Serum anti-müllerian hormone level is not altered in women using hormonal contraceptives

A systematic review of the association between modifiable lifestyle factors and circulating anti-Müllerian hormone

BACKGROUND

Levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) are known to be associated with lifestyle determinants such as smoking and oral contraception (OC) use. When measuring AMH in clinical practice, it is essential to know which factors may influence circulating levels or ovarian reserve in general.

OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE

To date, there is no systematic review or summarizing consensus of the nature and magnitude of the relation between AMH and modifiable lifestyle factors. The purpose of this review was to systematically assess the evidence on association of lifestyle behaviors with circulating AMH levels.

SEARCH METHODS

We performed a pre-registered systematic review of publications in Embase and PubMed on the lifestyle factors BMI, smoking, OC use, alcohol consumption, caffeine consumption, physical activity, and waist-hip ratio (WHR) in relation to circulating AMH levels up to 1 November 2023. The search strategy included terms such as 'Anti-Mullerian hormone', 'lifestyle', and 'women'. Studies were considered eligible if the association between at least one of the lifestyle factors of interest and AMH was assessed in adult women. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Study Quality Assessment Tools of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. The results were presented as ranges of the most frequently used association measure for studies that found a significant association in the same direction.

OUTCOMES

A total of 15 072 records were identified, of which 65 studies were eligible for inclusion, and 66.2% of the studies used a cross-sectional design. The majority of studies investigating BMI, smoking, OC use, and physical activity reported significant inverse associations with AMH levels. For WHR, alcohol, and caffeine use, the majority of studies did not find an association with AMH. For all determinants, the effect measures of the reported associations were heterogeneous. The mean difference in AMH levels per unit increase in BMI ranged from -0.015 to -0.2 ng/ml in studies that found a significant inverse association. The mean difference in AMH levels for current smokers versus non-smokers ranged from -0.4 to -1.1 ng/ml, and -4% to -44%, respectively. For current OC use, results included a range in relative mean differences in AMH levels of -17% to -31.1%, in addition to a decrease of 11 age-standardized percentiles, and an average decrease of 1.97 ng/ml after 9 weeks of OC use. Exercise interventions led to a decrease in AMH levels of 2.8 pmol/l to 13.2 pmol/l after 12 weeks in women with polycystic ovary syndrome or a sedentary lifestyle.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS

Lifestyle factors are associated with differences in AMH levels and thus should be taken into account when interpreting individual AMH measurements. Furthermore, AMH levels can be influenced by the alteration of lifestyle behaviors. While this can be a helpful tool for clinical and lifestyle counseling, the nature of the relation between the observed differences in AMH and the true ovarian reserve remains to be assessed.

REGISTRATION NUMBER

PROSPERO registration ID: CRD42022322575.

The effect of hormonal contraceptive therapy on clinical laboratory parameters: a literature review

Hormonal contraceptives (HC) are widely used among women in reproductive ages. In this review, the effects of HCs on 91 routine chemistry tests, metabolic tests, and tests for liver function, hemostatic system, renal function, hormones, vitamins and minerals were evaluated. Test parameters were differently affected by the dosage, duration, composition of HCs and route of administration. Most studies concerned the effects of combined oral contraceptives (COC) on the metabolic, hemostatic and (sex) steroids test results. Although the majority of the effects were minor, a major increase was seen in angiotensinogen levels (90-375 %) and the concentrations of the binding proteins (SHBG [∼200 %], CBG [∼100 %], TBG [∼90 %], VDBP [∼30 %], and IGFBPs [∼40 %]). Also, there were significant changes in levels of their bound molecules (testosterone, T3, T4, cortisol, vitamin D, IGF1 and GH). Data about the effects of all kinds of HCs on all test results are limited and sometimes inconclusive due to the large variety in HC, administration routes and dosages. Still, it can be concluded that HC use in women mainly stimulates the liver production of binding proteins. All biochemical test results of women using HC should be assessed carefully and unexpected test results should be further evaluated for both methodological and pre-analytical reasons. As HCs change over time, future studies are needed to learn more about the effects of other types, routes and combinations of HCs on clinical chemistry tests.

The Effect of Hormonal Contraception Use on Ovarian Reserve Markers and the Uptake of Assisted Reproductive Technology in Individuals Seeking an Infertility Evaluation

Background and objective The effects of hormonal contraception (HC) use on ovarian reserve (OR) markers in individuals seeking an infertility evaluation and the success of assisted reproductive technology (ART) warrant further investigation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine if women seeking an evaluation for unexplained infertility who used long-term (≥2 years) HC have lower ovarian reserve (OR) markers and higher uptake of ART compared to short-term (<2 years) or never HC users. Methods We performed a cross-sectional patient survey involving a retrospective medical chart review of patients seeking an evaluation for unexplained infertility at the University of Colorado Advanced Reproductive Medicine (CU ARM) clinic. Results Most participants (87%; 107/123) reported a history of HC use with 98 (79.7%) reporting long-term continuous use for two or more years. Median OR markers were similar between long-term and short-term/never HC users [anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH): 2.4 vs. 3.2, p=0.20; antral follicle count (AFC): 18 vs. 26, p=0.10; follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): 7.6 vs. 6.3, p=0.26] and remained so after adjusting for age and diagnosis of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) in linear regression models. However, among HC users aged less than 30 years (n=9), those who had discontinued HC between two and three years prior to the assessment of their OR markers had a 6.20 ng/mL increase in AMH level compared to those who had discontinued HC less than two years prior to the assessment (p=0.02). Additionally, there was a marginally increased use of ART overall among long-term HC users compared to short-term/never HC users (64.3% vs. 44.0%, p=0.06), specifically in the use of in vitro fertilization (IVF) (58.7% vs. 18.2%, p=0.01). Among long-term HC users, ovulation induction was less likely to result in live birth compared to short-term/never HC users (8.9% vs. 62.5%, p<0.001); however, after adjusting for age, PCOS, POI, and type of ART used, there was no difference in the odds of live birth after ART between long-term HC users and short-term/never users. Conclusion While long-term HC users report increased use of ART, in particular IVF, the overall conception rates and live birth outcomes among ART users do not appear to be significantly affected by a history of long-term HC use.

Role of anti-Mullerian hormone in polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common gynecological endocrine disorders affecting up to 10% of all females in their reproductive age, and its cause of onset is still elusive. A spectrum of recent research reflected diverse associations between increased plasma level of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and different clinical features of PCOS. Since AMH levels reflect the pool of growing follicles that potentially can ovulate, it can be stated that serum AMH levels can be used to assess the “functional ovarian reserve,” rather mentioning it as the “ovarian reserve.” AMH also appears to be a premier endocrine parameter for the assessment of atrophied ovarian follicular pool in response to age of individuals. AMH hinders the follicular development as well as the follicular recruitment and ultimately resulting in follicular arrest which is the key pathophysiologic condition for the onset of PCOS. Furthermore, FSH-induced aromatase activity remains inhibited by AMH that aids emergence of other associated clinical signs of PCOS, such as excess androgen, followed by insulin resistance among the PCOS individuals. Given the versatile association of AMH with PCOS and scarcity in literature explaining the underling mechanisms how AMH relates with PCOS, this review article will discuss the roles of AMH in the pathogenesis of PCOS which may introduce a new era in treatment approach of PCOS.

