From the Guidelines
The AMH test can be performed on males, particularly in specific clinical contexts such as evaluating cryptorchidism or disorders of sexual development, as supported by the 2014 AUA guideline 1. In males, AMH is produced by Sertoli cells in the testes and plays a crucial role in male sexual development during fetal life.
- The test involves a simple blood draw, and normal AMH levels in adult men typically range from 0.7-19 ng/mL, though reference ranges may vary between laboratories.
- AMH testing in males is less routine than in females but can provide valuable diagnostic information in specific clinical contexts related to reproductive health and development, such as in boys with bilateral, nonpalpable testes who do not have congenital adrenal hyperplasia, where providers should measure Müllerian inhibiting substance or anti-Müllerian hormone and consider additional hormone testing to evaluate for anorchia, as recommended by the 2014 AUA guideline 1.
- The use of AMH testing in males is guided by clinical judgment and the need to assess testicular function, evaluate certain disorders of sexual development, or monitor conditions like testicular tumors that may produce AMH.
- It is essential to consider the clinical context and the potential benefits and limitations of AMH testing in males, as the evidence strength for this recommendation is Grade C, indicating that the evidence is not as strong as higher grades, but still supports the use of AMH testing in specific situations, as described in the 2014 AUA guideline 1.
From the Research
AMH Test in Males
- The AMH test is performed on males to assess testicular function and development, particularly in cases of cryptorchidism, hypogonadism, and disorders of sex development 2, 3, 4, 5.
- Serum AMH levels are used as a biomarker to evaluate the presence and function of testicular tissue in males, with high levels indicating normal testicular function and low levels suggesting testicular dysfunction or absence 3, 4.
- In prepubertal males, AMH levels are high and decline with puberty, while in cases of delayed puberty or central hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, AMH levels may be normal, slightly elevated, or abnormally low 6.
- AMH levels can also be used to predict the success of testicular sperm extraction in cases of idiopathic non-obstructive azoospermia, with lower AMH levels correlating with higher success rates 6.
- The measurement of AMH can help in the diagnosis and management of various pediatric disorders, including cryptorchidism, hypospadias, and disorders of sex development, by providing information on testicular function and the presence of testicular tissue 2, 4, 5.