Clinical utility of measurement of anti-mullerian hormone in reproductive endocrinology

Abstract

Development of novel antibodies directed against anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) has allowed measurement in serum and immunohistochemical assessment in tissues. AMH is secreted by granulosa cells in late preantral and small antral follicles and appears in serum in detectable and stable amounts throughout the menstrual cycle. AMH measurement allows an assessment of ovarian reserve with several advantages over other biochemical and biophysical markers. Recent research has highlighted utility in cases of premature ovarian failure, either iatrogenic after treatment for cancer, or naturally occurring, in polycystic ovary syndrome and in the management of superovulation in assisted reproduction. A surge in research activity has taken place over the last 5 yr, and the true place of AMH in reproductive medicine remains to be fully elucidated, but the rapid and widespread adoption of AMH assay into clinical practice demonstrates the degree of interest in this new marker amongst reproductive endocrinologists.