Anti-Müllerian hormone: a potential new tool in epidemiologic studies of female fecundability.
Journal Article
The objective of the present commentary is to suggest that epidemiologists explore the use of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) as a new measurement tool in fecundability studies. The authors briefly summarize the advantages and limitations of the 3 current approaches to studies of fecundability. All 3 approaches involve the collection of time-to-pregnancy or attempt-time data, and most are limited to participants who plan their pregnancies. AMH is produced by ovarian follicles during their early growth stages and is measured clinically to assess ovarian reserve (the number of remaining oocytes). Unlike time to pregnancy, serum AMH level can be assessed regardless of pregnancy-attempt status. Measurements are not significantly affected by phase of the menstrual cycle, oral contraceptive use, or early pregnancy. The authors suggest that AMH measurement can be a valuable addition to traditionally designed fecundability studies. In addition, this hormone should be investigated as an independent measure of fecundability in studies that focus on exposures hypothesized to target the ovary.
Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- Baird, DD; Steiner, AZ
Published Date
- February 15, 2012
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 175 / 4
Start / End Page
- 245 - 249
PubMed ID
- 22247047
Pubmed Central ID
- 22247047
Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)
- 1476-6256
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1093/aje/kwr439
Language
- eng
Conference Location
- United States