21/04/2026
"A single lab value does not define your fertility potential".
Rhonwen knows her stuff, and is in the Inner Health Centre every Friday.
Don't let the AMH test define your fertility journey
Many women are told that their AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) level is a definitive measure of their fertility or ovarian reserve. While AMH can provide useful information, it’s important to understand that it is not a complete or perfectly accurate assessment of fertility potential.
AMH is a hormone produced by small follicles in the ovaries. A blood test measures the amount circulating in the body and uses this as an estimate of the number of follicles remaining in the ovaries. In other words, AMH gives an indication of egg quantity, not egg quality.
However, there are several limitations to relying heavily on AMH as a predictor of fertility.
First, AMH does not measure egg quality, which is actually the most important factor for conception and healthy embryo development. A woman may have a low AMH level but still produce healthy, viable eggs capable of fertilisation and pregnancy.
Second, AMH levels can vary depending on laboratory testing methods, timing, medications, and hormonal influences. Results can also fluctuate over time, meaning a single reading does not always represent a woman’s true reproductive potential.
Third, AMH does not reflect the overall environment of the ovaries, including blood flow, hormonal balance, inflammation, or the health of the uterine lining. These factors play a significant role in fertility but are not captured by the test.
Because of this, many women with lower AMH levels are still able to conceive naturally or respond well to fertility treatments.
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, fertility is viewed as a reflection of the body’s overall vitality and balance. Rather than focusing solely on the number of eggs remaining, TCM aims to improve the quality of the eggs and the environment in which they develop.
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are commonly used to support reproductive health by:
• improving blood flow to the ovaries and uterus
• supporting hormonal regulation
• reducing stress and regulating the nervous system
• nourishing what TCM describes as Kidney Essence and Blood, which are closely linked to reproductive vitality
Improved circulation and hormonal balance help create a healthier environment for follicles to mature, which may support better egg development and quality.
While TCM cannot increase the number of eggs a woman is born with, it can help optimise the health and maturation of the eggs that are available, as well as support the body during natural conception or assisted reproductive treatments such as IVF.
For many women, this holistic approach shifts the focus away from discouraging numbers and toward improving the body’s overall capacity for fertility.
A single lab value does not define your fertility potential — and with the right support, your body may be capable of far more than that number suggests.