PROLACTIN HORMONE AND FEMALE INFERTILITY IN WEST OF ALGERIA

Objectives: Prolactin affects the menstrual cycles by inhibiting the two hormones necessary for ovulation: Follicule stimulating hormone (FSH) and gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH). Hyperprolactinemia is a common problem in reproductive dysfunction, affecting about one third of infertile women. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the prolactin hormone and female infertility rate among Algerian patients in west of Algeria.

Methods: The prolactin levels, FSH, LH and TSH among female patients suffering primary infertility and secondary infertility were studied.

Results: The prevalence of hyperprolactinemia (>25 mg/mL) was 98.94% (282). The mean serum prolactin level in hyperprolactinemic women was 169.9 ng/mL. There were 22.44% cases having thyroid problems. A high percentage of patients suffering from diabetes 16.32% were noted. Fibromyomas were found in 20 (10.20%) patients. 30.32% of all the patient had menstrual disorders. 294 (94.83%) had primary infertility and 16 (5.16%) secondary infertility. The prevalence of hypothyroidism was 10.65%. No correlation was found between TSH and prolactin levels in primary infertility patients.

Conclusion: This study suggests that prolactin level abnormality was the major cause of infertility in our population.