Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) is one of the most commonly used tests to assess ovarian reserve. It provides an estimate of the number of eggs remaining in the ovaries and helps fertility specialists predict how the ovaries may respond to treatment.
When AMH levels are low, it generally indicates that fewer follicles are available to respond to ovarian stimulation. As a result, during an IVF cycle:
- Fewer follicles may develop.
- Fewer eggs may be retrieved.
- Fewer embryos may be available for transfer or freezing.
However, it is important to understand that AMH measures egg quantity, not egg quality.
A low AMH level does not mean that the remaining eggs are of poor quality. Many women with low AMH still produce healthy eggs capable of fertilization and embryo development.
In some cases, even a small number of retrieved eggs can result in high-quality embryos and a successful pregnancy.
When it comes to egg quality, age remains the most important factor. Younger women with low AMH often have a higher likelihood of producing chromosomally normal (euploid) embryos than older women with the same AMH level.
For this reason, a low AMH result should not be viewed as a predictor of treatment failure. While it may indicate a reduced ovarian response and, in some cases, an increased risk of cycle cancellation, it does not determine the final outcome of treatment.
Our fertility consultants evaluate AMH together with other important factors, including age, antral follicle count (AFC), previous treatment history, and overall reproductive health, to develop an individualised treatment strategy and provide the most accurate prognosis.
Dr. Antoine Abu Musa, CMO and VP Medical Affairs, NOW-fertility.
“One of the most common misconceptions in fertility treatment is that a low AMH means poor-quality eggs. In reality, AMH helps us estimate the number of eggs available, while age remains the strongest predictor of egg quality. We frequently see successful pregnancies in women with low AMH, particularly when they are younger. Every patient should be assessed individually, and AMH should be interpreted as part of the bigger fertility picture rather than in isolation.”
Dr. Luciano Nardo, Founder and President, NOW-fertility.
“A low AMH result can understandably feel overwhelming, but it is only one piece of a much bigger picture. Time and again, we see patients with low AMH go on to have successful pregnancies – because what matters most is not just how many eggs there are, but the quality of those that are there. Every patient’s journey is unique, and we are here to look at the full picture with you, not just a single number.”
