Fertility Hormone Test Usage Rose Dramatically
New research shows anti-Müllerian hormone test frequency increased 13-fold as women delay childbearing.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Pregnancy
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Flinders University researchers found that anti-Müllerian hormone testing for Australian women surged by 13-fold between 2011 and 2021. The study suggests there is no association between these hormone levels and pregnancy success, despite the growing popularity of the tests.
Why it matters
The rise in testing is attributed to women delaying childbearing and increasing awareness of fertility, compounded by misleading information on social media. This study highlights the need for better public education as women navigate their reproductive health choices.
Researchers analysed records from 1.4 million Australian women, revealing that tests can cost over $100 and are not covered by Medicare. About one-third of women who repeated the test after receiving a low result subsequently received a normal result.
The players
Flinders University
This is an Australian public research university based in Adelaide that conducts wide-ranging medical and social science research.
The details
Testing rates for women aged 30 to 34 saw the most significant growth, increasing almost 20-fold during the study period. While nearly one in five women received a low result initially, the research found no clear link between these hormone levels and actual pregnancy outcomes.
Timeline
The analysis covered data spanning from 2011 to 2021.
The Flinders University research study was published in October 2026.
Culture Shift
This trend of increased testing follows the documented trend of delayed childbearing among Australian women. It marks a departure from traditional fertility monitoring as patients increasingly seek self-directed health data outside of clinical standardisation.
Since these tests are not covered by Medicare and cost over $100, individuals may face significant out-of-pocket expenses for results that do not guarantee fertility insight. Patients should consider that repeat testing often yields different results, potentially complicating personal health decision-making.
The takeaway
Women should be cautious of relying on commercial fertility tests that are not supported by evidence of pregnancy success. Consulting a qualified fertility specialist is recommended before spending out-of-pocket funds on hormone screenings.
Further reading
For more information on reproductive health, visit the Pregnancy section.
More information
For official guidance and resources, visit the Your Fertility government information portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
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