Different anti‐Műllerian hormone (AMH) levels respond to distinct ovarian stimulation methods in assisted reproductive technology (ART): Clues to better ART outcomes

Abstract

Abstract Purpose We asked whether the relationship between anti‐Műllerian hormone (AMH) value and the response to ovarian stimulation (OS) might be AMH value‐related and differ for each regimen, aiming at getting clues as to how to choose OS protocols according to AMH levels. We further addressed how AMH value connects with ART outcome. Methods A total of 1112 women undergoing egg retrieval in ART were included. We adopted four OS protocols, that is, clomiphene, clomiphene + low‐dose gonadotropins (Gns), GnRH (Gn‐releasing hormone) + Gns (short), and GnRH antagonist. Results Anti‐Műllerian hormone showed a stronger correlation with egg number compared with age over a wide age range. When patients were stratified into four groups by AMH value (<1, 1‐2, 2‐3, and 3≦ ng/mL), the relationship between AMH and egg number differed among differential OS regimes. The number of eggs rose as AMH and total doses of Gn increased. When analyzed for each AMH group, egg number, but not AMH, was associated with pregnancy rate. Conclusion Different AMH levels exhibit characteristic responses to distinct OS regimens. To improve ART outcomes, personalized OS should be selected so as to maximize egg number, which seems to be a more precise variable than AMH for predicting pregnancy.

Keywords

• age
• anti‐Műllerian hormone
• assisted reproductive technology
• egg number
• ovarian stimulation