Antimullerian hormone, the assessment of the ovarian reserve, and the reproductive outcome of the young patient with cancer

The accurate assessment of the ovarian reserve has long been a key goal in reproductive medicine. The recognition that serum antimullerian hormone provides an indirect measure of the ovarian reserve has led to its rapid adoption in assisted conception, and wide exploration of its potential across the reproductive lifespan from the neonate to the menopause. In this short review we discuss its relationship with the ovarian reserve in its varied meanings, and in various contexts. These include in childhood and adolescence, and in the assessment of the impact of cancer therapy on the female reproductive tract. These therapies can adversely impact all aspects of female reproduction, including hypothalamic, pituitary, and ovarian hormonal activity, and the ability of the uterus to support a successful pregnancy. ((c) 2013 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.)