Psychological stress is related to a decrease of serum anti-müllerian hormone level in infertile women

Abstract

Abstract Background Stress exposure has been proved to be linked to reproductive failure. The reproductive potential of women depends on the ovarian reserve. Anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) has been proved a reliable clinical marker of ovarian reserve. However, the correlation between psychological stress and AMH level is not clear. Methods A cross-sectional study including 576 women was conducted. AMH concentration was tested to reflect the ovarian reserve. Salivary alpha-amylase (SAA) level was measured to assess the stress of patients objectively. Results The SAA level was significantly, and negatively correlated with AMH levels in infertile women (r = −0.315, P = 0.000; adjusted for age, r = −0.336, P = 0.000). Conclusion Higher psychological stress was related to a decreased AMH level in infertile women and psychological stress may affect ovarian reserve.

Keywords

• Stress
• Anti-müllerian hormone
• Ovarian reserve
• Infertility