C A Schram1, A L Stephenson2, T G Hannam3, E Tullis2. 1. Women's College Hospital, Department of Family and Community Medicine, 76 Grenville St, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1B1, Canada. Electronic address: carrie.schram@wchospital.ca. 2. St. Michael's Hospital, Department of Respirology, Adult Cystic Fibrosis Clinic, 30 Bond Street, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1W8, Canada. 3. Hannam Fertility Centre, 160 Bloor St. E, Toronto, ON, M4W 1B9, Canada.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Reduced female fertility in CF is believed to be due to thick cervical mucous, poor nutritional status, functional hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and possibly increased inflammation. Literature suggests that reduced ovarian reserve may also play a role. METHODS: 20 women with CF and 20 controls age 18-35 years were recruited. Serum anti-mullerian hormone (AMH), estradiol and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were assessed as well as antral follicle count (AFC) using transvaginal ultrasound. RESULTS: Women with CF had significantly lower AMH levels than controls (17.8+/-4.7 vs. 33.2+/-21.0 pmol/L respectively; p=0.004). There were no differences in estradiol, FSH or AFC. CONCLUSIONS: Women with CF have reduced ovarian reserve which may contribute to sub-fertility. CF care providers should consider referring women with CF to fertility specialists early to optimize chances of pregnancy.
BACKGROUND: Reduced female fertility in CF is believed to be due to thick cervical mucous, poor nutritional status, functional hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and possibly increased inflammation. Literature suggests that reduced ovarian reserve may also play a role. METHODS: 20 women with CF and 20 controls age 18-35 years were recruited. Serum anti-mullerian hormone (AMH), estradiol and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were assessed as well as antral follicle count (AFC) using transvaginal ultrasound. RESULTS:Women with CF had significantly lower AMH levels than controls (17.8+/-4.7 vs. 33.2+/-21.0 pmol/L respectively; p=0.004). There were no differences in estradiol, FSH or AFC. CONCLUSIONS:Women with CF have reduced ovarian reserve which may contribute to sub-fertility. CF care providers should consider referring women with CF to fertility specialists early to optimize chances of pregnancy.