Introduction
You’ve just received your hormone test results, and your eyes froze on those three letters: AMH. The number is lower than you hoped. Maybe your doctor mentioned « diminished ovarian reserve, » maybe the internet has already sent you spiraling into anxiety.
I understand. That moment when a simple number seems to decide your entire future as a mother — it’s overwhelming.
But here’s what they often forget to tell you: AMH is not a verdict. It’s not a crystal ball. And most importantly, it’s just one piece of your fertility puzzle.
In this article, I’ll explain what AMH actually measures (and what it doesn’t), why a low number doesn’t mean « impossible, » and how you can take concrete action to optimize your fertility — with kindness, without pressure.
Because a square of chocolate eaten with love is better than an apple eaten with guilt. And this philosophy applies to how you look at your test results too.
What Is AMH? Understanding This Ovarian Reserve Hormone
AMH, or anti-Müllerian hormone, is a hormone produced by the small follicles in your ovaries — those tiny « pockets » that contain your eggs.
Essentially, AMH testing provides an estimate of your ovarian reserve, meaning the approximate number of eggs you have left. Think of it as a gauge indicating your available « stock. »
What AMH measures
- The quantity of antral follicles (small resting follicles)
- An indication of your potential response to ovarian stimulation during fertility treatment
- How your reserve evolves over time
What AMH does NOT measure
And this is where everything changes:
- The quality of your eggs — you can have few eggs but excellent quality
- Your ability to conceive naturally — women with low AMH get pregnant every day
- The health of the egg that will be released this month
Imagine a library. AMH tells you how many books are left on the shelves. It tells you nothing about the quality of the stories they contain.
Low AMH: Why It’s Not a Death Sentence for Your Fertility
When you hear « low AMH, » your brain often translates it to « it’s over. » But the scientific reality is far more nuanced.
Quality trumps quantity
A study published in Fertility and Sterility showed that women with low AMH who conceive naturally have similar ongoing pregnancy rates to those with normal AMH. Why? Because it only takes one good-quality egg to make a baby.
AMH fluctuates
Yes, your AMH level can vary:
- Depending on the laboratory (testing methods differ)
- Based on where you are in your cycle
- Due to factors like chronic stress or vitamin D deficiency
It’s not a number set in stone.
Context matters enormously
An AMH of 0.8 ng/ml in a 28-year-old woman doesn’t have the same meaning as in a 40-year-old woman. Interpretation must always consider your age, your history, and your complete fertility workup.
Other Female Fertility Markers You Should Know
AMH is part of a bigger picture. Focusing only on it is like judging a movie by watching just the trailer.
Antral Follicle Count (AFC)
Performed via ultrasound at the beginning of your cycle, it complements AMH testing. Together, they provide a more reliable picture of your ovarian reserve.
FSH and estradiol
Measured on day 2 or 3 of your cycle, these hormones reveal the communication between your brain and your ovaries. Elevated FSH may indicate that your body is working harder to stimulate ovulation.
Egg quality: the invisible factor
This is the parameter no blood test directly measures. Yet it’s often what makes all the difference, especially after 35.
The good news? Egg quality can be positively influenced by your lifestyle, nutrition, and appropriate naturopathic support.
How to Naturally Improve Your Fertility with Low AMH
Now, let’s get to what really interests you: what can you actually do?
I’m not going to give you a list of 47 forbidden things. That’s not my approach. What matters is nourishing your body and your ovaries with kindness, without falling into obsession.
Supporting egg quality
An egg takes approximately 90 days to mature. That’s your window of action.
Key nutrients:
- Coenzyme Q10: a major antioxidant for cellular energy in the egg
- Vitamin D: often deficient, it plays a role in ovarian function
- Omega-3s: for cell membrane fluidity
- Zinc and selenium: essential cofactors for antioxidant protection
Reducing oxidative stress
Oxidative stress is like cellular « rust. » It damages egg quality.
To limit it:
- Prioritize a colorful diet (varied fruits and vegetables)
- Limit ultra-processed foods
- Avoid endocrine disruptors as much as possible
- Move regularly, without overdoing it
Taking care of your overall hormonal balance
Your menstrual cycle is a window into your hormonal health. Naturopathic support can help you identify imbalances and correct them gently.
Don’t neglect the emotional aspect
Chronic stress impacts your fertility on multiple levels. It’s not « all in your head » — it’s physiological. Sophrology, hypnosis, or simply moments of conscious breathing can make a real difference.
AMH and IVF: What Your Doctor Is Really Looking At
If you’re going through assisted reproductive technology (ART), your AMH level is closely monitored. But do you really know why?
AMH predicts your response to stimulation
In IVF, the goal is often to retrieve multiple eggs. AMH helps doctors:
- Choose the right stimulation protocol
- Adjust medication doses
- Anticipate the risk of poor response… or over-response
Low AMH doesn’t exclude you from fertility treatment
You can have low AMH and still respond well to gentle stimulation. You can also have « normal » AMH and have a disappointing response. It’s just one indicator among many.
Preparing your body before IVF
This is where naturopathy makes complete sense. Optimizing your egg quality during the 3 months before egg retrieval can positively influence your results. It’s not magic — it’s biology.
Fertility AMH: The Questions You’re Really Asking
« My AMH is low, should I rush? »
Panic is never a good advisor. Yes, age is an important factor. But taking 2-3 months to prepare your body isn’t wasted time — it’s invested time.
« Can I raise my AMH? »
Let’s be honest: studies are mixed. Some women see their levels slightly increase with appropriate supplementation. But the goal isn’t to « raise a number » — it’s to optimize what truly matters: quality.
« My doctor told me it was hopeless. »
Unfortunately, some messages are brutal. What a low AMH level means is that the path may be more complex, not that it’s impossible. Surround yourself with professionals who support you with both realism AND compassion.
Conclusion: Your AMH Doesn’t Define Your Story as a Mom
Your AMH level is information. Valuable, yes. But it’s just one piece of information among many.
What truly matters is the quality of your eggs, your body’s balance, and how you take care of yourself — without guilt, without perfection.
You have power over your fertility. Not absolute power, but real power. And you don’t have to walk this path alone.
If you want to deeply understand your fertility workup, identify your personalized action steps, and finally feel supported on your journey, I’m here to guide you.
👉 Book your consultation at juliemenage.com and let’s build your customized protocol together.👉 Book your consultation at juliemenage.com and let’s build your customized protocol together.
