Age-specific nomograms for follicle stimulating hormone and anti-Mullerian hormone: A pilot study in Ile-Ife, Nigeria

BACKGROUND: Assessment of ovarian reserve is one of the steps in the management of infertile couples. Follicle Stimulating hormone (FSH) and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) are commonly used ovarian reserve markers in Africa. However, there is paucity of age-specific reference values for FSH and AMH among the African population. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at conducting a pilot study for generation of age-specific nomograms for FSH and AMH among fertile women in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A pilot cross-sectional study that involved 65 fertile women within the age range of 18-45 yr were prospectively and consecutively recruited from November 2014 to January 2015. Peripheral blood samples were taken for basal serum FSH and random serum AMH. The samples were processed using enzyme linked immunosorbent (ELISA) assays. RESULTS: Age-specific FSH nomogram showed a gradual increase which became steeper at age 35 yr with an average yearly increase of 0.2 IU/L in basal serum FSH, while age-specific AMH nomogram showed a peak at 25 yr and then; an average yearly decrease of 0.11 ng/ml in random serum AMH from 25 yr. CONCLUSION: The age-specific nomograms generated by this pilot study suggest that AMH may be an earlier marker of reduced ovarian reserve; which if validated by future multicenter population based studies may facilitate counseling of women on their reproductive potentials.