Anti-Müllerian Hormone in Pathogenesis, Diagnostic and Treatment of PCOS

Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Nov 19;22(22):12507. doi: 10.3390/ijms222212507.

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder among reproductive-aged women. It is characterized by chronic anovulation, hyperandrogenism, and the presence of polycystic ovary in ultrasound examination. PCOS is specified by an increased number of follicles at all growing stages, mainly seen in the preantral and small antral follicles and an increased serum level of Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH). Because of the strong correlation between circulating AMH levels and antral follicle count on ultrasound, Anti-Müllerian Hormone has been proposed as an alternative marker of ovulatory dysfunction in PCOS. However, the results from the current literature are not homogeneous, and the specific threshold of AMH in PCOS and PCOM is, therefore, very challenging. This review aims to update the current knowledge about AMH, the pathophysiology of AMH in the pathogenesis of PCOS, and the role of Anti-Müllerian Hormone in the treatment of this syndrome.

Keywords: AMH; PCOS; hyperandrogenism.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anovulation / blood
  • Anovulation / diagnostic imaging
  • Anovulation / genetics
  • Anovulation / pathology
  • Anti-Mullerian Hormone / blood*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperandrogenism / blood*
  • Hyperandrogenism / diagnostic imaging
  • Hyperandrogenism / genetics
  • Hyperandrogenism / pathology
  • Ovarian Follicle / diagnostic imaging
  • Ovarian Follicle / metabolism
  • Ovarian Follicle / pathology
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / blood*
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / diagnostic imaging
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / genetics
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / pathology
  • Ultrasonography

Substances

  • Anti-Mullerian Hormone