Skip to main content
Log in

Serum anti-Müllerian hormone predicts ovarian response and cycle outcome in IVF patients

  • Assisted Reproduction
  • Published:
Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

This prospective study was designed to investigate whether anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels at basal and ovulation triggering day are associated with ovarian response and pregnancy outcome for in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Method

60 infertility women undergoing IVF were prospectively studied. On day 3 of the menstrual cycle (D3), measurements of AMH, inhibin B, FSH, LH, and E2 and ultrasound evaluation of antral follicle count (AFC) were performed. Serum AMH and inhibin B levels were remeasured on the day of hCG administration (DhCG). The outcome measures were the number of retrieved oocytes and clinical pregnancy.

Results

Number of retrieved oocytes was statistically significant and correlated with D3 AMH, AFC, DhCG AMH, DhCG inhibin B, FSH, and age (r = 0.885, 0.874, 0.742, 0.732, −0.521, −0.385, respectively). Statistically significant differences were found between pregnant and non-pregnant women regarding D3 AMH and AFC. Multiple regression analysis for prediction of pregnancy showed D3 AMH to be a good predictor of clinical pregnancy.

Conclusion

AMH correlates better than age, FSH, and inhibin B with the number of retrieved oocytes. Serum basal AMH may offer a better prognostic value for clinical pregnancy than other currently available markers of IVF outcome in our preliminary study.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Ravhon A, Lavery S, Michael S, Donaldson M, Margara R, Trew G, et al. Dynamic assays of inhibin B and oestradiol following buserelin acetate administration as predictors of ovarian response in IVF. Hum Reprod. 2000;15:2297–301.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. Bancsi LF, Broekmans FJ, Eijkemans MJ, de Jong FH, Habbema JD, te Velde ER. Predictors of poor ovarian response in in vitro fertilization: a prospective study comparing basal markers of ovarian reserve. Fertil Steril. 2002;77:328–36.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Broekmans FJ, Kwee J, Hendriks DJ, Mol BW, Lambalk CB. A systematic review of tests predicting ovarian reserve and IVF outcome. Hum Reprod Updat. 2006;12:685–718.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. Lass A, Skull J, McVeigh E, Margara R, Winston RM. Measurement of ovarian volume by transvaginal sonography before ovulation induction with human menopausal gonadotrophin for in-vitro fertilization can predict poor response. Hum Reprod. 1997;12:294–7.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. Wallace WH, Kelsey TW. Ovarian reserve and reproductive age may be determined from measurement of ovarian volume by transvaginal sonography. Hum Reprod. 2004;19:1612–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Chang MY, Chiang CH, Hsieh TT, Soong YK, Hsu KH. Use of the antral follicle count to predict the outcome of assisted reproductive technologies. Fertil Steril. 1998;69:505–10.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Hendriks DJ, Mol BW, Bancsi LF, Te Velde ER, Broekmans FJ. Antral follicle count in the prediction of poor ovarian response and pregnancy after in vitro fertilization: a meta-analysis and comparison with basal follicle-stimulating hormone level. Fertil Steril. 2005;83:291–301.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Muttukrishna S, McGarrigle H, Wakim R, Khadum I, Ranieri DM, Serhal P. Antral follicle count, anti-mullerian hormone and inhibin B: predictors of ovarian response in assisted reproductive technology? BJOG. 2005;112:1384–90.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Seifer DB, MacLaughlin DT, Christian BP, Feng B, Shelden RM. Early follicular serum mullerian-inhibiting substance levels are associated with ovarian response during assisted reproductive technology cycles. Fertil Steril. 2002;77:468–71.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Van Rooij IA, Broekmans FJM, te Velde ER, Fauser BCJM, Bancsi LFJMM, de Jong FH, et al. Serum anti-Müllerian hormone levels: a novel measure of ovarian reserve. Hum Reprod. 2002;17:3065–71.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Fanchin R, Schonauer LM, Righini C, Guibourdenche J, Frydman R, Taieb J. Serum anti-Müllerian hormone is more strongly related to ovarian follicular status than serum inhibin B, estradiol, FSH and LH on day 3. Hum Reprod. 2003;18:323–7.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. Hazout A, Bouchard P, Seifer DB, Aussage P, Junca AM, Cohen-Bacrie P. Serum antimullerian hormone/mullerian-inhibiting substance appears to be a more discriminatory marker of assisted reproductive technology outcome than follicle-stimulating hormone, inhibin B, or estradiol. Fertil Steril. 2004;82:1323–9.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. Eldar-Geva T, Ben-Chetrit A, Spitz IM, Rabinowitz R, Markowitz E, Mimoni T, et al. Dynamic assays of inhibin B, anti-Mullerian hormone and estradiol following FSH stimulation and ovarian ultrasonography as predictors of IVF outcome. Hum Reprod. 