History of infertility and anti-Müllerian hormone levels among participants in the Nurses' Health Study II.

OBJECTIVES

To better understand whether history of infertility is associated with anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels later in life, outside of reproduction.

METHODS

Among 1,758 premenopausal women in the Nurses' Health Study II with measured AMH, we used multivariable generalized linear models to compare log-transformed plasma AMH for women with a history of infertility compared with fertile women. We investigated AMH levels by cause of infertility and effect modification by menstrual cycle regularity. Lastly, we investigated AMH levels by history of primary and secondary infertility and age at reported infertility.

RESULTS

Mean age at blood collection was 40 years. We observed no association between overall history of infertility and AMH levels (% difference AMH: -8.1% [CI, -19.4 to 4.8]). The association between overall infertility and AMH was strongest among women who first reported infertility at >30 years (-17.7% [CI, -32.1 to -0.3]).

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, we observed no association between the history of infertility and AMH levels later in life. However, specific subgroups of women with a history of infertility may have lower AMH levels throughout life compared with fertile women. This association was observed among subgroups, such as those who first experienced infertility at >30 years. These findings have implications for mechanisms through which infertility may be associated with premature menopause and chronic disease risk.