Relationship between anti-mullerian hormone with insulin resistance, and reproductive hormones in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Volume 16, Issue 3, Autumn 2025, Pages 309-321
https://doi.org/10.61882/JCT.16.3.309
Hwraa Hassan Nidawi, Meade Mirzaie
Abstract Introduction: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age. It is characterized by hormonal imbalances, irregular menstrual cycles, hyperandrogenism, and insulin resistance. The prevalence of this condition is on the rise, largely due to changes in lifestyle, poor dietary habits, and increasing rates of obesity. PCOS not only affects reproductive health but also poses long-term metabolic risks, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and dyslipidemia. Despite its high prevalence, the exact cause of PCOS remains unclear, and its heterogeneous nature makes diagnosis and management challenging. Early identification and a multidisciplinary approach to treatment are essential for improving patient outcomes and preventing long-term complications. Aim: Given the prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome and its importance as a major problem affecting women's health and fertility, the present study aimed to investigate the relationship between anti-mullerian hormone with insulin resistance and reproductive hormones in women with this syndrome. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 women aged 18 to 45 years, including both healthy individuals and those diagnosed with PCOS, participated in this study. The diagnosis of PCOS was confirmed by a gynecologist based on clinical examination and transvaginal or pelvic ultrasound findings. For all participants, the following parameters were recorded: age, weight, height, waist circumference, hip circumference, fasting blood glucose, insulin levels, and serum concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estrogen, progesterone, free testosterone, and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH). Results: There was no significant difference in mean age and FSH levels between the experimental groups. However, women with PCOS showed a significant decrease in estradiol and progesterone levels, along with a significant increase in body mass index (BMI), LH, free testosterone, AMH, and insulin resistance compared to the control group. Pearson correlation analysis revealed no significant relationship between AMH and the hormones LH, FSH, testosterone, or progesterone in either the control group or the PCOS group. However, a significant positive correlation between AMH and estradiol was observed in the control group, while a significant negative correlation was found in the PCOS group. Discussion: Overweight, obesity, and hormonal imbalances are common characteristics observed in women with PCOS. In the control group, a positive and significant correlation between serum AMH and estradiol levels suggests a normal physiological relationship between follicular activity and estrogen production. In contrast, the significant negative correlation observed in the PCOS group indicates a disruption in the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis and reflects abnormal folliculogenesis. This dysregulation may lead to anovulation and persistent immature follicles, which are hallmarks of PCOS. Moreover, elevated AMH levels in PCOS patients are often linked with increased ovarian follicle count, yet without proper maturation, resulting in hormonal imbalance and infertility. These findings highlight the importance of early detection and hormonal monitoring in women with PCOS to prevent long-term reproductive and metabolic complications. Conclusion: These findings underscore the potential utility of AMH–estradiol correlation patterns as a supplementary diagnostic marker for PCOS. Given the complex and heterogeneous nature of PCOS, the identification of reliable biomarkers is crucial for early diagnosis and tailored treatment strategies. Further studies with larger sample sizes and diverse populations are needed to validate the role of AMH in PCOS diagnosis and its relationship with estradiol levels. Moreover, exploring the underlying mechanisms of AMH dysregulation in PCOS could provide valuable insights into potential therapeutic targets for managing both reproductive and metabolic complications associated with the condition.