2005;20:3178–83.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. Penarrubia J, Fabregues F, Manau D, Creus M, Casals G, Casamitjana R, et al. Basal and stimulation day 5 anti-Mullerian hormone serum concentrations as predictors of ovarian response and pregnancy in assisted reproductive technology cycles stimulated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist–gonadotropin treatment. Hum Reprod. 2005;20:915–22.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Tremellen KP, Kolo M, Gilmore A, Lekamge DN. Anti-mullerian hormone as a marker of ovarian reserve. Aust NZ J Obstet Gynaecol. 2005;45:20–4.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Fiçicioglu C, Kutlu T, Baglam E, Bakacak Z. Early follicular antimüllerian hormone as an indicator of ovarian reserve. Fertil Steril. 2006;85:592–6.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Lee MM, Donahoe PK, Hasegawa T, Silverman B, Crist GB, Best S, et al. Müllerian inhibiting substance in humans: normal levels from infancy to adulthood. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1996;81:571–6.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. Durlinger AL, Visser JA. Themmen AP Regulation of ovarian function: the role of anti-Mullerian hormone. Reproduction. 2002;124:601–9.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Weenen C, Laven JS, Von Bergh AR, Cranfield M, Groome NP, Visser JA, et al. Anti-Mullerian hormone expression pattern in the human ovary: potential implications for initial and cyclic follicle recruitment. Mol Hum Reprod. 2004;10:77–83.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. De Vet A, Laven JS, de Jong FH, Themmen AP, Fauser BC. Anti-mullerian hormone serum levels: a putative marker for ovarian aging. Fertil Steril. 2002;77:357–62.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Fanchin R, Taieb J, Lozano DH, Ducot B, Frydman R, Bouyer J. High reproducibility of serum anti-Mullerian hormone measurements suggests a multi-staged follicular secretion and strengthens its role in the assessment of ovarian follicular status. Hum Reprod. 2005;20:923–7.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. Lekamge DN, Barry M, Kolo M, Lane M, Gilchrist RB, Tremellen KP. Anti-Müllerian hormone as a predictor of IVF outcome. Reprod Biomed Online. 2007;14:602–10.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. Wunder DM, Guibourdenche J, Birkhäuser MH, Bersinger NA. Anti-Müllerian hormone and inhibin B as predictors of pregnancy after treatment by in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Fertil Steril. 2008;90:2203–10.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. Barad DH, Weghofer A, Gleicher N. Comparing anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) as predictors of ovarian function. Fertil Steril. 2009;91:1553–5.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  25. Smeenk JM, Sweep FC, Zielhuis GA, Kremer JA, Thomas CM, Braat DD. Antimüllerian hormone predicts ovarian responsiveness, but not embryo quality or pregnancy, after in vitro fertilization or intracyoplasmic sperm injection. Fertil Steril. 2007;87:223–6.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  26. Lee TH, Liu CH, Huang CC, Wu YL, Shih YT, Ho HN, et al. Serum anti-mullerian hormone and estradiol levels as predictors of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in assisted reproduction technology cycles. Hum Reprod. 2008;23:160–7.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  27. Hsieh YY, Chang CC, Tsai HD. Comparisons of different dosages of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist, short-acting form and single, half-dose, long-acting form of GnRH agonist during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and in vitro fertilization. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol. 2008;47:66–74.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Borini A, Dal Prato L. Tailoring FSH and LH administration to individual patients. Reprod Biomed Online. 2005;11:283–93.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. Riggs RM, Duran EH, Baker MW, Kimble TD, Hobeika E, Yin L, et al. Assessment of ovarian reserve with anti-Müllerian hormone: a comparison of the predictive value of anti-Müllerian hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, inhibin B, and age. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2008;199:202.e1–8.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. Singer T, Barad DH, Weghofer A, Gleicher N. Correlation of antimüllerian hormone and baseline follicle-stimulating hormone levels. Fertil Steril. 2009;91:2616–9.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  31. Nardo LG, Gelbaya TA, Wilkinson H, Roberts SA, Yates A, Pemberton P, Laing I. Circulating basal anti-Müllerian hormone levels as predictor of ovarian response in women undergoing ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization.Fertil Steril. 2008 Oct 16. [Epub ahead of print].

