Is there a link between body mass index and anti-Mullerian hormone level in infertile women?

This study investigated the relationship between anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels and body mass index (BMI) in infertile women. 

They found that higher AMH levels are associated with higher BMI. 

Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) is an important female hormone. It stimulates the ovaries to produce mature oocytes (eggs). AMH is used as an indicator of ovarian reserve (OR). OR is a measure of how many viable eggs a woman has. If a woman has a poor OR (low AMH) then it suggests infertility. AMH levels can indicate if a patient will respond to assisted reproductive technology (ART). 

AMH levels may be altered by obesity. Some studies suggest that a high body mass index (BMI) is associated with lower AMH levels. Other studies suggest there is no link between BMI and AMH. BMI does not account for how much fat a person has (adiposity, ADP). ADP may affect AMH levels in women across all BMI categories. Age is another factor that may influence AMH. It is unclear if AMH levels are associated with BMI in women seeking fertility treatment.

This study included 2204 women seeking fertility treatment. BMI was measured as part of the fertility treatment consultation. A fertility assessment was performed. This included measuring AMH levels. BMI categories included underweight, normal weight, overweight and obese. 

Higher BMI was associated with higher AMH levels in women under 35. There was no link between BMI and AMH in women over 35. Increasing age was associated with lower AMH levels. Women with poor OR (AMH less than 1.1 ng/ml) were older and had a higher BMI than women with normal OR. Only age was statistically associated with AMH levels. A BMI of 25 or higher was associated with higher AMH levels. 

The authors concluded that higher AMH levels are associated with higher BMI in women with infertility.

The number of patients in the obesity categories was relatively low. Women with severe obesity and over 45 years were poorly represented in the study. More investigation is needed. 

If you have any concerns regarding infertility please consult with your physician.