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Antimüllerian hormone
Last reviewed: 05.07.2025
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Anti-Müllerian hormone is a special substance that takes part in regulating human reproductive function. The hormone is present in the body of both men and women.
The levels of this hormone in a woman's body can tell the doctor how ready a woman is for conception, the condition of her ovaries, etc. The amount of anti-Müllerian hormone in the blood of boys and adolescents allows you to determine the period of puberty in boys and girls (protracted or early). This hormone is of great importance for the ovaries, as it controls the growth and maturation of follicles. A woman who is of childbearing age should have an anti-Müllerian hormone concentration within 1 - 2.5 ng / ml. When the indicator decreases, insufficient ovarian function is observed, which complicates the onset of pregnancy, the approach of menopause. This can also be a symptom of obesity. Increased levels of anti-Müllerian hormone provoke polycystic ovaries and various tumors.
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When to take the anti-Müllerian hormone test?
Before taking the test for the content of anti-Müllerian hormone, usually no special preparation is required. You should only avoid strong physical and emotional stress, as this can affect the hormone level.
During the menstrual cycle, there are minor fluctuations in the anti-Müllerian hormone, so the test can be taken on any day of the cycle. But for a more accurate result, experts recommend taking the test on the 2nd to 5th day of the cycle. The level of the hormone in the female body changes with age, the maximum concentration is observed at the most suitable age for conception and childbirth - from 20 to 30 years. As menopause approaches, the level of the hormone decreases and during menopause, the anti-Müllerian hormone in a woman's blood is at zero.
The hormone level indicates the functioning of the ovaries and allows determining the course of treatment for identified pathologies. The study usually takes place in several stages:
- FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and anti-Müllerian hormone analysis;
- counting the number of eggs ready for fertilization in this menstrual cycle;
- Determination of the volume of female ovaries.
In addition to the analysis of anti-Müllerian hormone, other types of studies are prescribed to determine the detection of inflammation, pathological formations, hormonal function, tumors, etc.
Anti-Müllerian hormone in women
Anti-Müllerian hormone in a woman's body (normal) indicates the body's readiness to conceive and give birth to a child. In addition, some female diseases are quite difficult to detect, but with the help of the level of this hormone in a woman's blood, certain diseases can be identified. The hormone is produced in men and women, only in different quantities. It takes a direct part in the development of tissues of the reproductive system, affects sexual development. The production of anti-Müllerian hormone in a woman's body begins literally from the first days of life and is an indicator of reproductive capacity. Before menopause, the hormone has an active effect on a woman's body. Initially, incorrect production of the hormone can cause infertility, even long-term treatment will not lead to the desired result. In this case, a woman's ovaries are not able to produce a full-fledged egg.
The doctor may refer the woman for an anti-Müllerian hormone test to make a correct diagnosis. If the hormone is within the norm, it means that the woman's ovaries are functioning normally. A deviation from the norm, either up or down, may indicate serious or not so serious conditions (infertility, tumors, ovarian cysts, early menopause, obesity, etc.).
Anti-Müllerian hormone in men
Anti-Müllerian hormone is produced by Sertoli cells in the male body. During intrauterine development, this hormone, like testosterone, is important for the proper formation of the male reproductive organs. The production of the hormone in men begins in the womb and continues throughout life. The level of anti-Müllerian hormone in men increases during puberty. In a sexually mature man, the concentration of the hormone in the blood decreases and is subsequently maintained at a low level throughout life. In newborn boys, the amount of anti-Müllerian hormone is inversely proportional to the amount of testosterone.
Developing spermatocytes and androgens (steroid hormones) reduce the production of anti-Müllerian hormone. The anti-Müllerian hormone level may indicate certain abnormalities in the male body: mixed structure of the genitals ( hermaphroditism ), early or late puberty, sexual dysfunction, etc.
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Anti-Müllerian hormone and day of cycle
Anti-Müllerian hormone does not change throughout the menstrual cycle, there is no dependence on sex steroids, inhibins, etc. The hormone test in venous blood can be performed on any day of the cycle and provide detailed information about the state of the woman's ovarian reserve, but usually the anti-Müllerian hormone test is prescribed on the third day.
A study of the fluctuations of the anti-Müllerian hormone in the blood during one menstrual cycle using a highly sensitive kit showed that the hormone has minor fluctuations. The maximum value of the hormone is observed four days before the peak of ovulation, then on the fourth day after ovulation the level gradually decreases to its minimum value. In the first half of the cycle, the level begins to increase slightly and remains at a certain level until the next cycle.