  32. Silberstein T, MacLaughlin DT, Shai I, Trimarchi JR, Lambert-Messerlian G, Seifer DB, et al. Mullerian inhibiting substance levels at the time of HCG administration in IVF cycles predict both ovarian reserve and embryo morphology. Hum Reprod. 2006;21:159–63.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  33. Jee BC, Ku SY, Suh CS, Kim KC, Lee WD, Kim SH. Serum anti-Müllerian hormone and inhibin B levels at ovulation triggering day can predict the number of immature oocytes retrieved in in vitro fertilization cycles. J Korean Med Sci. 2008;23:657–61.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Laven JS, Mulders AG, Visser JA, Themmen AP, De Jong FH, Fauser BCJM. Antimüllerian hormone serum concentrations in normoovulatory and anovulatory women of reproductive age. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2004;89:318–23.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  35. La Marca A, Malmusi S, Giulini S, Tamaro LF, Orvieto R, Levratti P, et al. Anti-Mullerian hormone plasma levels in spontaneous menstrual cycle and during treatment with FSH to induce ovulation. Hum Reprod. 2004;19:2738–41.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  36. Feyereisen E, Mendez DH, Taieb J, et al. Anti-Müllerian hormone: clinical insights into a promising biomarker of the ovarian follicular status. Reprod Biomed Online. 2006;12:695–703.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  37. Lie Fong S, Baart EB, Martini E, Schipper I, Visser JA, Themmen AP, et al. Anti-Müllerian hormone: a marker for oocyte quantity, oocyte quality and embryo quality? Reprod Biomed Online. 2008;16:664–70.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  38. Somunkiran A, Yavuz T, Yucel O, Ozdemir I. Anti-Mullerian hormone levels during hormonal contraception in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2007;134:196–201.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  39. Arbo E, Vetori DV, Jimenez MF, Freitas FM, Lemos N, Cunha-Filho JS. Serum anti-Mullerian hormone levels and follicular cohort characteristics after pituitary suppression in the late luteal phase with oral contraceptive pills. Hum Reprod. 2007;22:3192–6.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  40. Mohamed KA, DaviesWA LH. Antimullerian hormone and pituitary gland activity after prolonged down-regulation with goserelin acetate. Fertil Steril. 2006;86:1515–7.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  41. La Marca A, Giulini S, Orvieto R, De Leo V, Volpe A. Anti-Mullerian hormone concentrations in maternal serum during pregnancy. Hum Reprod. 2005;20:1569–72.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  42. Hehenkamp WJ, Looman CW, Themmen APN, de Jong FH, Te Velde ER, Broekmans FJ. Anti-Mullerian hormone levels in the spontaneous menstrual cycle do not show substantial fluctuation. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2006;91:4057–63.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  43. La Marca A, Stabile G, Carducci Artenisio A, Volpe A. Serum antimullerian hormone throughout the human menstrual cycle. Hum Reprod. 2006;21:3103–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  44. Tsepelidis S, Devreker F, Demeestere I, Flahaut A, Gervy Ch, Englert Y. Stable serum levels of anti-Müllerian hormone during the menstrual cycle: a prospective study in normo-ovulatory women. Hum Reprod. 2007;22:1837–40.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  45. Streuli I, Fraisse T, Pillet C, Ibecheole V, Bischof P, de Ziegler D. Serum antimüllerian hormone levels remain stable throughout the menstrual cycle and after oral or vaginal administration of synthetic sex steroids. Fertil Steril. 2008;90:395–400.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  46. Lahlou N, Chabbert-Buffet N, Gainer E, Roger M, Bouchard P, VA2914 Study Group. Diphasic pattern of anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) in ovulatory cycles as evidenced by means of an ultra-sensitive assay: new insights into ovarian function. Fertil Steril. 2006;86(Suppl):S11.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  47. Wunder DM, Bersinger NA, Yared M, Kretschmer R, Birkhäuser MH. Statistically significant changes of antimüllerian hormone and inhibin levels during the physiologic menstrual cycle in reproductive age women. Fertil Steril. 2008;89:927–33.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  48. Freour T, Mirallié S, Bach-Ngohou K, Denis M, Barrière P, Masson D. Measurement of serum anti-Müllerian hormone by Beckman Coulter ELISA and DSL ELISA: comparison and relevance in assisted reproduction technology (ART). Clin Chim Acta. 2007;375:162–4.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  49. Streuli I, Fraisse T, Chapron C, Bijaoui G, Bischof P, de Ziegler D. Clinical uses of anti-Müllerian hormone assays: pitfalls and promises. Fertil Steril. 2009;91:226–30.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  50. Knauff EA, Eijkemans MJ, Lambalk CB, Broekmans FJ, Themmen AP, Fauser BC. Anti-Mullerian hormone, inhibin B, and antral follicle count in young women with ovarian failure. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2009;94:786–92.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  51. Lekamge DN, Lane M, Gilchrist RB, Tremellen KP. Increased gonadotrophin stimulation does not improve IVF outcomes in patients with predicted poor ovarian reserve. J Assist Reprod Genet. 2008;25:515–21.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  52. McIlveen M, Skull JD, Ledger WL. Evaluation of the utility of multiple endocrine and ultrasound measures of ovarian reserve in the prediction of cycle cancellation in a high-risk IVF population. Hum Reprod. 2007;22:778–8.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  53. Gnoth C, Schuring AN, Friol K, Tigges J, Mallmann P, Godehardt E. Relevance of anti-Mullerian hormone measurement in a routine IVF program. Hum Reprod. 2008;23:1359–65.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  54. Broer SL, Mol BW, Hendriks D, Broekmans FJ. The role of antimullerian hormone in prediction of outcome after IVF: comparison with the antral follicle count. Fertil Steril. 2009;91:705–14.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  55. Jayaprakasan K, Campbell B, Hopkisson J, Johnson I, Raine-Fenning N. A prospective, comparative analysis of anti-Müllerian hormone, inhibin-B, and three-dimensional ultrasound determinants of ovarian reserve in the prediction of poor response to controlled ovarian stimulation. Fertil Steril. 2008; Nov 29. [Epub ahead of print].

