Relations between steroids and AMH: impact of basal and intrafollicular steroids to AMH ratios on oocyte yield and maturation rate in women with or without polycystic ovary undergoing in vitro fertilization.

Objective: This study sought to determine the relationships between serum or intrafollicular ovarian steroids and anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) and to predict impact of steroids to AMH ratios on oocyte quantity and metaphase II (MII) oocyte rate in normo-ovulatory (control) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients.

Design: Prospective study.

Setting: University hospital and research center.

Patients: Thirty-two patients with PCOS and 37 controls undergoing IVF-ET.

Methods: Serum (day 3) and follicular fluid (FF) from more than one follicle ≥ 17 mm on the day of oocyte retrieval were collected from each patients.

Main Outcome Measures: Serum or follicular fluid steroids, AMH, retrieved oocytes number and maturation rate.

Results: In control group, intrafollicular AMH levels were positively related to P4 and T levels (p = .002, p = .011, respectively). Multiple linear regression analysis showed serum basal AMH and T levels as independent positive predictors while T/AMH ratio and intrafollicular AMH were negative predictors for both retrieved and MII oocyte number. The presence of PCOS and intrafollicular P4/AMH ratio revealed as important negative factors influencing oocyte maturation rate.

Conclusions: Serum basal T, AMH as well as their ratio and intrafollicular P4/AMH ratio may be used as predictors for retrieved oocyte number and their nuclear maturation rate, respectively.