Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) is a protein produced by granulosa cells of the ovaries in females and by Sertoli cells of the testes in males.
In women serum AMH concentration increases with age up until the mid-twenties, after which it begins to decline. AMH correlates well with the number of follicles in the ovary (as measured by ultrasound) in women over the age of 25 and its measurement is used to individualise fertility treatment.
In men serum AMH concentration tends to be high in childhood, then declines through puberty to low levels in adulthood. It is used in the investigation of cryptorchidism and anorchidism.
AMH is elevated in the majority of patients with granulosa cell tumours and may be used to monitor disease progression or recurrence. AMH is also useful in the investigation of disorders of sex development as a marker of testicular activity.
Sample Requirements and Reference Ranges
Sample type | Serum |
Container | SST |
Precautions | Separate serum and send via first class post. If there will be >48 h before sending store the specimen at -20°C. Sample can be sent at ambient temperature. |
Minimum volume | 2 mL |
Reference range |
Females <50 pmol/L in young adults (falls steadily towards menopause where it becomes undetectable) Males (Levels fall at puberty. These ranges were derived from a study where stage of puberty was not determined) 0-1yr 390-1300 pmol/L 1-4yr 300-1700 pmol/L 5-8yr 260-1200 pmol/L 9-12yr 100-1000 pmol/L 13-16yr 40-560 pmol/L Adults <100 pmol/L (literature value) |
Turnaround time | 14 days |
Method | Beckman Access |