The effect of medication on serum anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) levels in women of reproductive age: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The study aims to address whether serum anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) levels fluctuate in the short term after medication application, including oral contraceptives (OCs), metformin (MET), Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), vitamin D (VD), clomiphene citrate (CC), and letrozole (LET).

METHODS

Published literature from PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane central was retrieved up until 19 September 2021. A total of 51 self-control studies with an average Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale (NOS) score of 6.90 were analyzed. The extracted data were entered into Stata software, and the weighted mean difference/standardized mean difference (WMD/SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used for data analysis.

RESULTS

After OCs treatment the AMH level showed a significant decline in women with normal ovarian function, which was significant within 3 months (WMD = -1.43, 95% CI: -2.05 to -0.80, P < 0.00001). After MET treatment, the serum AMH decreased in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients (WMD = -1.79, 95% CI: -2.32 to -1.26, P < 0.00001), in both obese and non-obese patients. GnRH-a treatment in endometriosis patients led to dynamic changes in the serum AMH levels, that is, ascent at 1 month (P = 0.05), and descent at 3 months (P = 0.02). After DHEA treatment the serum AMH increased in diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) / poor ovarian response (POR) patients (WMD = 0.18, 95% CI: 0.09 to 0.27, P < 0.0001). After VD treatment the serum AMH increased, and it was obvious in non-PCOS patients (WMD = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.34 to 1.21, P = 0.0004). After CC treatment the serum AMH decreased significantly in PCOS patients, specifically in non-obese patients (WMD = -1.24, 95% CI: -1.87 to -0.61, P = 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Serum AMH levels may be affected in the short term after drug application. Specifically, OC, MET and CC lead to decreased AMH level, DHEA and VD lead to increased AMH level, and GnRH-a leads to dynamic variation, which is correlated with PCOS, obesity, age, and duration of medication. The impacts of these medications should be taken into consideration when AMH is used as a marker of ovarian reserve.

Association of oral contraceptives and tubal ligation with antimüllerian hormone

OBJECTIVE

Oral contraceptives (OCs) and tubal ligation are commonly used methods of contraception that may impact ovarian function. Few studies have examined the association of these factors with antimüllerian hormone (AMH), a marker of ovarian aging.

METHODS

We examined the association of OC use and tubal ligation with AMH in the Nurses' Health Study II prospective cohort among a subset of 1,420 premenopausal participants who provided a blood sample in 1996-1999. History of OC use and tubal ligation were reported in 1989 and updated every 2 years until blood collection. We utilized generalized linear models to assess whether mean AMH levels varied by duration of and age at first use of OCs and history, age, and type of tubal ligation.

RESULTS

In multivariable models adjusted for smoking, reproductive events, and other lifestyle factors, we observed a significant, inverse association between duration of OC use and mean AMH levels (P for trend = 0.036). Compared to women without a tubal ligation, AMH levels were significantly lower when the procedure included a clip, ring, or band (1.04 ng/ml vs 1.72 ng/ml, P < 0.01). AMH levels were not associated with age at first use of OCs or age at tubal ligation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our analysis found an association between duration of OC use and certain types of tubal ligation with mean AMH levels. Further research is warranted to confirm the long-term association of these widely used contraceptive methods with AMH.

Breast Cancer Risk Factors and Circulating Anti-Müllerian Hormone Concentration in Healthy Premenopausal Women

CONTEXT

We previously reported that anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), a marker of ovarian reserve, is positively associated with breast cancer risk, consistent with other studies.

OBJECTIVE

This study assessed whether risk factors for breast cancer are correlates of AMH concentration.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 3831 healthy premenopausal women (aged 21-57, 87% aged 35-49) from 10 cohort studies among the general population.

RESULTS

Adjusting for age and cohort, AMH positively associated with age at menarche (P < 0.0001) and parity (P = 0.0008) and inversely associated with hysterectomy/partial oophorectomy (P = 0.0008). Compared with women of normal weight, AMH was lower (relative geometric mean difference 27%, P < 0.0001) among women who were obese. Current oral contraceptive (OC) use and current/former smoking were associated with lower AMH concentration than never use (40% and 12% lower, respectively, P < 0.0001). We observed higher AMH concentrations among women who had had a benign breast biopsy (15% higher, P = 0.03), a surrogate for benign breast disease, an association that has not been reported. In analyses stratified by age (<40 vs ≥40), associations of AMH with body mass index and OCs were similar in younger and older women, while associations with the other factors (menarche, parity, hysterectomy/partial oophorectomy, smoking, and benign breast biopsy) were limited to women ≥40 (P-interaction < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This is the largest study of AMH and breast cancer risk factors among women from the general population (not presenting with infertility), and it suggests that most associations are limited to women over 40, who are approaching menopause and whose AMH concentration is declining.

Duration, recency, and type of hormonal contraceptive use and antimüllerian hormone levels

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether the duration, recency, or type of hormonal contraceptive used is associated with antimüllerian hormone (AMH) levels, given that the existing literature regarding the association between hormonal contraceptive use and AMH levels is inconsistent.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Baseline data from the Study of the Environment, Lifestyle and Fibroids Study, a 5-year longitudinal study of African American women.

PATIENT(S)

The patients were 1,643 African American women aged 23-35 years at the time of blood drawing (2010-2012).

INTERVENTION(S)

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Serum AMH level was measured by an ultrasensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Linear regression models were used to estimate percent differences in mean AMH levels and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) according to use of hormonal contraceptives, with adjustment for potential confounders.

RESULT(S)

In multivariable-adjusted analyses, current users of hormonal contraceptives had 25.2% lower mean AMH levels than non-users of hormonal contraceptives (95% CI: -35.3%, -13.6%). There was little difference in AMH levels between former users and non-users of hormonal contraceptives (-4.4%; 95% CI: -16.3%, 9.0%). AMH levels were not appreciably associated with cumulative duration of use among former users or time since last use among non-current users. Current users of combined oral contraceptives (-24.0%; 95% CI: -36.6%, -8.9%), vaginal ring (-64.8%; 95% CI: -75.4%, -49.6%), and depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (-26.7%; 95% CI: -41.0%, -8.9%) had lower mean AMH levels than non-users.

CONCLUSION(S)

The present data suggest that AMH levels are significantly lower among current users of most forms of hormonal contraceptives, but that the suppressive effect of hormonal contraceptives on AMH levels is reversible.

Association between obesity and miscarriage among women of reproductive age in Nepal

Background

Obesity is a major health problem in low and middle income countries (LMICs) and is associated with miscarriage. This study aims to examine the association between obesity and miscarriage among reproductive age women (15–49 years) in Nepal.

Methods

The combined 19160 cross-sectional pregnancy data from the Nepal Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) for the years 2001, 2006, 2011 and 2016 was utilized. Miscarriage was defined as a spontaneous loss of pregnancy that occurred before the foetus reached 7 months of gestational age. Logistic regression analyses that adjusted for clustering, stratification and sampling weights were used to examine the association between obesity and miscarriage among women of reproductive age.

