INTEGRATED EVALUATION OF OVARIAN RESERVE MARKERS IN INFERTILE WOMEN: THE ROLE OF AGE, ANTI - MULLERIAN HORMONE, FOLLICLE-STIMULATING HORMONE, AND ANTRAL FOLLICLE COUNT

Abstract

Introduction: Ovarian reserve is a pivotal indicator of reproductive potential, assessed through biochemical and ultrasonographic markers, with age playing a dominant role in its decline.

Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate the correlations between anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and antral follicle count (AFC), and to assess the impact of age on these markers in infertile women.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 36 women aged 20–42 years. Serum AMH and FSH levels were measured, and AFC was assessed by transvaginal ultrasound. Data were analyzed using Spearman’s correlation and linear regression.

Results: Age proved to be a negative predictor of AMH and AFC (p < 0.05) and positively associated with FSH. A strong positive correlation was found between AMH and AFC (ρ = 0.866; p < 0.001), while FSH showed significant negative correlations with both parameters. Regression analysis demonstrated that AMH decreases by approximately 14% per year (B = –0.152; p = 0.020).

Conclusion: AMH emerges as the most sensitive and stable marker of ovarian reserve, and combined assessment of AMH and AFC offers the most reliable detection of diminished ovarian function in infertile women.