Key Numbers You’ll See in a Fertility Report and What They Mean

BySamradni Pradhan
Updated: 3 Sept 2025, 8:00 pm
Medical Reviewed by Dr. Shobha Gupta

Looking at your fertility report can be confusing and overwhelming with so many medical terms and numbers. What do they even mean, and how can you know if it is good or bad? This blog explains the common terms in the fertility report and discusses the ranges to help you understand the normal levels. You can discuss your report with your doctor confidently after learning about them.

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A fertility report is crucial for understanding your fertility status. However, you may not understand anything mentioned in the report if you are not aware of the common terms and their normal values.
In this article:
These medical terms, abbreviations, and numbers show your fertility health. You may not have heard them ever before, but they help your doctor decide the next steps.

Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH)

What it is: AMH is a hormone produced by the small follicles in your ovaries. It is one of the most crucial markers for assessing your ovarian reserve. It shows how many eggs you have left.
Typical reference range:
  • High AMH: Above 3.0 ng/mL – shows good egg quantity (may also be high in PCOS)
  • Average AMH: 1.0–3.0 ng/mL – indicates a normal egg reserve
  • Low AMH: Below 1.0 ng/mL – suggests reduced egg quantity
Why it matters: A higher AMH shows that you have a large quantity of eggs, making conception easier. A low AMH does not mean you cannot get pregnant. It means your egg reserve is lower, and time may be a critical factor for you.

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

What it is: FSH makes your ovaries produce and release mature eggs every month. It is usually measured on day 2 or 3 of your menstrual cycle.
Typical reference range:
  • Normal: 3–9 mIU/mL
  • Borderline: 10–12 mIU/mL
  • High: Above 12 mIU/mL (may suggest reduced ovarian reserve)
Why it matters: Your body works harder to stimulate the ovaries when your egg reserve is lower, leading to higher FSH levels. This number must remain in the normal range for the best chances of conception.

Estradiol (E2)

What it is: Estradiol is a form of oestrogen that plays a significant role in egg development. It is also measured early in your cycle along with FSH.
Typical reference range:
  • Normal: 25–75 pg/mL on day 2 or 3 of the cycle
Why it matters: Very high levels at the start of your cycle may hide a higher FSH level, giving you a false hope of normal fertility. Your ovaries are functioning normally if your estradiol levels are in an acceptable range.

Antral Follicle Count (AFC)

What it is: AFC is the number of small follicles seen in your ovaries during an ultrasound at the start of your cycle.
Typical reference range:
  • High: 20+ follicles (often seen in PCOS)
  • Normal: 8–20 follicles
  • Low: Below 6 follicles
Why it matters: A higher AFC means your ovarian reserve is in good health. It is one of the most reliable ways to check your egg quantity when it is combined with AMH.

Luteinising Hormone (LH)

What it is: LH supports ovulation (release of a mature egg from the ovary). It is typically checked early in the cycle or around ovulation for accurate results.
Typical reference range:
  • Early cycle: Similar to FSH levels (about 3–9 mIU/mL)
  • Around ovulation: Levels rise sharply, usually above 15–20 mIU/mL
Why it matters: Remember that LH can be higher than FSH in the early cycle if you have PCOS, disrupting your regular ovulation. Your LH levels help in timing ovulation for a successful conception.

Progesterone

What it is: Progesterone helps in the implantation process and prepares your uterus for it after ovulation.
Typical reference range:
  • During the luteal phase (about 7 days after ovulation), above 10 ng/mL shows successful ovulation.
Why it matters: Lower progesterone levels after ovulation mean your body is not producing enough to support early pregnancy. Your doctors may recommend supplements if it is too low.

Prolactin

What it is: Prolactin produces breast milk after pregnancy. However, high levels of this hormone without pregnancy or breastfeeding can interfere with ovulation.
Typical reference range:
  • Normal: Below 25 ng/mL for women
Why it matters: High prolactin may delay or prevent ovulation. Your doctor will check for possible causes, such as thyroid issues or pituitary gland conditions, if the levels are high.

Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

What it is: TSH controls your thyroid gland, which in turn regulates many body functions, including reproduction.
Typical reference range for fertility:
  • 1.0–2.5 mIU/L is considered ideal when trying to conceive.
Why it matters: An improper thyroid functioning outside the normal ranges can cause irregular cycles and make it harder to get pregnant. TSH testing is often a routine test in fertility checks.
Your fertility report is a reflection of how your reproductive health is and what needs to improve. It also helps your doctor diagnose and treat any condition preventing conception.
The ranges of each vital hormone in your report guide you and support conception. You can take the necessary steps toward pregnancy by learning the meaning of these numbers.
Whether you’re trying to conceive or navigating IVF, you’re not alone. Join our supportive communities to connect, share, and find strength with others on the same journey.

FAQs on Key Numbers You’ll See in a Fertility Report and What They Mean


  1. If my AMH is low, does that mean I can’t get pregnant?
    Low AMH means your egg reserve is reduced, but many women with low AMH still conceive naturally or with treatment. Your age, overall health, and other test results are equally important.
  2. Can lifestyle changes improve these fertility numbers?
    Eating a balanced diet, managing stress, exercising moderately, and avoiding smoking or excess alcohol can support reproductive health. Some numbers (like AMH) are mostly determined by age and genetics.
  3. Should I get a fertility report even if I’m not trying right now?
    A fertility check can give you useful information about your current fertility status. It helps you take necessary measures if you want to delay your pregnancy or want to know about your reproductive health.

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