Results

The odds of miscarriage were 1.45 times higher (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) =  1.45; 95%Cl: 1.06, 1.98, P = 0.021) among women with obesity. Women who did not use contraception, younger (15–19 years), and older women (35 years or more) were significantly more likely to have miscarriage. Women who smoked tobacco reported higher odds of miscarriage than women who did not smoke tobacco (AOR =  1.27; 95%Cl: 1.07,1.50, P = 0.006). Stratification of maternal smoking status by maternal Body Mass Index (BMI), after adjusting for contraception, mother age and year of survey revealed that tobacco smoking and obesity are associated with miscarriage (AOR =  1.46; 95%Cl: 1.05,2.04, P = 0.025).

Conclusions

Findings from this study show that obesity and tobacco smoking are associated with miscarriage. Smoking cessation, pregnancy planning and counselling on healthy weight for women of reproductive age in Nepal may help promote healthy behaviours and decrease the likelihood of miscarriage.

Very Low Levels of Serum Anti-Müllerian Hormone as a Possible Marker for Follicle Growth in Patients with Primary Ovarian Insufficiency Under Hormone Replacement Therapy

Patients with primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) occasionally present with follicle growth; however, accurately predicting cycles accompanied by follicle growth is challenging. Early-stage follicles produce serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), a useful marker of ovarian reserve. Therefore, serum AMH levels indicate growth of small follicles (which are difficult to detect ultrasonographically) and may predict follicle growth in patients with POI. Using an ultrasensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit, we observed very low serum AMH levels in patients with POI. We further evaluated follicle growth in each patient during each cycle to determine the usefulness of measuring serum AMH levels as a predictor of follicle growth in patients with POI who receive hormone replacement therapy (HRT). We investigated 19 patients with POI in whom we analyzed 91 cycles; 14 cycles showed positive and 77 cycles showed negative results on serum AMH testing. The rate of cycles showing follicle growth in AMH-positive cycles was higher than that in AMH-negative cycles (64.3% vs. 6.5%, p = 0.0001). The median serum AMH level (7.7 pg/mL [25th and 75th percentiles 4.6 pg/mL and 22.3 pg/mL, respectively]) in AMH-positive cycles was lower than the lower limit of detection of conventional AMH ELISA kits. The positive predictive value of positive serum AMH levels for follicle growth was higher than that of follicle-stimulating hormone (< 10 mIU/mL). These results indicate that a very low level of serum AMH detected using picoAMH assays is a useful predictor of follicle growth in patients with POI receiving HRT.

Ovarian reserve markers in women using various hormonal contraceptives

Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess whether the ovarian reserve markers anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and antral follicle count (AFC) were lower among women using the progestin-only pill (POP) or levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) and similar to the decrease observed in combined oral contraceptive (COC) pill users.Methods: This retrospective study comprised 565 hormonal contraceptive users (COC, POP, LNG-IUS or contraceptive vaginal ring) and 983 non-hormonal contraceptive users, who were seen in two Danish fertility assessment and counselling clinics between 2015 and 2019. Adjusted multiple regression analysis was used to examine the differences in AMH and AFC between hormonal and non-hormonal contraceptive users.Results: Compared with non-hormonal contraceptive users, AMH was 31.1% lower among COC users [95% confidence interval (CI) -39.6%, -25.9%; p < 0.001], 35.6% lower among POP users (95% CI -49.0%, -18.6%; p < 0.001) and 17.1% lower among LNG-IUS users (95% CI -31.4%, 0.002%; p = 0.052); no significant differences were seen among vaginal ring users. Compared with non-hormonal contraceptive users, AFC was 31.3% lower among COC users (95% CI -35.0%, -25.3%; p < 0.001) and 29.7% lower among POP users (-39.1%, -17.9%; p < 0.001); no significant differences were seen among LNG-IUS or vaginal ring users. Ovarian volume was more than 50% reduced among COC and vaginal ring users (p < 0.001) but was unchanged among POP and LNG-IUS users.Conclusion: Assessment of ovarian reserve markers among users of all types of hormonal contraception should be interpreted cautiously and the type of contraceptive method considered.

Anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations in women with chronic kidney disease

Background

Serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a biomarker of ovarian reserve. There are limited data to guide the clinical interpretation of AMH in women with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The purpose of this study was to examine AMH concentrations in women with CKD compared with women without CKD.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study of serum AMH concentrations in 163 non-pregnant women with CKD. Serum AMH concentrations were compared with age-specific AMH centiles from 887 healthy female controls.

Results

Participants included 30 women with Stage 1 CKD, 37 women with Stage 2 CKD, 26 women with Stage 3a CKD, 31 women with Stage 3b CKD and 39 women with Stages 4 and 5 CKD. The median estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 51 (interquartile range 31–80) mL/min/1.73 m². Serum AMH concentrations were lower in all CKD stages compared with women without CKD. Women ages 20–24 years with CKD had comparable serum AMH concentrations (median 1.959 ng/mL) to women ages 35–39 years without CKD (median 1.995 ng/mL). There was no evidence that eGFR was an independent modifier of serum AMH concentrations. More than half of women with CKD (58%) were predicted to have a low response to gonadotrophin stimulation.

Conclusions

Women with CKD have a lower ovarian reserve and are predicted to have a lower ovarian response to gonadotrophin stimulation compared with women without CKD of a similar age. Women with CKD who fail to conceive within 6 months of regular unprotected intercourse should be considered for fertility assessment and intervention.

Assessment of Circulating Anti-Müllerian Hormone in Women Using Hormonal Contraception: A Systematic Review

Background: The status of ovarian reserve markers during hormonal contraception (HC) remains uncertain with conflicting literature data. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of HC on circulating anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and other ovarian reserve markers. Materials and Methods: A systematic review was conducted, including all cohort, cross-sectional, and randomized controlled studies assessing serum anti Müllerian hormone concentration in women using HC. Data sources included MEDLINE, EMBASE, DynaMed Plus, ScienceDirect, TRIP database, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the Cochrane Library from January 2000 to October 2018. Results: A total of 366 studies were identified, of which 15 were eligible, including 3280 women, mostly using combined HC (CHC). Articles were divided according to duration of HC into short- (2-3 weeks), medium- (2-6 months), long- (>1 year), and varied-term studies. Two study designs were identified, including studies comparing AMH before and during/after CHC and studies comparing CHC users versus nonusers. Short- and medium-term studies (n = 284) reported no change in circulating AMH in women using cyclical CHC for one to six cycles. Apart from one study, all long- and varied-term studies (six studies, n = 1601) consistently showed a marked decline in AMH, antral follicle count, and ovarian volume. Three long-term studies (n = 1324) provided evidence of AMH recovery after discontinuation of HC. Conclusion: Circulating AMH seems to remain unchanged in women using cyclical CHC for up to 6 months, but appears to markedly decline in long-term users with recovery after discontinuation.

Age-specific reference values and cut-off points for anti-müllerian hormone in infertile women following a long agonist treatment protocol for IVF

PURPOSE

The aims of this study were to determining the reference value of anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) in infertile women and effect of AMH on different ovarian responses in the stratum of BMI categories.

METHODS

Through a retrospective cohort study the information of 816 infertile patients referring to the referral infertility clinic of Mahdiyeh Hospital since the beginning of 2011 until the end of January 2016 were used. The normal-based method was undertaken to calculate age-specific AMH percentiles. To determine the effect of AMH on the outcomes of different ovarian responses following adjustment of associated variables, the multinomial regression model was used.

RESULTS

Estimated reference intervals for AMH corresponding to the 2.5 and 97.5th‰ in patients with normal ovarian response are from 0.096 to 6.2 ng/mL. These values for percentiles of 5, 10, 25, 50, 75, 90, and 95% are, respectively, 0.18, 0.33, 0.77, 1.68, 3.05, 4.45, and 5.36 ng/dL. Also the reference value for the 20-year-old participants has a maximum range (0.12-7.64), while for 43-year-old ones has the lowest range (0.08-5.3). Among participants under and above 35 years old, the optimal cut-off points for predicting normal ovarian response are, respectively, 1.5 and 1.2 ng/dL. With each unit increase in the log of AMH concentration, the odds of having excessive ovarian response in patients with normal weight compared to that of having normal ovarian response is 32% higher.

CONCLUSIONS

Determining AMH reference values in IVF candidates allows specialists to measure only AMH plasma levels in IVF candidates so as to find whether or not the ovarian response is normal before applying other therapeutic measures; accordingly, they can adjust a treatment plan for each individual separately.

Prediction value of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) serum levels and antral follicle count (AFC) in hormonal contraceptive (HC) users and non-HC users undergoing IVF-PGD treatment

Use of hormone contraceptives (HC) is very popular in the reproductive age and, therefore, evaluation of ovarian reserve would be a useful tool to accurately evaluate the reproductive potential in HC users. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 41 HC users compared to 57 non-HC users undergoing IVF-preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) aiming to evaluate the effect of HC on the levels of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), small (2-5 mm), large (6-10 mm) and total antral follicle count (AFC) and the ability of these markers to predict IVF outcome. Significant differences in large AFC (p = 0.04) and ovarian volume (p < 0.0001) were seen, however, there were no significant differences in small and total AFC or in serum AMH and FSH levels. Oocyte number significantly correlated with AMH and total AFC in HC users (p < 0.001) while in non-HC users these correlations were weaker. In HC users, the significant predictors of achieving <6 and >18 oocytes were AFC (ROC-AUC; 0.958, p = 0.001 and 0.883, p = 0.001) and AMH (ROC-AUC-0.858, p = 0.01 and 0.878, p = 0.001), respectively. The predictive values were less significant in non-HC users. These findings are important in women treated for PGD, in ovum donors and for assessing the fertility prognosis in women using HC and wishing to postpone pregnancy.

Anti-Müllerian Hormone in Female Adolescent Cancer Patients Before, During, and After Completion of Therapy: A Pilot Feasibility Study

STUDY OBJECTIVE

Alkylating agents are implicated in premature ovarian insufficiency. To optimize counseling regarding future ovarian function in survivors of adolescent cancer, we describe anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels in female adolescents at diagnosis, during, and shortly after completion of chemotherapy. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, INTERVENTIONS, AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: This was a prospective single-institution study. Participants were a mixed population of newly diagnosed postmenarchal female adolescents with malignancy. AMH was performed at diagnosis (T1), 6 months from diagnosis (T2), at end of therapy or 12 months [T3, whichever came first], 1 year after the end of therapy or 24 months from diagnosis [T4, whichever came first], and 18 months from the time of diagnosis (T5). All patients had baseline pelvic ultrasound examinations. Presence of menses and hot flashes were recorded at each time point.

RESULTS

Sixteen participants with a median age at diagnosis of 14.3 years (range 12-17 years) were followed for 18.2 months (range, 14-24 months). Oncology diagnoses included leukemia, lymphoma, and sarcoma. Ten patients (62.5%) received alkylating agents with a median cumulative dose of 3041 mg/m² (range, 2639-6478 mg/m²) of cyclophosphamide. Almost half (n = 7; 44%) experienced amenorrhea during treatment with resumption of menses in 6 of 7 patients (85%). Fifteen of 16 (94%) participants showed a decline in mean AMH levels by 6 months (T2) from diagnosis (15.8 IU/mL at T1 vs 6.5 IU/mL at T2; P = .003) and 12 of 15 (80%) showed at least some recovery of AMH (mean AMH at T4 = 13.2 IU/mL compared with 6.5 IU/mL at T2; P = .02). There was no difference in the mean decline nor recovery of AMH in those who did, vs did not receive cyclophosphamide.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this is the largest series to date in adolescents showing that AMH is uniformly suppressed during cancer therapy and short-term recovery occurs in just more than half of the patients by 18-24 months. The contribution of short-term AMH measurements in predicting long-term ovarian function remains to be defined. Long-term follow-up with serial AMH levels is required to help predict those at risk for premature ovarian insufficiency.

Is the suppressive effect of cyproterone acetate on serum anti-Müllerian-hormone levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome stronger than under oral contraceptive pill?

OBJECTIVE

To compare the suppressive effect of anti-androgen therapy by cyproterone acetate (CPA) and by oral contraceptive pill (OCP) on anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in order to detect a putative direct anti-androgen effect on AMH excess.

METHODS

This is a prospective longitudinal study including 58 women with PCOS between January 2010 and April 2014 at the Lille University Hospital. A total of 47 women with clinical hyperandrogenism were treated by CPA (50 mg/d was administered 20 days out of 28) and 11 women with PCOS but without clinical hyperandrogenism received OCP.

RESULT(S)

Serum AHM levels at baseline were similar in CPA and OCP groups (median [5-95th percentiles]: 60.4 pmol/l [25.1-200.2] versus 58 pmol/l [27.6-100], respectively, p = 0.39). After 3 months of treatment, serum AMH levels decreased significantly by 28% ± 20% and by 22% ± 27% in CPA and OCP groups, respectively. The decrease under both treatments was similar (p = 0.48).

CONCLUSION(S)

That any anti-androgen effect could be observed on AMH in our CPA group in addition to the gonadotropin-suppressing effect suggests that either androgens are not involved in AMH regulation or that they act by interfering with gonadotropin effects on granulosa cells.

Novel correlates between antimüllerian hormone and menstrual cycle characteristics in African-American women (23-35 years-old)

OBJECTIVE

To characterize normative antimüllerian hormone (AMH) levels and ascertain which factors are associated with AMH in a large cohort of reproductive-age women.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Not applicable.

PATIENT(S)

A total of 1,654 African-American women (AAW) ages 23-34 at recruitment.

INTERVENTION(S)

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Serum AMH measured using an ultrasensitive ELISA.

RESULT(S)

The median AMH was 3.18 ng/mL, and there was a significant, but nonlinear, relationship between age and AMH, with levels peaking at age 25. As AMH was not normally distributed, log transformation was performed and used for all analyses. In a multivariable age-adjusted model, body mass index, current use of hormonal contraception, and history of a thyroid condition were inversely associated with AMH, while history of abnormal menstrual bleeding and menstrual cycles longer than 35 days were positively associated with AMH.

