Low Serum Concentrations of Anti-Müllerian Hormone Are Common in 53 Female Childhood Cancer Survivors

Background/aims: Gonadal dysfunction is one of the major endocrinological late effects among childhood cancer survivors (CCSs). Periodic screening evaluation of gonadotropins and sex steroids has been recommended, although it remains difficult to predict gonadal function and reproductive capacity in childhood. We evaluated the effects of cancer treatments on the ovarian function of Japanese female CCSs by measuring serum levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and gonadotropin.

Methods: This was a retrospective, cross-sectional study at a single hospital.

Results: Among 53 female CCSs, 28 (53%) had a decreased AMH level, while only 16 (30%) had an increased follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) level. AMH was low in all patients with high FSH, while FSH was not elevated in 43% of patients with a low AMH level. AMH was low in 8 of 9 patients with no breast development, 11 of 14 patients with no spontaneous menstruation, and 3 of 22 patients with regular menstrual cycles.

Conclusion: Measurement of AMH concentration is useful as a marker of ovarian reserve in female CCSs for detecting primary gonadal deficiency, particularly among patients without increased gonadotropin levels.