In a nutshell
This study investigated if anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) was associated with antral follicle count in women with polycystic ovarian conditions.
They found that AMH levels were a reliable predictor of antral follicle count in these patients.
Some background
Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) is produced in the premature ovarian (antral) follicle. AMH is considered an indicator of the number of antral follicles in the ovary. Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM) have ovarian follicles that do not produce as much AMH as women without PCOS. As a result measuring AMH levels in these patients may not provide an accurate indication of the number of antral follicles.
Methods & findings
262 women with PCOS, PCOM or neither condition (‘control’ group) were included in the study. Blood tests to measure AMH and a vaginal ultrasound to measure antral follicles were performed.
The number of antral follicles (AFC) and the level of AMH were 3-fold higher in women with PCOS and 2-fold higher in women with PCOM compared to the control group. In all groups high AFC was associated with high AMH. The used of hormonal contraception did not alter these findings.
The bottom line
This study concluded that AMH levels are a solid indicator of the number of antral follicles in women with PCOS and PCOM.
The fine print
Patients with PCOS and PCOM were significantly younger than the controls. Age can affect the level of AMH.
Published By :
PLOS ONE
Date :
Jan 22, 2016
