A hormonal blood test can accurately predict at what age a woman's reproductive status will change. Different quantities of the hormone in the blood can be used to assess when the permanent cessation of ovarian function will occur.

Scientists at the Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (Tehran, Iran) have measured the anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) concentration in women enrolled in a study since 1998. AMH controls the development of follicles in the ovaries, from which oocytes (eggs) develop and it has been suggested that AMH could be used for measuring ovarian function. Blood samples were taken at three yearly intervals, and they also collected information on the women's socioeconomic background and reproductive histories.

The results from the study enabled the scientists to make a more realistic assessment of women's reproductive status many years before they reach menopause. For example, if a 20-year-old woman has a concentration of serum AMH of 2.8 ng/mL they estimate that she will become menopausal between 35 to 38 years old. The statistical model used to correlate AMH levels at different ages could predict if women were likely to have an early menopause (before the age of 45). They found that AMH levels of 4.1 ng/mL or less predicted early menopause in 20-year-olds, AMH levels of 3.3 ng/mL predicted it in 25-year-olds, and AMH levels of 2.4 ng/mL predicted it in 30-year-olds. In contrast, AMH levels of at least 4.5 ng/mL at the age of 20, 3.8 ngl/mL at 25 and 2.9 ng/mL at 30 all predicted an age at menopause of over 50 years old. The results of the study were presented at the annual meeting of European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology held in June, 2010 in Rome, Italy.

The estimates of ages at menopause based on AMH levels are of sufficient validity to guide medical practitioners in their day-to-day practice, so that they can help women with their family planning.

Related Links:
European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology