Low ovarian reserve
What is low AMH?
Most people do not know they may have low AMH until they have a blood test. This might happen while looking into fertility, planning egg freezing, or trying to understand why pregnancy is taking longer than expected.
At Eve Health in Brisbane, we help you take it one step at a time. We can talk through what your AMH result may mean, what it cannot tell us, and what your next steps could look like.
What does low AMH mean?
AMH stands for anti-Müllerian hormone. It is a hormone made by small follicles in the ovaries. A blood test can measure AMH and give an estimate of ovarian reserve, which means the number of eggs that may remain in the ovaries.
A lower AMH result can suggest that the ovaries may have fewer eggs available. This is often called low ovarian reserve.
It is important to know that AMH is not a fertility “yes or no” test. It does not measure egg quality, and it cannot predict for certain whether you will fall pregnant naturally.
That is why AMH is usually considered alongside your age, cycle pattern, symptoms, ultrasound findings, medical history and how long you have been trying to conceive.
Some people with low AMH still conceive naturally. Others may need fertility treatment or further investigation. The best next step depends on your age, cycle pattern, medical history, symptoms, ultrasound findings and how long you have been trying.
Why age matters
AMH tells us about egg numbers, but age gives important information about egg quality.
From the mid-30s, and particularly after 35, fertility can start to decline more noticeably. This does not mean you cannot fall pregnant after 35. It simply means it may take longer, and the chance of miscarriage or needing fertility support may increase.
This is why your specialist will not look at AMH in isolation. A 32-year-old and a 40-year-old with the same AMH result may have very different fertility considerations.
Recent research continues to show that AMH mainly reflects egg numbers, while age is more closely linked to egg quality. This is why younger women with low AMH may still have healthy eggs and may still conceive naturally or with fertility treatment. Rather than relying on one test result alone, fertility specialists usually look at AMH alongside age, cycle history, ultrasound findings and other factors.
How is low ovarian reserve assessed?
So how do you know if you have low AMH? Most of the time, you do not know until you have a blood test.
You may decide to check your AMH as part of fertility testing, egg freezing planning, or if pregnancy is taking longer than expected.
Low ovarian reserve is usually assessed using a few pieces of information, including:
- AMH blood test
- ultrasound to count small follicles in the ovaries
- menstrual cycle history
- age
- medical and reproductive history
- previous surgery, endometriosis or chemotherapy, where relevant
Together, these details give a clearer picture than one test result alone.
What happens next?
If you have been told you have low AMH, your first step is usually a fertility assessment.
At Eve Health in Brisbane, we will talk through your story, your goals and any concerns you may have. We may recommend further tests to understand what could be affecting your fertility.
Your options may include trying naturally for a period of time, ovulation tracking, artificial insemination, egg freezing, IVF, or further investigation of underlying conditions.
Not everyone with low AMH will need IVF, and the right approach depends on your individual circumstances.
A low AMH result can feel confronting, but it is not the whole story. With the right information and support, you can better understand your fertility and make decisions that feel right for you.
If you are in Brisbane and would like to talk through your AMH result, Eve Health can help you understand your options and plan your next step.
Questions to ask your GP or fertility specialist
You may like to ask:
- What does my AMH result mean for my age?
- Do I need an ultrasound to check my follicle count?
- Could endometriosis, PCOS or another condition be affecting my fertility?
- How long should I keep trying before seeking more support?
- What are my options if I want to preserve fertility?
What happens at your first fertility appointment at Eve Health?
If low ovarian reserve is suspected, your first appointment at Eve Health in Brisbane is a chance to talk through your AMH result, cycle history, health background and fertility goals.
Your specialist may recommend:
- blood tests, including AMH and hormones
- a pelvic ultrasound to check the ovaries and follicle count
- semen analysis, where relevant
These results help us understand your fertility picture more clearly. At your follow-up appointment, we will explain what your results may mean and talk through possible next steps.
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