  56. Hendricks DJ, Kwee J, et al. Ultrasonography as a tool for the prediction of outcome in IVF patients: a comparative metaanalysis of ovarian volume and antral follicle count. Fertil Steril. 2007;87:764–75.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  57. Elgindy EA, El-Haieg DO, El-Sebaey A. Anti-Müllerian hormone: correlation of early follicular, ovulatory and midluteal levels with ovarian response and cycle outcome in intracytoplasmic sperm injection patients. Fertil Steril. 2008;89:1670–6.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  58. Ebner T, Sommergruber M, Moser M, Shebl O, Schreier-Lechner E, Tews G. Basal level of anti-Mullerian hormone is associated with oocyte quality in stimulated cycles. Hum Reprod. 2006;21:2022–6.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  59. Nelson SM, Yates RW, Fleming R. Serum anti-Müllerian hormone and FSH: prediction of live birth and extremes of response in stimulated cycles—implications for individualization of therapy. Hum Reprod. 2007;22:2414–21.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  60. Nelson SM, Yates RW, Lyall H, Jamieson M, Traynor I, Gaudoin M, et al. Anti-Mullerian hormone-based approach to controlled ovarian stimulation for assisted conception. Hum Reprod. 2009;24:867–75.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  61. La Marca A, Broekmans FJ, Volpe A, Fauser BC, Macklon NS; on behalf of the ESHRE Special Interest Group for Reproductive Endocrinology – AMH Round Table. Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH): what do we still need to know? Hum Reprod. 2009 Jun 11. [Epub ahead of print].

Download references

Financial Disclosure

The authors have no potential conflicts of interest to disclose.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Horng-Der Tsai.

Additional information

Capsule

Serum basal AMH correlates better than age, FSH, and inhibin B with the number of retrieved oocytes and may offer a better prognostic value for clinical pregnancy in IVF cycles.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Wu, CH., Chen, YC., Wu, HH. et al. Serum anti-Müllerian hormone predicts ovarian response and cycle outcome in IVF patients. J Assist Reprod Genet 26, 383–389 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-009-9332-8

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-009-9332-8

Keywords

Navigation