AMH assessment five or more years after an initially low AMH level

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Endocrinology
• Biomarker Research
• Women's Health

Background:

• Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a key indicator of ovarian reserve.
• Low AMH levels before 39 may predict menopause between 40-45.
• The risk of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) associated with low AMH is not well-defined.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of POI in women with AMH levels below 8 pmol/L.
• To assess the long-term risk of POI following a low AMH assay in premenopausal women.

Main Methods:

• Study included women under 36 with infertility workup and AMH < 8 pmol/L (Jan 2008-Dec 2013).
• Clinical assessments were conducted in 2018, with 21 women undergoing repeat ovarian reserve testing.
• Prevalence of POI was determined at least 5 years post-initial AMH assay.

Main Results:

• The prevalence of POI at least 5 years later was 17% (8/47 women).
• Median time to POI diagnosis was 5.1 years.
• Significant differences were observed in baseline AMH levels (4.2 pmol/L in POI group vs. 6.0 pmol/L in non-POI group) and cycle regularity.

Conclusions:

• Serum AMH < 8 pmol/L before age 36 is a risk factor for developing POI.
• Women identified with low AMH require ongoing monitoring for POI.
• Irregular menstrual cycles in women with low AMH warrant particular attention and follow-up.