Transient hyperprolactinemia has no effect on endocrine response and outcome in in vitro fertilization (IVF)

Transient rises in plasma prolactin levels can be observed during the late follicular phases of both natural and stimulated cycles. It has been suggested that such a phenomenon might adversely affect the success of in vitro fertilization. This prospective study was designed to assess the effect of transient rises in prolactin levels on the endocrine response to ovarian stimulation and the outcome of in vitro fertilization treatment. A total of 90 treatment cycles in 87 couples was studied. Prolactin was measured in the mid and late follicular phases of the cycles. During the study period, 24 pregnancies occurred. There were no differences in those cycles in which pregnancy did or did not occur in either mid or late follicular prolactin levels. Neither the initial level nor the percentage rise in prolactin during the stimulation had any effect on the peak estradiol level achieved, the numbers of follicles seen, the number of eggs retrieved, or the incidence or outcome of pregnancy. It was concluded that transient hyperprolactinemia is of no significance in ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization.