The effects of uterine artery embolization on ovarian reserve

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of UAE for symptomatic uterine fibroids on ovarian reserve based on AMH.Study designThis was a retrospective study conducted between March 2011 and October 2014. All women underwent UAE. At baseline and at the 3-month and 12-month follow-up visits, serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol (E2) levels were assessed, and ovarian volume and antral follicle count (AFC) were evaluated in each patient.ResultsThere were no statistically significant differences in serum E2, LH, or FSH levels or in ovarian volume 3 or 12 months after UAE (P = 0.8194, P = 0.3976, P = 0.4766, and P = 0.6822, respectively). However, AMH and AFC were significantly different 3 and 12 months after the procedure (P = 0.00, P = 0.029 and P = 0.00, P = 0.00, respectively). AMH levels remained low after 12 months of follow-up compared to the expected AMH levels. A statistically significant recovery of serum AMH at 12 months compared to at 3 months in those <40 years of age (P = 0.00), but not in those ≥40 years (P = 0.837).ConclusionsOvarian reserve appears to be affected by UAE in premenopausal women. However, younger ovaries (according to biological ovarian age) exhibit a greater capacity for recovery after ovarian damage. Therefore, larger studies are needed for more conclusive results.