PROLACTIN SECRETION IN ENDOMETRIOTIC PATIENTS

Objective: To clarify a significance of prolactin (PRL) for infertilit y in endometriosis. Study designs: For seventy endometriotic patients with or without infertility, serum PRL concentrations measured by radi oimmunoassay before and 30 min after 500 mu g of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) injection were analyzed in relation to the Revised Amer ican Fertility Society score in endometriosis as well as to the outcom e of the treatment for endometriotic infertility. Results: While no si gnificant 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 p atients who did not become pregnant than those who did (P < 0.05). Con clusions: Occult hyperprolactinemia may be involved in infertility in endometriotic patients. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.