What is the meaning of an Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) level of 12.6?

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Last updated: March 20, 2025 • View editorial policy

From the Guidelines

An AMH level of 12.6 ng/mL indicates a high ovarian reserve, suggesting good fertility potential and a likely good response to fertility medications if needed. This hormone is produced by the granulosa cells in small ovarian follicles and serves as a reliable marker of a woman's remaining egg supply 1. A value of 12.6 ng/mL is above the average range for women of reproductive age, which is typically between 1.0-4.0 ng/mL.

Key Points to Consider

  • High AMH levels, such as 12.6 ng/mL, may indicate a large follicle pool, which could be beneficial for fertility but also might be associated with conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in some cases, especially if accompanied by irregular periods or other hormonal symptoms 1.
  • AMH levels naturally decline with age as ovarian reserve diminishes, so this value represents a snapshot of current ovarian function.
  • The relationship between AMH levels and miscarriage risk is complex and not fully understood, with some studies suggesting a potential association between severely diminished ovarian reserve (e.g., AMH < 0.7 ng/mL) and higher miscarriage risk, but evidence is not conclusive 1.
  • It's essential to interpret AMH levels in the context of individual patient factors, including age, medical history, and symptoms, rather than relying solely on the AMH value for fertility planning or treatment decisions.

Clinical Implications

  • No specific medication or treatment is needed for an AMH level of 12.6 ng/mL alone, but it provides valuable information for fertility planning or treatment.
  • Women with high AMH levels should be aware of the potential for a large follicle pool and discuss the implications with their healthcare provider, especially if they are experiencing symptoms that could be related to PCOS or other conditions.
  • Further evaluation and discussion with a healthcare provider are necessary to determine the best course of action based on individual circumstances and fertility goals.

From the Research

Interpretation of AMH Levels

  • An Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) level of 12.6 can be considered elevated, as most studies suggest that normal AMH levels range from 1-4 ng/mL 2, 3.
  • Elevated AMH levels are often associated with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) phenotypes, and women with AMH levels above 10 ng/mL have a higher prevalence of PCOS and polycystic ovarian morphology 4.
  • AMH levels correlate with the number of growing follicles in the ovary and can be used to estimate ovarian reserve, but they do not reflect oocyte health or chances for pregnancy 3, 5.
  • An AMH level of 12.6 may indicate a high ovarian reserve, but it is essential to consider this value in the context of the individual's overall endocrine environment and medical history 3, 6.

Clinical Implications

  • Elevated AMH levels, such as 12.6, may be associated with an increased risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) during fertility treatment 4.
  • AMH levels can be used to individualize dosing for ovarian stimulation and improve the efficiency and safety of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment 5.
  • However, the interpretation of AMH values can be limited by the lack of an international standard for AMH assays and the influence of endogenous and exogenous factors on serum AMH levels 6.

Ovarian Reserve and Fertility

  • AMH levels, including a value of 12.6, can provide information about the size of the pool of antral follicles and the remaining length of a woman's reproductive lifespan 5.
  • However, age remains the strongest driver of success rates with fertility treatments, and AMH levels should be considered in conjunction with other factors, such as age and medical history, when evaluating fertility potential 3, 5.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.