How to take the anti-Müllerian hormone test correctly?
Anti-Müllerian hormone analysis is necessary to confirm the following data:
- disruption of puberty;
- determination of sexual function;
- detection and control of cancerous growths;
- reasons for failure of artificial insemination;
- causes of infertility, problems with fertilization, etc.
The test is taken on the third or fifth day of the menstrual cycle. Men can take the test at any time. It is recommended to have complete rest for several days (not to be nervous, not to overexert yourself physically, etc.). Before taking the test (at least one hour before), you must completely stop smoking and strictly follow the instructions of the medical staff.
Inhibin B and anti-Mullerian hormone
Inhibin B and anti-Müllerian hormone are of great importance in determining the causes of male infertility, the level of hormones in the blood is an indicator of spermatogenesis. Anti-Müllerian hormone in the male body is produced in the Sertoli cells (spermatic tubules), in the female - in the ovaries.
Inhibin B is an indicator of ovarian reserve in the female body; with age, there is a natural decrease in indicators, characteristic of hormones of this kind. Deviation from the norm of inhibin B or anti-Müllerian hormone may indicate various pathologies: reproductive dysfunction, inguinal hernias, malignant or benign tumors, etc.
Anti-Müllerian hormone norm
Anti-Müllerian hormone in the female body should be in the range of 1 – 2.5 ng/ml, in the male body – 0.5 – 6 ng/ml
Elevated levels of the hormone may be associated with ovarian tumors, delayed sexual development, polycystic ovary disease, infertility, and cancer treatment.
Low levels of the hormone may be associated with obesity (especially in late reproductive age), premature sexual development, menopause, a decrease in the number of eggs ready for fertilization, impaired production of sex cells, infertility, and congenital absence of the ovaries.
What is anti-Müllerian hormone responsible for?
Anti-Müllerian hormone in the male body takes an active part in the reverse development of the Müllerian ducts, in women it controls the function of the ovaries. The Müllerian ducts in the human body are laid down during intrauterine development. In the female body, these ducts form the tissues of the reproductive system, necessary for conception and bearing a child. In the male body, under the influence of the hormone, the ducts gradually dissolve.
In the male body, the Sertoli cells (spermatic tubules) involved in spermatogenesis are responsible for the production of anti-Müllerian hormone. It is due to this substance that the anti-Müllerian ducts are gradually reabsorbed. The hormone is produced until the moment of puberty in men. After this, the amount of the hormone begins to decrease. With various disorders of the secretion of this substance, the anti-Müllerian ducts can remain, which can cause the development of a rather rare form of hermaphroditism, the formation of hernias in the groin, and dysfunction of the reproductive system.
In women, the synthesis of antmüllerian hormone occurs in the ovaries from birth until menopause. Women's blood contains much less of this hormone than men.
Increased anti-Müllerian hormone
If the anti-Müllerian hormone in a woman's body has elevated levels, this most often indicates a granulosa cell tumor or the formation of a cyst on the ovary. Also, an indicator above the norm may indicate a delay in the sexual development of a girl, infertility, and also be a consequence of the treatment of certain cancers.
In men, a level above 5.9 ng/ml may be associated with weak androgen production, late sexual development, and various disorders and abnormalities of the reproductive system.
Experts in the field of sexual disorders and infertility do not always associate elevated levels of anti-Müllerian hormone with the above-mentioned diseases. Increased levels of the hormone in the blood can also be provoked by stressful situations, exacerbation of existing chronic diseases, and heavy physical exertion.
Decreased anti-mullerian hormone
Anti-Müllerian hormone that is not in accordance with the norm helps the doctor to determine pathologies of the female reproductive system.
A decreased level of the hormone may indicate the onset of menopause, a decrease in the number of eggs, early sexual development, obesity, or abnormal ovarian function. The amount of hormone in the blood is considered decreased at a value of 0.2 – 1 ng/ml, values below 0.2 ng/ml are considered critical.
It is impossible to increase the level of the hormone, since this hormone in the blood indicates the number of eggs in the body that are full-fledged and ready for fertilization. Even if the hormone is raised artificially, an increase in the number of eggs that make up the woman's ovarian reserve will not occur.
What to do if anti-Müllerian hormone is elevated?
Anti-Müllerian hormone in women indicates how well the ovaries are functioning; its production is not affected by other hormones. If the hormone levels are high, it is necessary to look for ovarian pathology (polycystic disease, tumors, etc.).
If the indicators are elevated, the doctor will first recommend an ultrasound examination.