CONCLUSION(S)

While age is correlated with AMH, it accounts for only a portion of the variation seen. This study adds valuable information to the existing literature on normative AMH levels in young reproductive-age women. While our findings fill a critical data gap for ovarian reserve in AAW, the insights gained will be of benefit for all women.

Effect of long-term using of hormonal contraception on anti-Müllerian hormone secretion

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is an important factor associated with female fertility and the ovarian reserve. There are several past studies available concerning the influence of hormonal contraception (HC) on serum AMH levels. Recent studies have reported that AMH levels in women using HC can be about 30% lower compared to those not using HC. However, earlier studies showed no reduction in AMH levels in HC users. We decided to evaluate the effects of long-term HC use (mean duration of HC use: 11.4 years) on AMH levels in women. To exclude potential shorter and reversible decreasing effects of HC on fertility function, we decided to include women in the study who had stopped using HC 1 year before the AMH sample collection. We examined 105 women who used HC and 44 women who had never used HC. The median concentration of AMH in the group of long-term users of HC was 2.89 and 3.37 ng/ml in the group of women who had never used HC. We found no statistically significant difference (p = 0.3261). In conclusion, we observed no negative impact of HC on the AMH serum levels. AMH can be used as an ovarian reserve marker for these women.

Different Effects of Myoinositol plus Folic Acid versus Combined Oral Treatment on Androgen Levels in PCOS Women

Recently, myoinositol (myo-ins) and folic acid combination has gained an important role for treating Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), in addition to combined oral contraceptives (COC). We aimed to examine myo-ins effects on anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels and compare them with those ones obtained administering COC. In this prospective study, 137 PCOS patients, diagnosed according to Rotterdam criteria and admitted to the Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Outpatient Clinic at Dokuz Eylul University (Izmir, Turkey), were included. After randomization to COC (n = 60) and myo-ins (n = 77) arms, anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, Modified Ferriman Gallwey scores were calculated. Biochemical and hormonal analysis were performed, and LH/FSH and Apo B/A1 ratios were calculated. Data analysis was carried out in demographically and clinically matched 106 patients (COC = 54; myo-ins = 52). After 3-month treatment, increase in HDL and decreases in LH and LH/FSH ratio were statistically more significant only in COC group when compared with baseline (in both cases p > 0.05). In myo-ins group, fasting glucose, LDL, DHEAS, total cholesterol, and prolactin levels decreased significantly (for all p < 0.05). Progesterone and AMH levels, ovarian volume, ovarian antral follicle, and total antral follicle counts lessened significantly in both groups (for all p < 0.05). In PCOS treatment, MYO is observed more effective in reductions of total ovarian volume and AMH levels.

The utility of measuring anti-Müllerian hormone in predicting menopause

Menopause is a relevant phase in a woman's reproductive life. Accurate estimation of the time of menopause could improve the preventive management of women's health. Reproductive hormones reflect the activity of follicle pools and provide information about ovarian aging. Anti-Mu llerian hormone (AMH) is secreted from small antral follicles and its level is correlated to the ovarian reserve. AMH declines with age, and data suggest that it can provide information on menopausal age and reproductive lifespan. Serum AMH levels become low approximately 5 years before the final menstrual period and are undetectable in postmenopausal women. The majority of studies indicate that AMH is relatively stable throughout the menstrual cycle; however, there are interindividual variabilites of serum AMH concentration under different conditions. AMH is an independent predictor of time to menopause. AMH coupled with age for menopause prediction provides stronger information than using age alone. Ongoing research is focused on constructing a multivariate model including AMH values, genes related to follicular recruitment and maternal age of menopause that would predict more precisily time to menopause.

History of oral contraceptive use and risk of spontaneous abortion

PURPOSE

To examine the association between pregravid oral contraceptive (OC) use and spontaneous abortion (SAB).

METHODS

In an Internet-based preconception cohort study of 4862 Danish pregnancy planners, we used Cox proportional hazards models to estimate adjusted hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between OC use and SAB. We controlled for maternal age, physical activity, parity, education, alcohol and caffeine consumption, body mass index, and smoking.

RESULTS

Compared with women who discontinued OCs >1 year before conception, HRs were 0.95 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.77-1.17), 0.99 (95% CI = 0.82-1.19), and 0.80 (95% CI = 0.60-1.06) for women who discontinued OCs 7-12, 2-6, and 0-1 months before conception, respectively. Compared with less than 4 years of OC use, HRs for 4-7, 8-11, and 12 years or more of OC use were 1.05 (95% CI = 0.80-1.37), 0.92 (95% CI = 0.71-1.19), and 0.88 (95% CI = 0.65-1.19), respectively. Dose of estrogen and generation of progestin were not materially associated with SAB risk.

CONCLUSIONS

We found no evidence that pregravid OC use is associated with an increase in SAB. Use within 1 month of conception was associated with a slightly lower risk of SAB, but this may be due to increased reproductive fitness in women who conceive quickly after discontinuation of OCs.

Prediction of different ovarian responses using anti-Müllerian hormone following a long agonist treatment protocol for IVF

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to predict the poor and excessive ovarian response using anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels following a long agonist protocol in IVF candidates.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Through a prospective cohort study, the type of relationship and appropriate scale for AMH were determined using the fractional polynomial regression. To determine the effect of AMH on the outcomes of ovarian stimulation and different ovarian responses, the multi-nominal and negative binomial regression models were fitted using backward stepwise method. The ovarian response of study subject who entered a standard long-term treatment cycle with GnRH agonist was evaluated using prediction model, separately and in combined models with (ROC) curves.

RESULTS

The use of standard long-term treatments with GnRH agonist led to positive pregnancy test results in 30% of treated patients. With each unit increase in the log of AMH, the odds ratio of having poor response compared to normal response decreases by 64% (OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.19-0.68). Also the results of negative binomial regression model indicated that for one unit increase in the log of AMH blood levels, the odds of releasing an oocyte increased 24% (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.14-1.35). The optimal cut-off points of AMH for predicting excessive and poor ovarian responses were 3.4 and 1.2 ng/ml, respectively, with area under curves of 0.69 (0.60-0.77) and 0.76 (0.66-0.86), respectively.

CONCLUSION

By considering the age of the patient undergoing infertility treatment as a variable affecting ovulation, use of AMH levels showed to be a good test to discriminate between different ovarian responses.

Impact of CD4+ lymphocytes and HIV infection on Anti-Müllerian Hormone levels in a large cohort of HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected women

PROBLEM

Effects of HIV infection on ovarian function and aging are unclear.

METHOD OF STUDY

Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) levels were analyzed in 2621 HIV-infected and 941 uninfected participants using left-censored longitudinal models.

RESULTS

Age-adjusted AMH levels were 16% lower in women with undetectable viraemia and 26% lower in detectable viraemia, relative to uninfected women. Current CD4 count associated with higher AMH in both HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected women. After controlling for current and nadir CD4, AMH was ~15% higher in HIV-infected relative to uninfected women, regardless of HIV viraemia. Gravidity, amenorrhea, and nadir total lymphocyte counts associated with higher AMH; hormonal contraceptive use and past weight loss associated with lower AMH.

