Anti-müllerian hormone

Definition

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a glycoprotein hormone produced by the Sertoli cells of the testes in males and by the ovarian follicles in females. AMH plays a crucial role in sexual differentiation during embryonic development and in regulating ovarian function throughout a woman's reproductive years. In males, it prevents the development of Müllerian ducts, which would otherwise form female reproductive structures.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. AMH levels can be measured to assess ovarian reserve, helping to determine a woman's remaining egg supply and fertility potential.
2. In males, high levels of AMH are present during fetal development but decrease significantly after birth as testosterone becomes the primary hormone influencing male reproductive development.
3. AMH is also linked to conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), where AMH levels may be elevated due to increased follicular activity.
4. Unlike other reproductive hormones, AMH does not fluctuate significantly throughout the menstrual cycle, making it a reliable marker for assessing ovarian function.
5. In certain medical conditions, such as gonadal dysgenesis, AMH levels can provide insights into the presence or absence of functional gonadal tissue.

Review Questions

• How does anti-Müllerian hormone influence sexual differentiation in early development?
  • Anti-Müllerian hormone plays a key role in sexual differentiation during embryonic development by inhibiting the formation of Müllerian ducts in male embryos. This action prevents the development of female reproductive structures such as the uterus and fallopian tubes. In females, lower levels of AMH allow for the formation of these structures, illustrating its critical role in determining sexual characteristics based on genetic sex.
• Discuss the clinical significance of measuring anti-Müllerian hormone levels in women.
  • Measuring anti-Müllerian hormone levels in women has significant clinical importance as it provides insight into ovarian reserve and fertility potential. Higher levels of AMH indicate a greater number of developing follicles, suggesting a more robust ovarian reserve. This information is valuable for fertility assessments and treatment planning, particularly for women considering assisted reproductive technologies or those facing challenges with conception.
• Evaluate how changes in anti-Müllerian hormone levels may impact reproductive health and conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
  • Changes in anti-Müllerian hormone levels can have profound effects on reproductive health, especially in conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Women with PCOS often exhibit elevated AMH levels due to an increased number of antral follicles, which can contribute to symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles and infertility. Understanding these hormonal changes allows healthcare providers to better tailor treatment strategies, addressing both fertility concerns and metabolic health associated with PCOS.

Related terms

Sertoli Cells: Sertoli cells are specialized cells located within the seminiferous tubules of the testes that support and nourish developing sperm cells.

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is a gonadotropin secreted by the pituitary gland that stimulates the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles in females and spermatogenesis in males.

Müllerian Ducts: Müllerian ducts are embryonic structures that can develop into female reproductive organs, such as the uterus, fallopian tubes, and upper two-thirds of the vagina if not inhibited by anti-Müllerian hormone.