AMH, egg timers, ovarian reserve and other confusing terms
Let’s face it, coming face to face with some of these concepts can be a little overwhelming. Celery has come up with some simple explanations to help you navigate these.
I've heard of the 'egg timer test'. Is it the same thing as AMH?
Yes. The AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) test is sometimes called the egg timer test. However it’s not an entirely accurate name.
Whilst AMH is often used in the workup for those undergoing IVF (or egg freezing) and may hint at certain underlying conditions, it is only one part of the overall fertility picture. AMH does not predict your chance of conceiving naturally or when your fertility will end.
Celery Health offers a broader assessment than just AMH testing. We combine your medical history, family background, AMH and other key hormonal markers and a pelvic ultrasound. This comprehensive approach gives a clearer understanding of your reproductive health, considering all the factors that can influence fertility. It also streamlines the process if you’re planning on fertility treatment such as egg freezing or IVF.
Is AMH important in fertility?
AMH provides a partial snapshot of fertility by comparing a woman’s ovarian reserve to others in her age group. As mentioned above, while it can help detect early changes, it’s just one piece of the puzzle.
Celery’s approach looks beyond a single blood test. We consider your personal goals, age, reproductive history and other relevant fertility factors, combining a full blood panel with other investigations. A specialist general practioner reviews the full picture, factoring in lifestyle, diet, stress and sleep to provide a personalised summary and clear next steps tailored to you.
What insights does the Celery Health assessment provide?
Celery Health assessments are designed to provide meaningful insights into male and female reproductive health by evaluating many important fertility factors alongside overall health and wellness. We consider age, lifestyle, genetics, family history and test results to give a more complete picture of factors relevant to reproductive health and fertility planning.
Our approach goes beyond the basics — ensuring your assessment is aligned with the level of care expected for anyone considering future fertility planning or treatment options.
Are there limitations to AMH?
Yes. While the AMH test offers insight into egg quantity at one moment in time, it’s important to understand its limitations. Unfortunately, there’s currently no test that can assess the quality of your remaining eggs, nor can it account for the many other factors — including male (XY) factors — that may impact fertility.
AMH provides a snapshot of your current reproductive health, but it cannot predict how your fertility will change over time or guarantee future success with assisted reproductive treatments. Rather, it serves as a guide for making informed decisions now and preparing for any future fertility support you may need.
At Celery Health, we help you understand the key factors that influence egg quality, including age and offer guidance on steps you can take to support it. When the time is right, our fertility experts are available to discuss your unique situation and explore your options.
How can Celery Health help navigate your fertility path?
Celery Health was founded to guide men and women through the fertility testing. Our Celery Health doctors are fully qualified specialist GP’s supported by CREI fertility specialists. Most work in the fertility space every single day. With their clinical backgrounds, they can provide an easy to understand interpretation of your results.
An added bonus? If you’re looking to pursue reproductive treatment such as egg freezing, your baseline fertility investigations will essentially be complete prior to your initial meeting with a fertility specialist.
Why is it so important to have expert guidance when interpreting results?
Understanding any pathology or radiology results is always best done with someone who understands the results and the limitations of the test. Often these numbers are best read in combination with results. It’s also important to take into account the other important factors impacting the results. In short, it’s very important! Having a health professional guide you through the results means you’re empowered from the beginning with accurate information and recommendations.
The AMH graph shows how your levels compare to the expected range for your age. Higher AMH typically suggests a higher egg count, while lower AMH may indicate reduced ovarian reserve.
This graph helps put your results into context — showing whether your egg count falls within, above, or below the average for your age group.
It’s important to remember that AMH reflects egg quantity, not quality. While it’s a valuable marker, it’s only one piece of the fertility puzzle. Reproductive health is influenced by many factors, and AMH results should always be interpreted in context to your unique situation.
At Celery Health, we’re here to help you make sense of your results. It’s important to walk through your results with someone who understands what the implications of results mean for you, offering real guidance that considers both the number and the bigger picture.