Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH): Full Form, Definition, Function & Role in Fertility

Edited By Irshad Anwar | Updated on Jul 13, 2025 08:10 PM IST

Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) is a special hormone important in the male and female systems. It is a glycoprotein hormone produced by the gonads. The Anti-Mullerian hormone is also known as Mullerian Inhibiting Factor (MIF) or Mullerian Inhibiting Hormone (MIH). It is also known as a malaria-inhibiting substance (MIS). AMH also plays a significant role in puberty. Low or high AMH levels may show a disorder in the human reproductive system.

This Story also Contains

What is AMH? (Anti-Mullerian Hormone Full Form)
Anti-Mullerian Hormone Functions
Significance of Anti-Mullerian Hormone
Anti-Mullerian Hormone – AMH Levels in Males and Females
What is the AMH Test Used For?
AMH and Fertility: Role in IVF and Egg Preservation

Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH): Full Form, Definition, Function & Role in Fertility

Anti-Mullerian Hormone

During embryo development, AMH is produced in high amounts in males. It also shows a role in the growth of follicles in females. AMH levels can be a good test to determine the number of follicles that are present in women's ovaries. It is also one of the important topics of the biology chapter, Reproductive Health.

What is AMH? (Anti-Mullerian Hormone Full Form)

The Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) is usually defined as a protein that plays a role in the development of the reproductive tract, mostly in the male foetus. It is secreted and synthesised by reproductive tissues before the birth of a child.

In males, it is secreted by Sertoli cells of the testes.
In females, it is secreted by granulosa cells of the ovaries.

The function of AMH and the quantity of AMH normally present vary with sex and age. The AMH helps with sexual differentiation in the fetus. It helps in the process of sexual reproduction by guiding organ development.

Anti-Mullerian Hormone Functions

AMH is secreted in the fetal testis and ovary (reproductive organs) before birth. It demonstrates the presence of both Mullerian (female) and Wolffian (male) ducts during the seventh week after fetal conception. Anti-Mullerian Hormone also has several other functions apart from these. AMH helps in organogenesis of reproductive organs in the fetus. It is one of the important hormones during the birth of the child. Some of the major functions are described below in the table:

Functions	Explanation
In fetal Development	Anti-Müllerian hormone is secreted before birth by the foetal male testes and in the female reproductive system—ovaries. Therefore, it is important for foetal development.
Presence of Mullerian and Wolffian Ducts	During the 7th week of foetal development, both male and female ducts are present due to the presence of the AMH.
Male fetus development	In a male foetus, the Mullerian hormone helps in the regression of Wolffian ducts and leads to the development of Mullerian ducts, which develop into male reproductive organs.
Female Fetus Development	Due to the absence of testosterone, there is a regression of Wolffian ducts. Mullerian Ducts develop into female reproductive organs.
Role in Puberty	Anti-Müllerian hormone has an important role in puberty as a dress responsible for the early development of ovarian follicles.
Indicator of Follicle Count in women's	Anti-Müllerian hormone is also used to check the number of follicles present in the ovary. It is useful in assessing eggs or ovarian reserve.

Significance of Anti-Mullerian Hormone

Anti-Müllerian hormone is important for Human Reproduction because of its crucial function in our body. In males, it has limited functions, while in females it is of great significance till menopause. Some of the important significance of anti-Müllerian hormone in our body is discussed below:

Significance	Illustration of Significance
Absence of a sufficient amount of Anti-Mullerian Hormone during fetal development	If there is an insufficient amount of anti-Müllerian hormone during foetal growth, both male and female reproductive organs will be underdeveloped, which will lead to ambiguous genitalia.
High level of anti-Müllerian hormone in ovaries	A high level of anti-Müllerian hormone helps in detecting ovarian cysts or tumours. It can sometimes be linked to ovarian cancer.
Anti-Mullerian Hormone and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)	There is a high level of AMH that is directly associated with PCOS, which is due to an increase in the number of ovarian follicles. Follicles produce a high amount of anti-Müllerian hormone.
Anti-Mullerian Hormone for egg preservation	Anti-Mullerian Hormone is used to measure the ovarian reserve, which helps in the preservation of eggs and increases the chances of conception in females.
Anti-Mullerian Hormone during Menopause	Anti-Müllerian Hormone is decreased as the follicles degenerate and approach menopause.
Anti-Mullerian Hormone in Hormonal Coordination	Anti-Müllerian Hormone directly regulates the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH), which are important for Reproduction.

