Several studies over the past decade have now consistently indicated that the serum
anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels are at least 2-3-fold higher in the patients with
polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which also corresponds to the increased number of AMH producing preantral and small
antral follicles. Moreover, AMH levels have been found to be associated in direct proportion to the follicle numbers per ovary or
antral follicular count, assessed by the transvaginal ultrasound (TVS). Furthermore, AMH correlates directly with the rising serum
testosterone and
luteinizing hormone levels in PCOS. Hence, serum AMH in women with oligo-
anovulation and/or hyperandrogenemia could indicate the presence of underlying PCOS, when reliable TVS is not feasible, or not acceptable, either due to the virginal status or psycho-social issue. In addition, the imaging quality of abdominal ultrasound is often impaired by
obesity, which typically occurs in PCOS women. Indeed, PCOS occurs most commonly in young females who cannot be subjected to invasive TVS for various reasons; therefore, a desirable alternative to TVS is urgently required to diagnose the most prevalent endocrine abnormality of young women. This review will analyze the currently available evidence regarding the role of AMH in the diagnosis of PCOS.