CONCLUSIONS

CD4 +  lymphocyte counts were associated with AMH in both HIV-infected and uninfected women. After adjustment for CD4 counts and age, HIV infection was associated with higher AMH. CD4 T cells and cellular activation may influence ovarian granulosa cell function.

Female reproductive decline is determined by remaining ovarian reserve and age

The early decline and loss of female fertility in humans and other species represents an evolutionary paradox. Despite being born with a vast stock of oocytes, females encounter an exhaustion of ovarian reserve and sterility half way through their natural lives. Female reproductive ageing has been proposed to proceed as an ongoing decline in ovarian reserve, determined by remaining ovarian follicle number. However, despite extensive modelling, the respective contributions of intra-, inter-, and extra-ovarian signalling have not been fully characterised. It remains unclear whether reproductive ageing progresses simply as a pre-determined function of remaining ovarian follicles, or as an age-dependent process in humans. Here, we have analysed ovarian response to hormonal stimulation in women who have undergone surgical removal of a single ovary, in order to investigate the relative contributions of intra-, inter, and extra-ovarian signalling on reproductive ageing. Our data show that in unilaterally oophorectomised women, ovarian response to follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) declines beyond levels predicted by a total ovarian follicle pool model of reproductive ageing. Maintenance of ovarian function later in reproductive life, despite the removal of half of the total ovarian reserve, suggests a role for an extra-ovarian age-dependent regulation of reproductive decline. This highlights the need for further work to identify signalling factors that communicate age-related signals between the soma and the germline.

Cystic fibrosis (cf) and ovarian reserve: A cross-sectional study examining serum anti-mullerian hormone (amh) in young women

BACKGROUND

Reduced female fertility in CF is believed to be due to thick cervical mucous, poor nutritional status, functional hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and possibly increased inflammation. Literature suggests that reduced ovarian reserve may also play a role.

METHODS

20 women with CF and 20 controls age 18-35 years were recruited. Serum anti-mullerian hormone (AMH), estradiol and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were assessed as well as antral follicle count (AFC) using transvaginal ultrasound.

RESULTS

Women with CF had significantly lower AMH levels than controls (17.8+/-4.7 vs. 33.2+/-21.0 pmol/L respectively; p=0.004). There were no differences in estradiol, FSH or AFC.

CONCLUSIONS

Women with CF have reduced ovarian reserve which may contribute to sub-fertility. CF care providers should consider referring women with CF to fertility specialists early to optimize chances of pregnancy.

Validation of an immunoassay for anti-Müllerian hormone measurements and reference intervals in healthy Brazilian subjects

Background

Anti-Müllerian hormone is marker of ovarian and testicular reserve. The clinical use of this hormone requires proper standardization of reference intervals. The aims of this study were to validate the Anti-Müllerian hormone Gen II immunoassay, to establish Anti-Müllerian hormone reference intervals in healthy subjects, and to evaluate the influence of hormonal contraceptives, smoking, and body mass index on Anti-Müllerian hormone.

Methods

The validation of the Anti-Müllerian hormone Gen II assay (Beckman Coulter Company, TX, USA) was performed using a simplified protocol recommended by Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute. One-hundred and thirty-three healthy females and 120 males were prospectively selected for this study.

Results

The analytical and functional sensitivities of the Anti-Müllerian hormone Gen II immunoassay were 0.02 and 0.2 ng/mL, respectively. Intra-assay coefficients ranged from 5.2 to 9.0%, whereas inter-assay precision ranged from 4.6 to 7.8% at different concentrations. In females, Anti-Müllerian hormone showed progressive decline with increasing age (r = −0.4, p < 0.001), whereas in males, age showed no influence on Anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations. In females, Anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations did not differ between users and non-users of hormonal contraceptives, smokers, and non-smokers and obese and lean individuals. However, there was a negative and significant correlation between Anti-Müllerian hormone and body mass index in males (r = −0.3, p = 0.008).

Conclusions

Anti-Müllerian hormone Gen II assay was reliable for determining serum Anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations. Anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations declined with aging and presented a wide inter-individual variability. The lack of influence of hormonal contraceptives, smoking, and obesity on Anti-Müllerian hormone in both sexes allowed us to refine the normative concentrations for the Brazilian population.

[What's new in 2014 about anti-Müllerian hormone?]

The existence of the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) has been postulated by Professor Alfred Jost to explain the regression of the Müllerian ducts during male sexual differentiation. Since then, AMH has been purified, its gene and specific receptor, AMHR-II have been cloned. Further, the signaling pathways were identified and it has been observed that AMH was produced by the granulosa cells of growing follicles. From the 2000s, unexpected roles of AMH have been highlighted, reactivating international research on this hormone. It is now well established that AMH plays a key role in the follicular recruitment and development. Over the past years, serum AMH measurements have been proposed as a marker of the follicular ovarian status, and a predictor of assisted reproductive cycles. AMH is also useful to assess the effectiveness of treatment of some gynecological tumors. This article is a review of the past five years advances on the regulation of the expression of AMH and its specific receptor AMHR-II in female.

Antimüllerian hormone and antral follicle count are lower in female cancer survivors and healthy women taking hormonal contraception

OBJECTIVE

To determine the impact of hormonal contraception (HC) on markers of ovarian reserve, including antimüllerian hormone (AMH) and antral follicle count (AFC).

DESIGN

Longitudinal prospective cohort.

SETTING

University hospital.

PATIENT(S)

Young adult female cancer survivors and healthy similar-age women.

INTERVENTION(S)

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Participants were followed annually to determine hormone levels and for transvaginal ultrasound. Subjects who used HC within the preceding 3 months were considered to be exposed. Linear mixed effects models were used to incorporate repeated measures and adjust for potential confounders.

RESULT(S)

A total of 249 women (126 survivors, 123 control subjects; average age 25.5 years) were followed for an average of 2.1 visits and 2.15 years. After adjusting for confounders, AMH was found to be 21% lower among survivors using HC and 55% lower among control subjects using HC (relative risk [RR] 0.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.68-0.93; and RR 0.45, 95% CI 0.30-0.68; respectively). AFC was 20% lower among survivors and control subjects using HC (RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.69-0.93). When considering an individual subject, AMH was 17%-35% lower when a subject had recently used HC than when she had not (survivors: RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.75-0.93; control subjects: RR 0.65, 95% CI 0.55-0.78), and AFC was 11% lower (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.82-0.96). Additive HC exposure across multiple visits was not associated with differences in AMH or AFC.

CONCLUSION(S)

AMH and AFC are significantly lower among women with recent exposure to HC. AMH and AFC should be interpreted with caution when measured in the setting of recent hormone use.

Anti-Müllerian hormone in reproductive age women with systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an inflammatory autoimmune systemic and chronic disease. Fertility in SLE patients is considered normal; factors that have been associated in these patients with ovarian failure are: disease activity, autoantibodies, and the use of cytotoxic agents. The anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a marker that helps to determine the follicular reserve.

