[Anti-Müllerian hormone--its role in management of involuntary infertility].

BACKGROUND

Although fertility in women decreases significantly after the age of 35 years, women in Norway - as in many other developed countries- postpone having children. It has long been recognised that there is a need for a better marker of ovarian function. This article provides an overview of physiological development of follicles in the ovaries and the special place Anti-Müllerian- hormone has in this process.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

Literature was retrieved from the databases PubMed, Athens and Embase by using the keywords Anti-Müllerian hormone, follicle, ovarian reserve, ovarian response and fertility. The reference lists of relevant articles were searched for additional information.

RESULTS AND INTERPRETATION: 32 articles with relevant information were retrieved. The level of Anti-Müllerian hormone is relatively stable throughout the menstruation cycle. The hormone appears to be a reliable marker for ovarian reserve and ovarian response after controlled ovarian hyperstimulation during in vitro fertilisation. Determination of the hormone level will enable identification of women with high risk of deviating response upon ovarian hyperstimulation.