A BETTER MEASUREMENT OF OVARIAN FUNCTION THAN FSH
Inhibin is a hormone that is produced from granulosa cells of the ovary. It acts by inhibiting secretion of FSH. Measurement of Inhibin has been found recently to have a superior indication of the ovarian status than measurement of FSH
Measurement of inhibin in the 3rd day of the menstrual cycle is a better predictor to female response to hormonal stimulation in preparation for IVF, IUI or other assisted reproduction techniques than FSH measurement. Since inhibin is produced in the ovaries, while FSH from the anterior pituitary, they can serve as a direct measure of ovarian function
Researchers found that measuring the levels of inhibin were a more sensitive test of a woman�s ovarian reserve — or reproductive potential — than the most commonly used test today. The current test measures the levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). Danforth study at Ohio University, USA
Production of inhibin drops as a woman goes through perimenopause, the phase just before menopause.. Levels of inhibin are lower in women aged 46-52 than in women aged 39-45. This is consistent with the fact that older women, who are nearer menopause, should have reduced ovarian function compared to younger women with no difference between the older and younger women in terms of FSH levels
�This suggests that inhibin levels may be a more sensitive gauge of ovarian function than FSH levels,� Danforth said. �FSH levels alone may be a less reliable indicator of reproductive potential in older women. The decline in ovarian inhibins but not a rise in pituitary FSH suggests that the inhibins may be a better and more direct marker of ovarian age than FSH
If Day 3 Inhibin is abnormally low with a positive Anti-Ovarian Antibody test; It is suggested to treat for Anti-Ovarian Antibodies with Dexamethasone or Prednisone. Treatment should start on day one of the cycle. For low responders to induction of ovulation, treatment is also to start on day one of the cycle. If Day 3 Inhibin is abnormally low with a negative Anti-Ovarian Antibody test; then increase HMG dosage
Both inhibin hormone and anti-ovarian antibodies tests are available at First Medical Lab
Please do not hesitate to contact us for further inquiries
We, in the First Medical Laboratory, are dedicated to bring the best of laboratory medicine to clinical practice to Jordan
Dr. Hussam Abu-Farsakh
American Board of Anatomic & Clinical Pathology, and Cytopathology
Circular: is a periodic circular that distributed to clinician informing them about new and important tests available at First Medical Laboratory. All information listed are supported by recent literature