Anti-mullerian hormone as a diagnostic marker in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Plasma levels of AMH in women serves as an important biomarker of ovarian reserves and indicates the small follicular growth. The reproductive span in healthy women is predicted by progressive age related decline of plasma AMH levels. The values are low in the clinical condition of diminished ovarian reserve, indicating the presence of few remaining follicles within the ovary. Recent studies have also shown the importance of this hormone in various pathological conditions of ovary including PCOS. In women with PCOS, the small ovarian antral follicles increase and AMH secreted by these developing follicles can be used as an important marker to detect follicular impairment. It is suggested that the increased secretion of LH and/or testosterone may have a positive effect on the secretion of AMH by the ovarian follicles. A positive correlation has also been found between high AMH levels and androgen over-production due to intrinsic defects of thecal cells. In conclusion, high AMH levels have been predicted as a response to various treatments of PCOS, while improvement in various clinical and biochemical parameters have been associated with decline in AMH, thus supporting a very important role of AMH in diagnosis and treatment of PCOS. Keywords: Anti-mullerian hormone; anovulation; Body mass Index; Polycystic ovary syndrome