Investigating the relationship between body composition, lifestyle factors, and anti-Müllerian hormone serum levels in women undergoing infertility assessment

Background: The impact of lifestyle factors such as adiposity, smoking, stress, exercise, and nutrition on anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels remains an unresolved question. Aims: This study aims to examine the anthropometric and lifestyle characteristics of women undergoing infertility investigations and to examine the relationship between serum AMH levels and body fat percentage, body mass index (BMI), and lifestyle factors including smoking, alcohol intake, nutrition, exercise, and stress. Methods: Only women undergoing infertility investigations were included in the study. Those with a diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) were excluded. Body fat percentage was measured using the Tanita Body Composition Monitor and BMI calculated. Lifestyle factors were evaluated using the Simple Lifestyle Indicator Questionnaire (SLIQ). Results: Ninety-six women took part in the study. Of these, 35.4% (n = 34) were obese, and 28.1% (n = 27) were overweight according to their BMI. According to body fat percentage, 47.9% (n = 46) were classified as obese. An "unhealthy " SLIQ score was measured in 25% (n = 24) of participating women. There was no relationship between AMH and anthropometric or lifestyle factors, namely, body fat percentage (B = - 0.11, p = 0.76), BMI (B = - 0.14, p = 0.76), smoking [currents smokers (B = - 1.86, p = 0.56), ex-smoker (B = 3.07, p = 0.41)], SLIQ score (B = 0.1.96, p = 0.29), stress (B = 0.12, p = 0.96), exercise (B = - 0.94, p = 0.77), alcohol (B = - 0.94, p = 0.77), or nutrition (B = - 3.14, p = 2.44). Conclusions: Body fat percentage, BMI, lifestyle choices, and high stress levels do not correlate with AMH levels in women seeking infertility investigations. We identified a high incidence of obesity and low levels of healthy lifestyle scores in our study population. Our study highlights the urgent need for patient education and optimization of pre-pregnancy health. Keywords: Anti-Müllerian hormone; Body composition; Body fat percentage; Body mass index; Lifestyle factors; Ovarian reserve; SLIQ; Simple Lifestyle Indicator Questionnaire.