Like many of us, Rachel had a plan—build a career, travel the world, buy a house, and then, in her 30s, start a family. She never doubted she had time. But in her mid-20s, irregular cycles made her curious about her fertility, leading her to take an AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) test—a simple blood test that gives insight into ovarian reserve. The results were a shock. Her egg count was more like that of someone ten years older. If she had waited until her 30s without checking, she might have gone into an early menopause before even starting to try. Suddenly, her carefully mapped-out timeline was up in the air.
What followed was a whirlwind of emotions and decisions. With her results in hand, Rachel had to rethink what she thought she knew about fertility. She and her partner had spent years building a life together—moving countries, traveling, buying their first home—and while they hadn’t planned on starting a family just yet, the test results made them reconsider their timing.
Now, Rachel is passionate about opening up conversations around fertility, particularly the importance of AMH testing. In this interview, she shares what she wishes she had known earlier, how understanding her AMH levels gave her the power to make informed choices, and why sometimes, letting go of “The Plan” is the best plan of all.
When did you start thinking about your fertility?
I started thinking about my fertility quite early, around my mid-20s. My cycles had become irregular, which made me more aware of my reproductive health. I’ve always known I wanted a family—the plan was to start in my 30s—but I was also very conscious that fertility isn’t always as straightforward as we’re led to believe in sex ed!
Around 25 or 26, I visited my GP, who suggested an AMH test to check my egg count. I had never heard of it before, but the idea of getting a clearer picture of my fertility seemed like a no-brainer.
What were your expectations before embarking on your fertility journey?
Honestly, I was a bit naïve at the start. I expected everything to fall into the "normal" range for my age, and I’d just walk out of the doctor’s office thinking, I’ve got time!—maybe five to ten years before I really needed to start thinking about having kids.
But then my AMH test came back with a surprise—I had the egg count of someone more than ten years older. My doctor laid out my options, including the possibility of starting a family sooner rather than later.
Once I processed the results, I prepared myself for challenges when it came to getting pregnant. But it turns out, low egg count doesn’t necessarily mean infertility. I was fortunate to conceive within the first few months, and it was a relief to learn that fertility isn’t always as black and white as we’re sometimes told.
What did your fertility journey look like?
After getting my AMH results, it took a couple of months for everything to really sink in. But for me and my partner, knowledge was power. We’d been together for seven years, moved from the UK, traveled the world, and even bought our first house. So, while it wasn’t exactly the timeline we had planned for starting a family, it felt like the next logical step. It wasn’t about age anymore—it was about being ready (as ready as you’ll ever be!).
What was the most surprising thing that happened to you during this time?
The biggest surprise was how quickly my perspective shifted. I had always thought that if I had a low egg count, getting pregnant would be a major struggle. But when I did conceive, it happened within just a couple of months. But, I wouldn’t have wanted to wait into my 30’s and found out I had run out of eggs.
It taught me an important lesson: sometimes, despite our best-laid plans, life takes its own course. Accepting that some things are out of my control helped me embrace the journey more fully.
What was the best thing that happened to you during this time?
The sense of empowerment and clarity I gained. After receiving my AMH results, I felt a renewed motivation to take charge of my fertility journey.
And, of course, the absolute highlight was having my son, Orson. When I held him in my arms for the first time in the delivery suite, the first thought that raced through my mind was, I did it!
What do you feel is the biggest misconception surrounding fertility?
I think a huge misconception is that having a low egg count automatically means you won’t be able to conceive or that you’ll struggle. That simply isn’t true.
It’s so important to break down these myths and have open conversations about fertility so people can approach their journeys with realistic expectations and the knowledge they need. The fact that you can now take an AMH test yourself is incredibly empowering. It puts control back in your hands and allows you to take charge of your fertility in a way that wasn’t possible before. Being able to check your egg count without relying solely on a doctor’s appointment makes the process feel more accessible and less intimidating.
What was the most helpful thing you did for yourself during this time?
Letting go of "The Plan.” As someone who thrives on planning, this was a tough pill to swallow—especially when I found myself facing a really difficult pregnancy with severe hyperemesis gravidarum as well (HG).
I had envisioned pregnancy as a time for sunrise walks at Bondi Beach and glowing in prenatal swim classes. Instead, I spent six months in the hospital, incredibly unwell.
But looking back now, I see that I’m 36, I have a happy and awesome eight-year-old, and a fulfilling career. Plus, I like to joke that I’m one step closer to retirement than my friends—thanks to having had a child in my 20s!
That shift in mindset allowed me to embrace life’s surprises and appreciate the unique journey I’ve had, even when it didn’t follow my original “plan.” It’s all part of the adventure!
What is one piece of advice you’d give to anyone who hasn’t yet gone down their own fertility path?
If there’s one piece of advice I’d give to anyone about to embark on their fertility journey, it’s to stay informed but also stay flexible. Things don’t always go as planned, and that’s okay! Do your research, ask all the questions you can, and take steps to understand your fertility—but don’t get too attached to a specific timeline or outcome. Every journey is unique, and being open to different possibilities can really help you navigate the unexpected twists.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to be medical advice and is not a substitute for medical advice. You should speak with a medical professional if you wish to assess your fertility and before making any decisions about healthcare, including contraception.
