ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Iron accumulation in the endocrine glands has been implicated in the aetiopathogenesis of decreased reproductive capacity in patients with beta-thalassemia major (ß-TM). The aim of the current study was to investigate the serum concentration of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), a marker of ovarian reserve, in women with transfusion-dependent ß-TM. STUDY DESIGN: In this case-control study, we recruited 43 women with transfusion-dependent TM and 44 age-matched healthy controls. Hormonal and haematological parameters, serum level of AMH, antral follicle count, and ovarian volume were assessed. RESULTS: Twenty-two of the 43 women were hypogonadotropic, 8 with primary amenorrhea and 14 with secondary amenorrhea. FSH, LH, estradiol, prolactin, and AMH levels; antral follicle count; and ovarian volume were significantly lower in women with TM compared with the control group (p<0.05 for all). CONCLUSION: AMH level and other ovarian reserve markers are significantly diminished in women with transfusion-dependent TM compared to age-matched controls. Our findings support a deleterious effect of iron overload on ovarian tissue.
