Assessment of ovarian reserve based on hormonal parameters,ovarian volume,and antral follicle count in women with familial Mediterranean fever

Objective

To evaluate ovarian reserve in women with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF).

Study design

Thirty women with FMF (20–29 years) and thirty healthy controls (20–29 years) were admitted to this study. Basal serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), oestradiol (E2), luteinizing hormone (LH) and inhibin B were measured on cycle day 3. All participants underwent transvaginal ultrasonographic examination on the third day of their menstrual cycle for the determination of ovarian volume (OV) and total antral follicle count (AFC).

Results

Women with FMF had significantly higher concentrations of FSH, LH and E2 than healthy controls. Total AFC was significantly lower in women with FMF than in healthy controls. OV was also lower in the FMF group but there was no statistically significant difference in OV between the groups. Age was negatively associated with FSH and LH. Inhibin B was found to be negatively correlated with LH and OV.

Conclusions

In this preliminary study, the first in FMF patients, we found that ovarian reserve was reduced in women with FMF compared with healthy controls. FMF may affect the ovarian reserve but the mechanism of this effect is unclear.