Analysis of AMH from a hair sample

The anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is one of the main biomarkers used to evaluate a woman's ovarian reserve status. This hormone is produced by the granulosa cells of the follicles in the ovaries and plays an important role in regulating the growth and maturation of oocytes. The level of AMH can predict fertility, assess the ovaries' response to stimulation, and identify potential reproductive disorders. Traditionally, a blood test is used to determine the level of this hormone. However, American scientists from MedAnswers, a company specializing in fertility issues, have proposed a new method: the analysis of AMH levels from a hair sample.

The new AMH analysis method

Sarthak Savarkar, the study leader, stated that the aim of the study was to determine if it was possible to evaluate the amounts of AMH and progesterone in human hair samples.

Indeed, hair can accumulate biomarkers over several weeks, while hormone concentrations in the blood can fluctuate due to various factors such as stress, diet, physical activity, or medication use.

Similar studies have already been conducted to explore the possibility of using hair as vectors for hormonal status biomarkers. Their results confirm the validity of this technique. According to scientists, further studies will determine the accuracy and clinical applicability of this method compared to traditional blood tests.

The study and its results

The study involved 152 women aged 18 to 65, including women of childbearing age, as well as premenopausal and postmenopausal women. The results of the ultrasounds showed that the levels of anti-Müllerian hormone in hair were correlated with its content in the blood and with the number of eggs in the ovaries. Additionally, according to the scientists, hair analysis proved to be more accurate than blood analysis for assessing ovarian reserve.

Advantages of the method

• Long-term reflection of hormonal context - hair can store biomarkers for several weeks, while hormone levels in the blood change dynamically.
• Painless - there is no need for a blood draw; a small hair sample is sufficient.
• Convenient - potentially, this method could allow for remote analysis without the need to visit a laboratory.

Prospects for use in reproductive medicine

According to scientists from MedAnswers, women may soon be able to send a hair sample for analysis instead of giving blood. However, further large-scale studies, as well as certification and approval from regulatory medical organizations, are necessary for the clinical implementation of this technique. The diagnosis of ovarian reserve will thus be more accessible and practical. This approach may open new avenues for monitoring reproductive health and planning pregnancies.

Moreover, this technique could be important in the field of assisted reproductive techniques (ART), including in vitro fertilization (IVF). The estimation of hair AMH could be used to predict the ovarian response to stimulation before IVF, allowing doctors to more accurately tailor treatment protocols, reduce the risks of hyperstimulation, and increase the chances of successful conception. In the long term, this method could become an integral part of the preparation for IVF procedures and contribute to assessing the reproductive health of women considering pregnancies later in life.

This method is still under further study, but the research results already show its promising potential in the field of reproductive medicine and assisted reproductive techniques. If successfully implemented, this test could significantly simplify the diagnosis of ovarian reserve, improve the accuracy of prognosis, and contribute to a more individualized approach to infertility treatment.