Publication:

Correlation of serum thyroid hormones and prolactin levels to female infertility

Background Infertility is defined as inability to conceive after one year of regular intercourse without contraception. Thyroid dysfunction is known to interfere with several aspects of reproduction and pregnancy. Hyperprolactinemia also adversely affects the fertility potential by affecting pulsatile secretion of Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) and hence interfering with ovulation. Measurement of these hormones is considered an important component of female infertility work up.

Methods 100 infertile women are recruited into the study (Study group). 100 healthy fertile women were taken as controls (control group). Thyroid and Prolactin levels estimated in both groups.

Results Among the study group, 81% were with primary infertility and 19% were with secondary infertility. The mean age of the study group was 25.95±3.79.  26% of infertile women with primary infertility were in overweight and obese groups. 3% with secondary infertility were overweight. 34% of women with primary infertility were with Thyroid problems.18% of the hypothyroids were in the overweight and obese groups. Prevalence of hyperprolactinemia was 34% in study group with mean Prolactin levels of 21.84±15.65. 15% of women with hyperprolactinemia were overweight. 62.5% of hyperprolactinemics with associated hypothyroidism the rest with hyperthyroidism. These values when compared with controls showed significant p value 0.012.

Conclusions Identifying and treating hypothyroidism and hyperprolactinemia at an early stage can have potentially great preventive value in the screening of all infertile females hence should be included in the primary workup of the infertility female.