[Prolactin and the menstrual cycle]

In order to estimate serum prolactin levels during particular menstrual cycle phases, the authors analyzed values of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and prolactin in 50 women of reproductive age with normal menstrual cycles and established ovulation. Blood samples were taken 3-5 times during follicullar, ovulatory and lutheal phase of menstrual cycle. There were 582 radioimmunoassays performed (194 per each hormone), and the upper referent value for prolactin was 20.9 ug l. The 2nd group comprised women (250) with menstrual cycle disorders (olygomenorrhea and amenorrhea) in whom involvement of hyperprolactinemia in these conditions have been done. The obtained results showed that the mean prolactin value changed in each phase of the menstrual cycle. The highest one was recorded in the periovulatory period, whereas the difference was statistically significant in relation to the follicular and lutheal phase (p < 0.05). The difference between the follicular and lutheal phase was not statistically significant, 54 (21.6%) women from the group of menstrual cycle disorders presented with increased values of prolactin.