Evaluation of Serum Prolactin Hormone Level among Women with Primary Infertility in Gezira State, Sudan

Abstract

Background: Prolactin is a 198-amino acid protein (23-kD) produced in the lactotrophs cells of the anterior pituitary gland. Hyperprolactinemia is a condition of elevated serum prolactin level (Reference Range 78 – 455 mlU/L). It is the most common hypothalamo-pitiutary disorder, it can also occur secondary to use of some drugs, chronic illnesses like hypothyroidism, chronic liver and kidney disease, stress and neurogenic disorders. Idiopathic Hyperprolactinemia refers to elevation of serum Prolactin in the absence of the above conditions. Primary infertility is a case of failing to conceive for at least 12 monthes after gotten marriage. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate serum Prolactin hormone level among female with primary infertility. Method: Serum Prolactin, FSH and LH levels were estimated using commercially specific enzymeimmunoassay (EIA) technique in serum from 200 women (150 primary infertile and 50 fertile non-pregnant and non-lactating) attending Wad Medani teaching hospital in Wad Medani city, Central Sudan, from 2011 till 2013. Results: Hyperprolactinemia represent 50 (33.3%) out of 150 (100%) infertile women. Mean of PRL level was (428.9 mlU/L), Std. Deviation was (361.8) and P. value was (0.000) Age groups; (16 - 30) was 76 (50.7%) and (31 - 45) was 74 (49.3%). Regular menstrual cycle was 50 (33.3%) and irregular menstrual cycle 100 (66.7) Oligomenorrhea was 89 (59.3%) and Amenorrhea was 10 (6.7%). Women with galactorrhoea were 5 (3.3% ) and women whom without galactorrhea were 145 (96.7%). Correlation between PRL, FSH and LH was highly significant increase (P=0.000, 0.001 and 0.000) respectively. Conclusion: One-third of female probability value (P. value)e who participate in this study had high level of Prolactin, the main aetiology of primary infertility.