OBJECTIVE

Determinate the objective was to determine AMH levels in women of reproductive age with SLE.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We included 65 women with SLE classified according to the 1997 ACR criteria, 18- to 40-years old. We obtained demographic, clinical, obstetric, and gynecological characteristics as well as serum levels of AMH. We performed a bivariate analysis among patients with low ovarian reserve and those with normal ovarian reserve. We also performed a correlation analysis between activity and damage index and between the cumulative cyclophosphamide dose and AMH levels.

RESULTS

We found a median of serum AMH in SLE patients of .61 ng/mL. The prevalence of low ovarian reserve in our study was 3.07%. We found a median MEX-SLEDAI score of 1 point and the median SLICC score was 2 points. Twenty-five patients (38.4%) had used cyclophosphamide and their cumulative average dose was 7.5 grams.

CONCLUSIONS

We found a median of AMH of .61 ng/mL in our population. The prevalence of low ovarian reserve in SLE patients was 3.07%. We did not find a correlation between AMH levels, the use of cyclophosphamide, and disease activity.

Gonadal and uterine function in female survivors treated by chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and/or bone marrow transplantation for childhood malignant and non-malignant diseases

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate gonadal function and uterine volume in a cohort of female survivors treated by chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and/or stem cell transplantation (SCT) for childhood malignant and non-malignant diseases.

DESIGN

An observational study.

SETTING

S. Matteo Hospital, Pavia, Italy.

POPULATION

A cohort of 135 female survivors.

METHODS

A clinical, hormonal, and ultrasonographic evaluation. Thirty-three patients (24%) had non-malignant haematologic diseases (thalassaemia or sickle cell anaemia), 68 (50%) had leukaemia, 23 (17%) had lymphomas, and 11 (8%) had solid tumours. In total, 106 patients had received SCT, preceded by a conditioning regimen.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and Inhibin-B, and uterine volume.

RESULTS

The median concentrations of AMH and Inhibin-B in the entire cohort were 0.12 ng/ml (interquartile range, IQR, 0.1-0.5 ng/ml) and 3.5 pg/ml (IQR 0.1-13.2 pg/ml), respectively. In a stepwise ordered logistic regression analysis, conventional chemotherapy for the treatment of malignancies, as opposed to total body irradiation (TBI), was the only oncologically significant predictor of increased AMH levels (OR 4.8, 95% CI 1.9-12, P < 0.001). Conditioning treatment before or after menarche did not influence AMH concentrations (P = 0.24). The best predictor of reduced uterine volume was TBI during the preparation for the allograft (OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.4-8.4, P = 0.006). Increasing age at treatment (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.77-0.95, P = 0.04), chemotherapy, as opposed to other treatments (OR 0.09, 95% CI 0.03-0.28, P < 0.001), and solid tumours as opposed to either leukaemia/lymphomas or non-malignant diseases (OR 0.2, 95% CI 0.07-0.56, P = 0.002) were associated with larger uterine volumes.

CONCLUSIONS

Conditioning therapies for SCT, including TBI, had the worst effects on uterine volume and gonadal reserve. Increasing age at treatment and conventional chemotherapy were associated with less detrimental effects on uterine volume.

Anti-Mullerian hormone: determination of ovarian reserve in early breast cancer patients

Breast cancer is the most common invasive cancer in women of reproductive age. In young women, chemotherapy may induce amenorrhea: it is still uncertain how to assess menopausal status in these patients despite the importance of its definition for choosing appropriate endocrine treatment. In the development of sensitive biomarkers for fertility and ovarian reserve, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is considered a promising marker of ovarian reserve. The clearest data regarding a clinical use of AMH are related to the measurement of the ovarian pool in women who undergo IVF: the available data, also in breast cancer patients, seem to suggest that AMH measurement, before gonadotropin administration, can be a useful marker for the prediction of women at risk for poor-response or no response to ovarian stimulation. The utility of AMH as a potential marker of chemotherapy-induced ovarian follicular depletion and an early plasma marker of chemotherapy-induced gonadal damage has been evaluated both in young women after treatment for cancer in childhood and in young survivors of hematological malignancies and solid tumors. Several studies have demonstrated a potential utility of AMH, inhibin, or follicle-stimulating factor as biomarkers predicting infertility risk in breast cancer patients, but the studies conducted so far are not conclusive. Further studies are needed in order to define the regimen-specific action of chemotherapy on AMH levels, the percentage of post-treatment recovery of plasma levels of the hormone, and the relationship between menopausal status and AMH.

Reproductive and lifestyle determinants of anti-Müllerian hormone in a large population-based study

CONTEXT

Anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) is an ovarian reserve marker that is increasingly applied in clinical practice as a prognostic and diagnostic tool. Despite increased use of AMH in clinical practice, large-scale studies addressing the influence of possible determinants on AMH levels are scarce.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to address the role of reproductive and lifestyle determinants of AMH in a large population-based cohort of women.

DESIGN

In this cross-sectional study, age-specific AMH percentiles were calculated using general linear modeling with CG-LMS (Cole and Green, Lambda, Mu, and Sigma model, an established method to calculate growth curves for children).

SETTING

Women from the general community participating in the Doetinchem Cohort study were assessed.

PARTICIPANTS

Two thousand three hundred twenty premenopausal women were included.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The effect of female reproductive and lifestyle factors on shifts in age-specific AMH percentiles was studied.

RESULTS

In comparison to women with a regular menstrual cycle, current oral contraceptive (OC) users, women with menstrual cycle irregularity, and pregnant women had significantly lower age-specific AMH percentiles (for OC use, 11 percentiles lower; for cycle irregularity, 11 percentiles lower; and for pregnancy, 17 percentiles lower [P value for all <.0001]). Age at menarche and age at first childbirth were not associated with the age-specific AMH percentile. Higher parity was associated with 2 percentiles higher age-specific AMH (P = .02). Of the lifestyle factors investigated, current smoking was associated with 4 percentiles lower age-specific AMH percentiles (P = .02), irrespective of the smoking dose. Body mass index, waist circumference, alcohol consumption, physical exercise, and socioeconomic status were not significantly associated with age-specific AMH percentiles.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that several reproductive and lifestyle factors are associated with age-specific AMH levels. The lower AMH levels associated with OC use and smoking seem reversible, as effects were confined to current use of OC or cigarettes. It is important to give careful consideration to the effect of such determinants when interpreting AMH in a clinical setting and basing patient management on AMH.

Ovarian function in female survivors of childhood malignancies

BACKGROUND

Chemotherapy-induced infertility is a common side effect observed in women of fertile age after treatment for malignant disease.

OBJECTIVES

to study gonadal function and fertility in female survivors of childhood malignancies.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Study included 30 female cancer survivors and 30 age-matched healthy females as a control group. Data collected regarding; type of malignancy, age at diagnosis, duration on and off treatment, treatment received (radiation or chemotherapeutic regimens), sexual, menstrual, pregnancy, and fertility histories were also recorded. Laboratory investigations included; T4, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), leutinizing hormone (LH), follicular stimulating hormone (FSH), and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH). Pelviabdominal ultrasound was done to estimate the mean ovarian volume.

