AMH, FSH, and LH Explained: What Hormones Say About Fertility

AMH, FSH, and LH: What Your Hormone Levels Say About Your Fertility

When it comes to understanding your fertility, hormones play a central role. Among the many hormones influencing reproductive health, three key indicators are AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone), FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone), and LH (Luteinizing Hormone). These hormones provide invaluable insights into ovarian reserve, ovulation cycles, and overall reproductive health.

Whether you're trying to conceive naturally or preparing for assisted reproductive treatments like IVF, knowing your AMH levels, FSH levels, and LH levels is crucial. This blog dives deep into what these hormones are, how they affect your fertility, and what you can do with the information they provide.

Understanding AMH Levels

What is AMH?

Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) is a hormone produced by the small follicles in your ovaries. These follicles contain immature eggs and reflect your ovarian reserve—or the number of eggs you have remaining. Unlike other hormone tests, AMH levels can be measured at any point in your menstrual cycle since they remain relatively stable.

Why AMH Levels Matter

High or low AMH levels can influence your fertility in the following ways:

Normal AMH Levels indicate a healthy ovarian reserve, which often correlates with a good number of viable eggs.
Low AMH Levels may signal a diminished ovarian reserve, often linked to aging or specific medical conditions like ovarian insufficiency. This doesn't necessarily mean you can't conceive, but it might indicate the need for faster action or additional assistance.
High AMH Levels might suggest a condition like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), characterized by many small, immature follicles that may disrupt ovulation.

Average AMH Levels by Age

AMH levels naturally decline as you age. Below are approximate values based on age:

Women under 35 – 4.0 to 6.8 ng/mL
Women 35–40 – 2.0 to 4.0 ng/mL
Women above 40 – 1.0 to 2.5 ng/mL

What to Do if Your AMH Levels Are Abnormal

If your AMH levels are lower or higher than expected:

Discuss results with a fertility specialist to identify underlying causes.
Consider lifestyle adjustments like a balanced diet, physical activity, and managing stress, which might moderately improve egg quality in some cases.
Seek fertility treatments, such as egg freezing or IVF, if applicable.

Decoding FSH Levels

What is FSH?

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is produced by the pituitary gland and plays an essential role in your menstrual cycle. Its primary job is to stimulate the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles, which house eggs.

FSH Levels and Fertility

FSH levels fluctuate during your menstrual cycle, typically highest during the early follicular phase. High or low FSH levels can reveal the following about your reproductive health:

High FSH Levels may suggest diminished ovarian reserve or poor ovarian function. Elevated FSH can make it harder for ovaries to produce eggs, especially with age.
Low FSH Levels could indicate issues with the pituitary gland or hypothalamus that might disrupt normal menstrual cycles.

Suggested FSH Levels

Below are general FSH level ranges (reported in mIU/mL). Actual ranges may vary slightly by laboratory:

Day 3 of Menstrual Cycle (Early Follicular Phase):
- Normal range is typically 3–10 mIU/mL.
- Levels above 10 may indicate reduced fertility potential.

How to Manage FSH Levels

If your FSH levels are outside the normal range:

Work with a healthcare provider to assess additional hormones, such as estradiol.
Explore fertility treatments that may counteract the effects of high FSH, such as ovarian stimulation techniques used in IVF.

Unpacking LH Levels

What is LH?

Luteinizing Hormone (LH) is another hormone produced by the pituitary gland. It works closely with FSH to regulate ovulation. During the middle of your menstrual cycle, there is a surge in LH, which triggers the release of a mature egg from the ovary—a process known as ovulation.

Why LH Levels Are Important

Your LH levels offer key information about the timing of ovulation and the health of your reproductive system:

Low LH Levels could indicate issues like disordered ovulation cycles or hypothalamic amenorrhea, a condition often caused by stress or extreme weight loss.
High LH Levels might point to PCOS or premature ovarian failure.

Testing LH Levels

LH levels are usually measured during two scenarios:

Ovulation Testing through at-home ovulation predictor kits to determine your fertile window.
Cycle Monitoring in fertility clinics for precise timings of treatments like intrauterine insemination (IUI) or egg retrieval.

Suggested LH Ranges

LH levels typically rise above 20 mIU/mL during ovulation.
Outside ovulation, healthy levels range between 1.5–8 mIU/mL.

If abnormal, healthcare providers may suggest tailored treatments to regulate hormonal balance.

Using AMH, FSH, and LH Together to Understand Fertility

While these hormones individually provide critical insights, their combined analysis offers a clearer picture of your fertility health. For example:

Low AMH + High FSH may indicate poor ovarian reserve.
High LH + Normal FSH could point to ovulatory issues like PCOS.

Such detailed hormonal profiling is often conducted by fertility specialists to devise a personalized plan.

Conclusion

Understanding your AMH levels, FSH levels, and LH levels is a critical step in your fertility journey. These hormone insights can help you make informed decisions, whether you're planning a family soon or simply exploring options for the future.

If you're concerned about your hormone levels, consult a fertility specialist who can guide you through tailored diagnostic tests and treatments. Early action can make all the difference.