Circulating Anti-Müllerian Hormone Levels in Daughters of Women with and without Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Abstract

Background/Aims: The aim of this study was to assess whether circulating anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels in daughters of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOSd) correspond with clinical and biochemical features of hyperandrogenism, polycystic ovary morphology and menstrual cycle disturbances. Methods: Menstrual cycle disturbances, hirsutism, acne and ultrasonographic ovarian morphology were assessed in 75 girls aged 13-18 years (35 PCOSd and 40 daughters of healthy women). Serum gonadotropins, androgens, sex hormone-binding globulin and plasma AMH were measured in a fasting state, and the free androgen index was calculated. Results: A significant correlation between the AMH level and mean ovary volume was found (r = 0.36; p < 0.01). AMH levels were not related to hirsutism, acne and polycystic ovary morphology. Significantly higher AMH levels were found only in PCOSd with irregular menstruation or secondary amenorrhea. The results of logistic regression analysis showed that in that group for each 1-ng/ml increase in the AMH level, the odds ratio of the PCOS occurrence in the future was increased 1.27 times (95% CI: 1.09-1.47; p < 0.01). Conclusions: A higher AMH level in PCOSd is associated with menstrual cycle disturbances and larger ovarian volume but not with clinical and biochemical features of hyperandrogenism. Thus, the risk for PCOS development among genetically predisposed girls may be related to increased AMH levels.

Association between Weight Loss in Obese Indian Adolescent Girls with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and Decline in Anti-Müllerian Hormone Concentrations

“…15 AMH concentration is a sensitive marker of the early antral follicle number, 4 while FSH mostly reflects follicular maturation in the last 2 weeks, when follicles are gonadotropin sensitive. 16 We could not find a significant relationship between FSH and AMH and this is consistent with the study by Sir-Petermann et al, 17 while an inverse relation between AMH and serum FSH concentrations was demonstrated by Olszanecka-Glinianowicz et al 18 Anti-Müllerian hormone regulates follicle growth through the inhibition of FSH-dependent aromatase in granulosa cells. 19 As oestrogens are transformed from androgens by this aromatase, there have been studies in women with PCOS that reported negative association between AMH and oestradiol concentrations.…”

Weight loss in obese girls with polycystic ovarian syndrome is associated with a decrease in Anti‐Muellerian Hormone concentrations

“…Circulating AMH concentration has been reported as an accurate marker of the ovarian early antral follicle number, while FSH mostly reflects follicular maturation in the last 2 weeks, when follicles become gonadotropin sensitive . We did not find a relationship between FSH and AMH consistent with other studies, while one study reported an inverse relation between AMH and serum FSH concentrations . However, FSH administration did not alter AMH concentrations in women with PCOS .…”

Cardiovascular disease risk in offspring of polycystic ovary syndrome

“…Some studies show that female offspring of PCOS mothers develop symptoms of PCOS (hyperandrogenemia, cystic ovaries, abnormal menses) with adolescence and young adulthood, and some studies do not, hence whether female PCOS offspring develop PCOS themselves is controversial. For example, some studies found PCOS daughters to have increased insulin ( 50 – 52 ), BMI ( 53 ), ovarian volume ( 52 ), increased anti-Mullerian hormone ( 53 , 54 ), menstrual disturbances ( 54 ), and increased levels of testosterone pre- and post-pubertal ( 51 , 52 , 54 ). Meanwhile other studies found PCOS daughters to have similar BMI ( 52 , 55 ) and ovarian volume as controls ( 56 ), with no change in insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance post-puberty ( 57 ), and no increase in testosterone in childhood ( 55 ) when compared to BMI-matched controls ( 53 , 54 ).…”