RESULTS

Among patients; 80% had normal menarche and 6 (20%) had delayed menarche (P > .05). There was higher LH and FSH levels and lower AMH levels in patients (P < .05) with no significant difference in thyroid function tests (P > .05). Lower mean ovarian volume was observed among female survivors (6.32 ± 2.31 cm(3)) (P = .041). There was a higher FSH and LH levels among female survivors of solid tumors compared to those with hematological tumors (P = .05 and .04 respectively). There was a significant positive correlation between FSH level and patients' age at start of malignancy (r = 0.65, P = .014), age of menarche (r = 0.74, P = .036), and duration of treatment (r = 0.54, P = .025).There was a significant negative correlation between age of menarche and AMH level (r = -0.61, P = .03).

CONCLUSION

Female survivors of childhood malignancies had reduced ovarian reserve and reduced mean ovarian volume, especially those with older age, older age of menarche, and longer treatment duration.

How Much Does AMH Really Vary in Normal Women?

Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) is an ovarian hormone expressed in growing follicles that have undergone recruitment from the primordial follicle pool but have not yet been selected for dominance. It is considered an accurate marker of ovarian reserve, able to reflect the size of the ovarian follicular pool of a woman of reproductive age. In comparison to other hormonal biomarkers such as serum FSH, low intra- and intermenstrual cycle variability have been proposed for AMH. This review summarizes the knowledge regarding within-subject variability, with particular attention on AMH intracycle variability. Moreover the impact of ethnicity, body mass index, and smoking behaviour on AMH interindividual variability will be reviewed. Finally changes in AMH serum levels in two conditions of ovarian quiescence, namely contraceptives use and pregnancy, will be discussed. The present review aims at guiding researchers and clinicians in interpreting AMH values and fluctuations in various research and clinical scenarios.

Correlation between three assay systems for anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) determination

Purpose

Analysis of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is becoming of recognized importance in reproductive medicine, but assays are not standardized. We have evaluated the correlation between the new Gen II ELISA kit (Beckman-Coutler) and the older ELISA kits by Immunotech (IOT) and Diagnostic Systems Laboratories (DSL).

Methods

A total of 56 archived serum samples from patients with subfertility or reproductive endocrine disorders were retrieved and assayed in duplicate using the three AMH ELISA kits . The samples covered a wide range of AMH concentrations (1.9 to 142.5 pmol/L).

Results

We observed good correlations between the new (AMH Gen II) and old AMH assay kits by IOT and DSL (R² = 0.971 and 0.930 respectively). The regression equations were AMH (Gen II) = 1.353 × AMH (IOT) + 0.051 and AMH (Gen II) = 1.223 × AMH (DSL) – 1.270 respectively.

Conclusions

AMH concentrations using the Gen II kit are slightly higher than those from the IOT and DSL kits. Standardization of assay results worldwide is urgently required but this analysis facilitates the interpretation of values obtained historically and in future studies using any of the 3 assays available. Meanwhile, adapting clinical cut-offs from previously published work by direct conversion is not recommended.

Pretreatment antimüllerian hormone levels determine rate of posttherapy ovarian reserve recovery: acute changes in ovarian reserve during and after chemotherapy

OBJECTIVE

To identify factors associated with ovarian reserve impairment during and immediately after chemotherapy.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Four university hospitals.

PATIENT(S)

Forty-six adolescent and young adult women with a new diagnosis of cancer requiring chemotherapy.

INTERVENTION(S)

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Measurements of ovarian reserve via levels of serum follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol, inhibin B, and antimüllerian hormone (AMH) as well as antral follicle counts and mean ovarian volume at 3-month intervals.

RESULT(S)

Changes in ovarian reserve were quantified for both the acute impact of treatment using linear regression and the longitudinal recovery after therapy using mixed-effects models adjusted for baseline ovarian reserve, use of alkylating agent, and hormone use. The women had at least one pretreatment and two posttreatment study visits (mean follow-up interval: 12 months). All measures of ovarian reserve demonstrated statistically significant changes during chemotherapy. Alkylating agent exposure and baseline ovarian reserve were acutely associated with the magnitude of impairment, and pretreatment AMH levels were associated with the rate of recovery of AMH after treatment. In adjusted models, participants with a pretreatment AMH level > 2 ng/mL recovered at a rate of 11.9% per month after chemotherapy, whereas participants with pretreatment AMH levels ≤ 2 ng/mL recovered at a rate of 2.6% per month after therapy.

CONCLUSION(S)

Baseline ovarian reserve and alkylating agent exposure effect the magnitude of acute changes in ovarian reserve from chemotherapy. The rate of recovery of AMH is impacted by pretreatment levels. This should be considered during pretreatment fertility preservation counseling.

Ovarian reserve parameters: a comparison between users and non-users of hormonal contraception

It remains controversial whether anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentration is influenced by hormonal contraception. This study quantified the effect of hormonal contraception on both endocrine and sonographic ovarian reserve markers in 228 users and 504 non-users of hormonal contraception. On day 2-5 of the menstrual cycle or during withdrawal bleeding, blood sampling and transvaginal sonography was performed. After adjusting for age, ovarian reserve parameters were lower among users than among non-users of hormonal contraception: serum AMH concentration by 29.8% (95% CI 19.9 to 38.5%), antral follicle count (AFC) by 30.4% (95% CI 23.6 to 36.7%) and ovarian volume by 42.2% (95% CI 37.8 to 46.3%). AFC in all follicle size categories (small, 2-4 mm; intermediate, 5-7 mm; large, 8-10 mm) was lower in users than in non-users of hormonal contraception. A negatively linear association was observed between duration of hormonal-contraception use and ovarian reserve parameters. No dose-response relation was found between the dose of ethinyloestradiol and AMH or AFC. This study indicates that ovarian reserve markers are lower in women using sex steroids for contraception. Thus, AMH concentration and AFC may not retain their accuracy as predictors of ovarian reserve in women using hormonal contraception. Serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentration is an indirect marker of the number of small follicles in the ovary and thereby the ovarian reserve. The AMH concentration is now widely used as one of the markers of the ovarian reserve in ovarian hormonal stimulation regimens. Hence the AMH concentration in a patient is used to decide the dose of the ovarian hormonal stimulation prior to IVF treatment. In some infertile patients, hormonal contraception is used prior to ovarian hormonal stimulation and therefore it is important to clarify whether serum AMH concentration is influenced by the use of sex steroids. The aim of this study was to quantify the potential effect of hormonal contraception on the ovarian function by hormonal analyses and ovarian ultrasound examination. Examinations were performed in the early phase of the menstrual cycle or the hormone-free interval of hormonal contraception. We compared the AMH concentration, the antral follicle count (AFC) and the ovarian volume in 228 users versus 504 non-users of hormonal contraception. Users of hormonal contraception had 29.8% lower AMH concentration, 30.4% lower AFC and 42.2% lower ovarian volume than non-users. These findings were more pronounced with increasing duration of hormonal contraception. No dose-response relation was found between the dose of ethinylestradiol and the impact on serum AMH and AFC. The study indicates that ovarian reserve markers are lower in women using sex steroids for contraception. Thus, serum AMH concentration and AFC may not retain their accuracy as predictors of the ovarian reserve in women using hormonal contraception.