Hyperandrogenemia and ovarian reserve in patients with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome type 1 and 2: potential influences on ovarian stimulation.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to analyze the hormone profiles, to detect the rate of hyperandrogenemia and to investigate the potential effect of Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome (MRKHS) on ovarian reserve, as reflected by the serum Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels. Clinical implications were analyzed by including our own experiences with three patients after ovarian stimulation in preparation for uterus transplantation.

METHODS

Serum samples of 100 patients with MRKHS (50 patients with MRKHS type 1 and 50 with type 2) were analyzed and compared to 50 individually age-matched healthy controls. Blood samples for hormone analyses were collected routinely during the clinical visit.

RESULTS

The mean age was 20.0 years for MRKHS type 1, MRKHS type 2 and healthy controls. Compared to healthy controls, there was no significant difference in AMH values in the MRKH patients. As shown in previous studies, the proportion of hyperandrogenemia without clinical symptoms was significantly higher in MRKHS type 1 (52%; p < 0.001) and type 2 (56%; p < 0.001) patients when compared to age-matched controls. In preparation for uterus transplantation, three patients were stimulated with FSH/hMG for mean 14.2 days and the mean number of aspirated oocytes was 13.2 (3-22), while 8.3 (2-10) oocytes could be fertilized and cryopreserved. The mean fertilization rate was 51.2% (30-67%).

CONCLUSION

The rate of hyperandrogenemia was significantly higher in MRKH patients compared to healthy age-matched controls. Though, ovarian reserve (AMH level) was not reduced compared to controls. Future studies are needed to identify optimal ovarian stimulation protocols as well as to implement a systematic multicenter reporting system.