Prevalence of hyperprolactinemia in different age groups of women with fertility problems

ABSTRACT

Hormonal disturbance is one of the major causes of infertility and higher prolactin concentration, causes ovulatory dysfunction and infertility in women. Aim of our study was the evaluation of disordered prolactin concentration for fertility related complaints in female patients and prevalence of hyperprolactinemia in various age groups. The study was carried out in Reproductive Physiology/Health, PHLD NIH [National Institute of Health, Islamabad]. 246 women complaining fertility problems were included in study. Subjects were divided into two major groups ranging from 13-50 years [n=165] in Normal and 13-40 years [n=81] in Hyperprolactinemic group where Normal group had reference value of 1.9-25.9 ng/ml and Hyperprolactinemic group was having prolactin level >25.9 ng/ml. They were further sub-divided into age groups, four groups in Normal category and three groups in Hyperprolactinemic category. 66% women in all had serum concentration of prolactin in normal limits [1.9-25.9 ng/ml] whereas 33% women had elevated prolactin level. The mean serum concentration of prolactin Hyperprolactinemic groups [in each age group] varied significantly from Normal groups [P<0.01]. Decrease in prolactin level was seen in advancing age