Study of serum prolactin level among infertile women

Background: Infertility is a common reproductive health problem, with endocrine disorders playing a crucial role in its etiology. Hyperprolactinemia is a frequent and treatable hormonal abnormality that can impair ovulation and cause menstrual disturbances. Objectives: To assess serum prolactin levels in infertile women and evaluate their association with menstrual abnormalities in comparison with fertile women. Materials and Methods: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted at Rajshree Medical & Research Institute, Bareilly, and Ganesh Shanker Vidyarthi Memorial Medical College, Kanpur. Fifty-three infertile women aged 18–45 years were included as cases, along with an equal number of fertile women as controls. Serum prolactin levels were measured during the mid-cycle (day 14–16) using a sandwich immunoassay technique. Participants were categorized according to age groups and menstrual patterns. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The mean serum prolactin level was significantly higher in infertile women (28.25 ± 7.5 ng/mL) compared to fertile women (20.35 ± 5.8 ng/mL) (p = 0.0001). Hyperprolactinemia was significantly associated with menstrual abnormalities, including oligomenorrhoea and amenorrhoea (p < 0.001). Most infertile women belonged to the 26–35-year age group. Conclusion: Hyperprolactinemia is a significant and potentially reversible cause of female infertility and is strongly associated with menstrual irregularities. Routine screening of serum prolactin levels should be incorporated into infertility evaluation protocols to facilitate early diagnosis and management.