International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

Anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) levels could enable scientists to work out when a woman is likely to go through menopause many years in advance, a new study has established.

Research carried out at the University of Pennsylvania could have practical benefits for women in their late 30s and above and help them establish when their years of fertility will come to an end.

Ellen Freeman, one of the scientists working on the study, said the findings could also help females address various health issues related to menopause, including heart disease and osteoporosis.

She described AMH levels as "another indicator" of when women are likely to begin experiencing the menopause.

Ms Freeman added that while age is an "available predictor" at the moment, it is not "wonderfully accurate".

However, women will need to undergo regular blood tests over several years in order to establish patterns with their AMH levels that may help to accurately predict menopause.

Posted by Carla Mackenzie