Ovarian reserve after fibroid embolization in premenopausal women

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of uterine artery embolization (UAE) for fibroids on ovarian pool of premenopausal women. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective case control study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One-hundred and twenty premenopausal women, aged between 40 and 50 years, who underwent UAE for symptomatic uterine fibroids and the same number of women, aged between 40 and 50 years, with symptomatic uterine fibroids, who were not offered treatment were recruited for this study. Hormonal status and ovarian reserve were evaluated by means of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) pre-procedural, three months, six months and 12 months after UAE. RESULTS: No statistically significant decrease was noted in AMH values 12 months post procedure and no statistical significant alterations in AMH values between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Even though the study results may not be able to confirm the preservation of ovarian reserve and normal menstruation after UAE in premenopausal women, it should be considered as a friendly to normal menstruation treatment option of symptomatic fibroids.