The effects of uterine artery embolization on ovarian reserve

Objective: To evaluate the effects of UAE for symptomatic uterine fibroids on ovarian reserve based on AMH. Study design: This was a retrospective study conducted between March 2011 and October 2014. All women underwent UAE. At baseline and at the 3-month and 12-month follow-up visits, serum anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol (E2) levels were assessed, and ovarian volume and antral follicle count (AFC) were evaluated in each patient. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in serum E2, LH, or FSH levels or in ovarian volume 3 or 12 months after UAE (P = 0.8194, P = 0.3976, P = 0.4766, and P = 0.6822, respectively). However, AMH and AFC were significantly different 3 and 12 months after the procedure (P = 0.00, P = 0.029 and P = 0.00, P = 0.00, respectively). AMH levels remained low after 12 months of follow-up compared to the expected AMH levels. A statistically significant recovery of serum AMH at 12 months compared to at 3 months in those <40 years of age (P = 0.00), but not in those >= 40 years (P = 0.837). Conclusions: Ovarian reserve appears to be affected by UAE in premenopausal women. However, younger ovaries (according to biological ovarian age) exhibit a greater capacity for recovery after ovarian damage. Therefore, larger studies are needed for more conclusive results. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.