Effect of obesity and its related metabolic factors on serum anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations in women with and without polycystic ovaries

The relationship between serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels, body mass index (BMI) and related metabolic factors were investigated in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A total of 691 women aged between 18 and 35 years, referred to the Department of Gynaecological Endocrinology at the University Hospital of Lille between 2009 and 2014 were included: 137 controls and 554 women with PCOS. Mean serum AMH levels were slightly but significantly lower in women with PCOS who were overweight or obese (BMI ≥25) compared with women of normal weight (BMI <25) (P < 0.05). No such difference was found in the control group. After bivariate analysis, no significant correlation was found between BMI and AMH in controls. In the PCOS group, this relationship was significant (P = 0.0001) but weak (r = −0.177). Stepwise multiple regression analysis yielded a significant model, including five variables (follicle count, serum androstenedione, BMI, serum LH and FSH) explaining 38.6%, 3.4%, 1.4%, 0.7% and 1.4% of the total serum AMH variance, respectively. No effect of metabolic status was found on serum AMH levels in controls, but a significant, albeit weak, negative independent correlation was found between AMH and BMI in women with PCOS.