserve, but this is not enough. The age of a woman is also a very important factor, because a low AMH at age 30 will not have the same prognosis as a low AMH at age 40.

It is normal for a woman’s fertility to decrease with age. It begins 10 to 15 years before menopause and at the same time both the quantity and quality of eggs decline gradually. Consequently, the fewer eggs left, the lower their quality is.

Ideally, every woman between 20-30 -and preferably 20-25 years of age- should have her AMH measured. This is one of the most effective ways to predict her fertility and take early precautions about the future.

The truth in numbers

If a woman’s fertility is at its peak between the ages of 20 and 25 (25% chances of conceiving in each cycle), it begins to decline between 30 to 35 (12% chance of getting pregnant in each cycle) and declines much more rapidly after the age of 40 (6% chance of getting pregnant in each cycle). Spontaneous pregnancies are extremely rare after 45.

However, in case of early menopause – before the age of 35 – it does not necessarily mean that the quality has declined accordingly. But if AMH is low after the age of 35, it is most likely to have the respective decrease in good quality eggs.

What can you do?

You should immediately start trying to get pregnant in the way that is feasible in your case (sexual intercourse, insemination, IVF or IVF in a natural cycle).
Cryopreservation of your eggs without delay, so that they do not lose quality.