Pituitary-ovary axis and ovarian reserve in fertile women with multiple sclerosis: A pilot study

Mult Scler. 2016 Apr;22(4):564-8. doi: 10.1177/1352458515602339. Epub 2015 Sep 11.

Abstract

Since a decline in the ovary function might impact the reproductive potential in women with multiple sclerosis (MS), we investigated the pituitary-ovary axis and ovarian reserve, including anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels and ultrasound imaging of the ovaries, of 25 relapsing-remitting MS patients and 25 age-matched healthy controls. Mean levels of pituitary-gonadal hormones and age-adjusted parameters of ovarian reserve markers were not significantly different between both groups. Patients with higher disease activity (annualized relapse rate >0.5; n=9) had significantly lower AMH levels, total antral follicle count and ovarian volume, than those with lower disease activity. The finding of poorer ovarian reserve associated with higher disease activity should be taken into consideration since it may negatively impact the reproductive prognosis.

Keywords: Multiple sclerosis; anti-Müllerian hormone; antral follicle count; disease modifying therapies; ovarian reserve; ovarian volume; sex hormones.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Mullerian Hormone / blood
  • Biomarkers
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infertility, Female / diagnosis
  • Infertility, Female / etiology*
  • Infertility, Female / physiopathology
  • Multiple Sclerosis / blood
  • Multiple Sclerosis / complications*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / diagnosis
  • Multiple Sclerosis / physiopathology
  • Ovarian Reserve*
  • Ovary / diagnostic imaging
  • Ovary / metabolism
  • Ovary / physiopathology*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Pituitary Gland / physiopathology*
  • Pregnancy

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Anti-Mullerian Hormone