Novel correlates between antimüllerian hormone and menstrual cycle characteristics in African-American women (23-35 years-old)

Abstract

Objective: To characterize normative antimüllerian hormone (AMH) levels and ascertain which factors are associated with AMH in a large cohort of reproductive-age women.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: Not applicable.

Patient(s): A total of 1,654 African-American women (AAW) ages 23-34 at recruitment.

Intervention(s): Not applicable.

Main outcome measure(s): Serum AMH measured using an ultrasensitive ELISA.

Result(s): The median AMH was 3.18 ng/mL, and there was a significant, but nonlinear, relationship between age and AMH, with levels peaking at age 25. As AMH was not normally distributed, log transformation was performed and used for all analyses. In a multivariable age-adjusted model, body mass index, current use of hormonal contraception, and history of a thyroid condition were inversely associated with AMH, while history of abnormal menstrual bleeding and menstrual cycles longer than 35 days were positively associated with AMH.

Conclusion(s): While age is correlated with AMH, it accounts for only a portion of the variation seen. This study adds valuable information to the existing literature on normative AMH levels in young reproductive-age women. While our findings fill a critical data gap for ovarian reserve in AAW, the insights gained will be of benefit for all women.

Keywords: AMH; African-American women; ovarian reserve.