Prolactin secretion in endometriotic patients.

OBJECTIVE

To clarify a significance of prolactin (PRL) for infertility in endometriosis.

STUDY DESIGNS

For seventy endometriotic patients with or without infertility, serum PRL concentrations measured by radioimmunoassay before and 30 min after 500 micrograms of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) injection were analyzed in relation to the Revised American Fertility Society score in endometriosis as well as to the outcome of the treatment for endometriotic infertility.

RESULTS

While no significant relationship was found between the basal PRL levels and the stage of endometriosis or the outcome of the treatment for infertility, the PRL value after TRH injection was significantly greater in the patients who did not become pregnant than those who did (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Occult hyperprolactinemia may be involved in infertility in endometriotic patients.