What AMH tells you
AMH (anti-Mullerian hormone) is made by small follicles in the ovaries. Its level gives a rough idea of how many eggs remain. This is called the egg reserve.
AMH is a simple blood test and can be done on any day of the cycle. Many couples get it done in their own city before the first visit.
What AMH does not tell you
AMH measures quantity, not quality. It cannot show whether an individual egg is healthy.
- It does not predict natural pregnancy well on its own.
- It does not say exactly when menopause will come.
- It does not tell you if a particular egg will become a good embryo.
Egg quality is linked mainly to age. A younger woman with low AMH often has a different outlook from an older woman with the same result.
Why AMH matters in IVF
In IVF, the ovaries are stimulated to grow several eggs at once. AMH helps the doctor predict how strongly they will respond.
With low AMH, fewer follicles usually grow, even with higher doses. Fewer eggs means fewer embryos to choose from. That is the main challenge, and it shapes the plan.
Common causes of low AMH
- Rising age, the most common reason
- Earlier ovarian surgery, such as removal of cysts
- Endometriosis affecting the ovaries
- Chemotherapy or radiation in the past
- Family history of early menopause
- Some genetic conditions
Often no clear cause is found. That does not change how the treatment is planned.
How IVF is planned for low AMH
There is no single protocol for everyone. The doctor builds the plan from your AMH, follicle count on scan, age and any earlier cycles.
- Full assessmentAMH, an antral follicle count scan, other hormones and a semen analysis.
- Choosing a protocolThe dose and type of medicines are matched to your expected response.
- Close monitoringScans track each follicle so collection is timed well.
- Careful lab workICSI may be suggested so each collected egg has the best chance to fertilise.
- Freezing when possibleSome plans freeze embryos over more than one collection before transfer.
Cycle cancellation is more likely when very few follicles grow. Your doctor will explain this risk before you start.
Things that do not raise AMH
Many supplements and diets claim to raise AMH. There is no reliable way to increase the number of eggs you have.
A healthy weight, not smoking and good control of thyroid or sugar problems support general fertility. Ask your doctor before taking any supplement during IVF.
Cost points for low AMH
Low AMH can affect the bill in a few ways. Medicine doses may be higher, and some couples need more than one collection.
A standard IVF cycle usually costs ₹1,60,000 – ₹3,56,000. If ICSI is used, the add-on is ₹20,000 – ₹50,000. See the IVF cost in India page for every line.
When donor eggs are discussed
If AMH is very low, few or no eggs grow, or earlier embryos were poor, donor eggs may be raised. This is a personal decision and there is no rush.
With donor eggs, the husband's sperm is used and the wife carries the pregnancy. Read more on donor egg IVF. The programme usually costs ₹2,30,000 – ₹5,36,000 for the full cycle.
Low AMH and time
If you have low AMH and want children, it helps not to delay too long. Egg reserve falls with time and does not come back.
Women with low AMH who are not ready yet sometimes ask about egg freezing. Consult your doctor about whether it suits your age and reserve.
Reading your AMH report
Labs report AMH in ng/mL or pmol/L, and reference ranges differ between labs. Always compare your result against the range printed on your own report.
A single low reading is worth confirming. The doctor will also look at the antral follicle count on a scan, which gives a second view of reserve.
- Some hormonal contraceptives can lower the AMH reading for a while.
- Results from different labs may not match exactly.
- AMH falls gradually with age, so an older report may be out of date.
Low AMH and the male partner
When AMH is low, every egg counts. That makes the sperm side more important, not less.
A recent semen analysis for the husband should be part of the plan. If it shows a problem, it can be addressed before the cycle begins.
Questions to ask your doctor
- What does my follicle count show alongside my AMH?
- Which stimulation protocol do you suggest, and why?
- What happens if only one or two follicles grow?
- Would you suggest freezing embryos over more than one collection?
- At what point would you raise donor eggs with us?
Clear answers help you set expectations before the first injection.
Looking after yourself
A low AMH result can feel like a deadline. It is common to feel anxious or blame yourself.
Low AMH is not caused by anything you did. Talking to your partner, a counsellor or others who have been through IVF can help.