Abstract
Serum anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) is a predictor of the pregnancy outcome in assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles, particularly for older women. This study attempts to elucidate the effect of serum AMH on follicular hormone profiles and implantation outcome of the ensuing embryos in ART cycles. A total of 412 patients undergoing ART cycles at a private infertility center were included and 780 follicular fluid samples were collected. Levels of follicular hormones, including FSH, LH, inhibin B, AMH, estradiol, progesterone, and androstenedione were measured. The implantation outcome of the ensuing embryos was traced as a main outcome measure. We demonstrated that the follicular levels of estradiol, progesterone, and androstenedione were considerably similar, but the overall implantation rates increased as the serum AMH increased. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the best predictor for embryo implantation was follicular FSH (> 9.64 mIU/mL, odds ratio [OR] 0.9). Furthermore, serum AMH (Spearman's rho = − 0.352) and female age (rho = 0.369) are correlated with follicular FSH levels in those follicles. In conclusion, the serum AMH might affect follicular hormone profiles by interaction with gonadotrophin rather than with steroidogenesis. The follicular FSH levels are correlated with the implantation potential of the ensuing embryos.
