What does AMH stand for, and what is its primary purpose in testing?

AMH stands for Anti-Müllerian Hormone, and its primary purpose in testing is to evaluate ovarian follicle reserve. This hormone is produced by the granulosa cells of small follicles in the ovaries, and its levels are indicative of the number of follicles available for recruitment in a woman's ovaries.

Using AMH levels to assess ovarian reserve provides important insights into a woman's reproductive capacity, especially important for those considering fertility treatments or evaluating their reproductive health. A higher level of AMH suggests a greater reserve of follicles, while lower levels may indicate diminished ovarian reserve, which can impact fertility potential.

Understanding AMH is crucial in contexts such as predicting ovarian response during treatments like in vitro fertilization, as it helps guide necessary clinical decisions. Thus, the focus on AMH's role in assessing ovarian follicle reserve is fundamental in reproductive medicine and fertility assessments.