Anti-Mullerian Hormone – AMH Levels in Males and Females

During the development of a male child, the testes secrete AMH, which ceases the development of female reproductive organs and hence promotes the development of male reproductive organs.

Roles	Anti-Mullerian Hormone in Males	Anti-Mullerian Hormone in Females
Fetal development	A high level of Anti Mullerian Hormone is secreted by the testes by suppressing female organ development and focusing on male reproductive organ development.	Low AMH levels allow the development of internal and female external genital organs in the fetus.
Childhood	Anti-Mullerian Hormone is high during puberty.	Anti Mullerian Hormone is low till puberty.
Adolescence phase	Anti-Mullerian Hormone is low once males hit puberty. It starts declining over time.	Anti Mullerian Hormone is high during the reproductive phase and supports follicle development as well as enhances ovarian function in the body.
Menopause	-	Anti-Mullerian Hormone starts to decline as the reproductive phase moves towards its end. It is not detectable once the menopause has started.

What is the AMH Test Used For?

The AMH test is another name for an Anti-Mullerian hormone test. There are several uses of this test, and it is helpful in several ways. Some of the major ones are discussed below

One of the identifying factors for early menopause and Menstrual cycle cessation.
The Anti-Mullerian hormone test helps detect ovarian cancer.
It has to investigate the causes of missed or irregular periods.
AMH also helps to diagnose Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
AMH also helps in checking the ability to produce eggs for fertilisation in humans and implantation.
Anti-Mullerian Hormone is one of the determining factors for the number of potential eggs reserved in the ovary.

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AMH and Fertility: Role in IVF and Egg Preservation

There are several uses of Anti-Mullerian Hormone, which is related to fertility and IVF treatments. It is one of the important tools in predicting the success of your IVF treatment. Some important points regarding fertility are discussed below in the table:

Roles	Description
Anti-Mullerian Hormone for Fertility	Gives the exact information for ovarian reserve that helps in guiding the fertility treatment options. Helps to navigate through ovarian stimulation protocols, which are based on the level of Anti Mullerian Hormone. It also helps in understanding Infertility: Assisted Reproductive Technology, like IVF.
IVF Success Predictions	The higher the anti-mullerian hormone, the higher the rate of success in the procedure. The high rate of Anti-Mullerian Hormone indicates a good number of available eggs for the procedure. AMH is one of the best predictors of egg quality and quantity.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the normal level of AMH that should be present in the blood?

The normal AMH blood level is represented here:

High: greater than 3.0 ng/ml
Normal: Above 1.0 ng/ml
Very Low: Less than 0.3 ng/ml

2. What could be the disorder associated with anti-Mullerian hormone?

If the right level of AMH is not synthesised at the time of the development of a baby in the foetus, then it can lead to the development of both male and primary female organs. A baby who is born with ambiguous genitalia—both the genitalia are present—is not easily recognised as either male or female.

3. What is the main function of anti-Mullerian hormone?

AMH plays a very important role in sexual differentiation in the foetus.

In women: AMH helps to balance the monthly menstrual cycle. It also helps promote the functioning of the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and the luteinizing hormone (LH).

In men: AMH helps in the development of male reproductive organs and also helps to develop secondary sexual characteristics.

4. How to increase Anti Mullerian Hormone?

To maintain Anti Mullerian Hormone you need to have a healthy lifestyle following balanced nutrition, regular exercise and managing your stress level.

5. What is Anti Mullerian Hormone?

Anti Mullerian Hormone is a protein hormone which is produced by ovarian follicles and is responsible for the development of sexual organs.

6. What is the significance of AMH in male fertility?

In adult males, AMH is produced by Sertoli cells in the testes and plays a role in spermatogenesis. While AMH levels are not routinely used to assess male fertility, abnormal AMH levels may indicate issues with testicular function or spermatogenesis. However, more research is needed to fully understand AMH's role in male fertility.

7. Why is AMH called "anti-Mullerian"?

AMH is called "anti-Mullerian" because it inhibits the development of Mullerian ducts in male embryos. Mullerian ducts would otherwise develop into female reproductive structures (uterus, fallopian tubes, and upper vagina). By suppressing these ducts, AMH ensures proper male reproductive system development.