Intrauterine, Infant, and Childhood Factors and Ovarian Reserve in Young African American Women

Ovarian toxic exposures during early development may contribute to reduced ovarian reserve in adulthood. We explored a range of intrauterine, infant, and childhood factors in relation to a biomarker of ovarian reserve, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentrations, in adulthood. We conducted a cross-sectional exploratory study of 1600 African American women 23-35 years of age residing in the Detroit, Michigan metropolitan area, who had serum AMH measurements (Ansh Labs PicoAMH enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and no previous polycystic ovarian syndrome diagnosis. Information on 32 intrauterine, infant, and childhood factors was ascertained by self-administered questionnaires, with 87% of participants receiving assistance from mothers. The percent differences in AMH concentrations in relation to early-life factors and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using multivariable linear regression, adjusting for age, current hormonal contraceptive use, and body mass index. Of the early-life factors evaluated in this study, two maternal pregnancy factors were associated with lower AMH concentrations in adult participants. Participants whose mothers lived or worked on a farm (vs. neither lived nor worked on a farm) when pregnant with the participant had 42% lower AMH concentrations (95% CI = -62 to -9). Among participants whose mothers lived in Michigan when pregnant with the participant ( = 1238), maternal residence in Detroit for at least a month was associated with 22% lower AMH concentrations (95% CI = -34 to -8) in the participant. Further research is merited to replicate our findings and identify the aspects of maternal farm exposure and Detroit residence that may be associated with lower AMH concentrations.