Can AMH Levels Distinguish LOCAH from PCOS Among Hirsute Women?

April 2014 in “ European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology ”

Mahmut Oncul, Sezai Sahmay, Abdullah Tüten, Aydan Açikgöz, Hazel Gurleyen

antimullerian hormone AMH late onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia LOCAH polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS hirsutism polycystic ovarian morphology PCOM oligo-anovulation OA hyperandrogenism HA ACTH stimulation test ACTH test

TLDR AMH levels can't reliably tell the difference between LOCAH and all types of PCOS in women with excessive hair growth.

The study, conducted on 195 hirsute women, investigated whether antimullerian hormone (AMH) levels could distinguish between late onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia (LOCAH) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It found that AMH levels were significantly higher in women with PCOS who had all three main diagnostic criteria (PCOM, OA, and HA) than in those with LOCAH. However, AMH levels did not significantly differ between the LOCAH group and other PCOS subgroups without all three criteria. The study concluded that AMH levels are not a suitable marker for differentiating LOCAH from all PCOS types, indicating that the ACTH stimulation test remains crucial for LOCAH diagnosis.

View this study on ejog.org →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

8 / 8 results

research Non-Classic Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

42 citations, April 2013 in “Steroids”

Non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia is a common disorder causing symptoms like acne and infertility, and it's managed based on symptoms, not just test results. Treatment can improve fertility and reduce miscarriage risk.

research Differential Diagnosis of Hyperandrogenism in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

35 citations, March 2012 in “Experimental and Clinical Endocrinology & Diabetes”

The conclusion is that accurately identifying the cause of high androgen levels in women with PCOS is crucial and requires specific tests.

Criteria for Defining Polycystic Ovary Syndrome as a Predominantly Hyperandrogenic Syndrome: An Androgen Excess Society Guideline

research Criteria for Defining Polycystic Ovary Syndrome as a Predominantly Hyperandrogenic Syndrome: An Androgen Excess Society Guideline

1744 citations, August 2006 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome should be seen mainly as a condition of excess male hormones, with a focus on this in its definition.

research Androgen Excess in Women: Experience with Over 1000 Consecutive Patients

947 citations, February 2004 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

Most women with excess male hormones have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, and hormonal therapy can improve symptoms but may cause side effects.

research Revised 2003 Consensus on Diagnostic Criteria and Long-Term Health Risks Related to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

4025 citations, December 2003 in “Human Reproduction”

The 2003 consensus updated PCOS diagnosis criteria and linked PCOS to higher risks of diabetes and heart problems, recommending lifestyle changes to lower these risks.

research The Evaluation and Management of Hirsutism

195 citations, May 2003 in “Obstetrics and gynecology (New York. 1953. Online)/Obstetrics and gynecology”

Most women with excess hair growth have an underlying hormonal issue, often treated with medication and hair removal methods.

research Screening for 21-Hydroxylase-Deficient Nonclassic Adrenal Hyperplasia Among Hyperandrogenic Women: A Prospective Study

216 citations, November 1999 in “Fertility and Sterility”

Testing basal 17-HP levels is a good way to screen for nonclassic adrenal hyperplasia in women with high androgen levels.

research Classification of the Types of Androgenetic Alopecia (Common Baldness) Occurring in the Female Sex

666 citations, September 1977 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Common baldness, also known as Androgenetic Alopecia, is caused by a combination of genetic factors and hormones called androgens.

Similar Research

5 / 306 results

research Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Adolescents

18 citations, April 2016 in “Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics of North America”

The document concludes that diagnosing PCOS in teenagers is difficult and should focus on specific hormone levels and menstrual irregularities, while also considering treatment for symptoms and related health issues.

research Serum AMH Levels in the Differential Diagnosis of Hyperandrogenemic Conditions

9 citations, June 2014 in “European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology”

Blood AMH levels are higher in women with PCOS than in those with other similar conditions.

research Hirsutism and Virilization in the Female

2 citations, January 2013 in “Elsevier eBooks”

The chapter explains the causes of excessive hair growth and masculinization in women and how to measure hormone levels related to these conditions.

research Genetics and Pathophysiology of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

July 2017 in “Contemporary Endocrinology”

The document concludes that patient outcomes for Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia are often not ideal because of poor management and a need for better diagnosis and treatment methods.

research Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: A Comprehensive Review

88 citations, April 2017 in “Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology”

The document concludes that early diagnosis and treatment of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia are crucial for preventing serious health issues and improving patient outcomes.