Relationship Between Anti-Mu¨ llerian Hormone (AMH) and Insulin Levels During Different Tanner Stages in Daughters of Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Abstract

We have previously described increased serumlevels of anti-Mu¨llerian hormone (AMH) and stimulated insulin in daughters ofwomenwith polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS), suggesting that these girlsmay have an altered ovarian follicular developmentwhich may be modulated by insulin. However, the specific relationship between serum AMH and insulin levels during each Tanner stage of puberty in this cohort has not been established.Objective: The aim of our study was to establish the relationship between AMH and poststimulated insulin serum concentrations during each stage of puberty in daughters of women with PCOS (PCOSd), compared to daughters of control women (Cd). Design: We studied 135 PCOSd and 93 Cd classified according to their Tanner stage. Gonadotrophins, sex steroids, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and AMH were determined in a fasting sample. Ovarian volume was measured by pelvic ultrasound. In addition, in both groups we performed an oral glucose tolerance test with measurements of glucose and insulin. Results: Anti-Mu¨llerian hormone levels were significantly higher in PCOSd compared to Cd at all Tanner stages. Daughters of women with PCOS having AMH concentrations greater than 2 standard deviation (SD) above the mean AMH value for the Cd group showed decreased serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) concentrations and increased stimulated levels of insulin during Tanner stages I, II, and III. Conclusions: Anti-Mu¨llerian hormone levels are increased in PCOSd during all stages of puberty. We suggest that those PCOSd with the highest AMH levels probably represent a group of girls with more severe ovarian dysfunction and metabolic derangements.