In some cases, you can retake the test, since an elevated level of anti-Müllerian hormone can be associated with intense physical exercise, stress, acute illnesses, etc. Therefore, to avoid inaccuracies in the data, you need to lead a calm lifestyle a few days before taking the test, give up (if possible) bad habits, exclude heavy physical training, etc.
What to do if anti-Müllerian hormone is low?
If the anti-Müllerian hormone is low in the body, this may be due to infertility, low egg levels. Modern medicine can stimulate the ovaries to obtain healthy eggs ready for fertilization. Also, in case of infertility, IVF can be used, using stimulation or an egg from a donor.
A low anti-Müllerian hormone level is not a reason to despair and stop trying to become happy parents. The problem only arises if a low anti-Müllerian hormone level is combined with a high level of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), in other cases you need to continue looking for the problem of conception.
If the level of anti-Müllerian hormone is low, especially if the woman is over thirty, you can use IVF and other methods that reproductive medicine offers in modern conditions. Low hormone levels at this age are a sign of early menopause, and it is impossible to increase its level. The test is usually taken on the 3rd - 5th day of the cycle, to get a consultation and a referral for the test you need to contact an endocrinologist.
Is it possible to increase anti-mullerian hormone?
Doctors unanimously state that the anti-Müllerian hormone cannot be increased. First of all, it is impossible to do so because this hormone is an indicator of the reserve of eggs in a woman's body. Therefore, an increase in the hormone will not lead to the appearance of new eggs in a woman's ovaries.
The number of fertilizable eggs in a woman's body is determined during the period of intrauterine development. At the time of birth, a girl has about two million immature eggs in her ovaries. By the time the girl reaches sexual maturity, the number of normal eggs decreases to about 300 thousand. Each immature egg is located in a follicle (sac) and constitutes the functional reserve of the ovaries (ovarian reserve). New eggs are not formed in a woman.
During each menstrual cycle, several eggs mature, and on the seventh day, the best follicle with a mature egg ready for fertilization is released. All other mature follicles simply die. The process of follicle maturation does not stop in a woman's body with the onset of pregnancy, during breastfeeding, when taking contraceptives, etc. As a result, every year a woman's ovarian reserve decreases, the number of healthy eggs decreases, which makes it more difficult for a woman to become pregnant. A very low level of anti-Müllerian hormone may indicate the onset of menopause.
Where can I get my anti-Müllerian hormone tested?
The anti-Müllerian hormone test is usually prescribed by an endocrinologist or gynecologist. Where to take the test depends on your preferences and financial capabilities. As a rule, the doctor who gave the referral can recommend a laboratory.
You can take the test either in a laboratory located at the hospital or in a private clinic that conducts this type of test.
How long does it take to make anti-mullerian hormone?
The anti-Müllerian hormone test is usually done within two to seven days.
Anti-Müllerian Hormone and Pregnancy
If the analysis for anti-Müllerian hormone showed that all indicators are within the normal range, then in this case it will be quite easy to get pregnant. If there is a deviation in one direction or another, it will be much more difficult to conceive.
Deviation from the norm indicates ovarian dysfunction, a small number of healthy eggs in the ovaries, various pathologies, in which it will be extremely difficult to get pregnant. In some cases, the only chance for a woman to conceive a child is IVF. In some cases, ovarian stimulation can help, but with a reduced level of anti-Müllerian hormone, stimulation will be ineffective and will lead to the ovarian reserve being depleted faster.
How to normalize anti-Müllerian hormone?
If the deviation from the norm of anti-Müllerian hormone in the blood occurred due to ovarian neoplasms, tumors, any acute diseases, then in this case, in order to normalize the anti-Müllerian hormone in the body, it is necessary to undergo a course of treatment for the underlying disease. Usually, after recovery, the hormones return to normal.
In case of infertility, if the hormone level is low, increasing it with hormonal therapy will not lead to the desired result, i.e. the woman's ability to conceive. With an increased indicator, IVF will be a possible option to get pregnant.
A low level of the hormone indicates the onset of menopause, and the lower the level, the sooner it will begin. Menopause can be delayed with hormone replacement therapy, which will prolong a woman's childbearing years.
In any case, if the indicators deviate from the norm, it is necessary to look for the cause of these disorders, after eliminating which, the hormonal background usually returns to normal.
Anti-Müllerian hormone is of great importance in regulating sexual function in both men and women. It begins to be produced during the period of intrauterine development and continues its work throughout a person's life. In the female body, the level of hormones is lower than in men, and in both cases it can indicate infertility.