Determining the age group-based cut-off values of serum anti-Mullerian hormone concentrations to diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract

Objective To determine the cut-off values of the serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentration for different age groups (21–25, 26–30, 31–35 years) to diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods In total, 187 women aged 21–35 years were included in this descriptive study. Patients diagnosed with PCOS according to the Rotterdam Criteria formed the PCOS group (n = 93), whereas those without symptoms related to PCOS formed the control group (n = 94). Follicular phase serum hormone concentrations were evaluated during the endocrinological assessment of patients with PCOS. Serum levels of estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin, total testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, sex hormone-binding globulin, androstenedione, and AMH were measured. The free androgen index and LH/FSH ratio were calculated. Cut-off values of serum AMH concentrations for the age groups were measured using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Results The prevalence rates of frank, ovulatory, normoandrogenic, and non-polycystic ovary PCOS were 69.9, 10.8, 10.8, and 8.6%, respectively. Serum AMH concentrations >5.56 ng/mL were associated with PCOS in the 21–25-year-old group. The cut-off value was 4.01 ng/mL in the 26–30-year-old group, whereas it was 3.42 ng/mL in the oldest age group. The correlation between the antral follicle count (AFC) and serum AMH level was strong for each age group. Conclusions The serum AMH concentration is a valuable parameter for assessing patients with symptoms indicative of PCOS. We recommend measuring serum AMH levels to support the diagnosis or to use them instead of the AFC for the Rotterdam criteria.